Charities nervous about donations changes

Charities are nervous about how they may be affected by a crackdown on foreign donations, but many admit they don't understand how existing measures apply.

Almost two-thirds of charities are unclear and concerned about how they may be affected by a crackdown on foreign donations, a new survey shows.

However, more than half of respondents admit they do not understand how existing requirements under the Commonwealth Electoral Act apply to them.

The survey of 355 people within not-for-profit organisations, conducted by Pro Bono Australia and released on Thursday, comes after sector chiefs warned politicians of the "chilling effect" proposed changes would have.