Mahikari Australia Fund
The Mahikari Australia Fund (ABN 69 906 404 418 RR0001) is a not-for-profit charitable trust established to support the religious and charitable activities of Sukyo Mahikari, a Japanese spiritual movement, within Australia[1][4]. Registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), the fund manages and allocates general income for the advancement of Sukyo Mahikari's teachings and practices[2][3].

Structure and Governance
The fund operates as part of a network of trusts under Sukyo Mahikari Australia Limited, which acts as a trustee. Other associated trusts include the Sukyo Mahikari School Building Fund and Sukyo Mahikari South Africa Trust[5]. Governance involves directors linked to Sukyo Mahikari Japan, described in regulatory filings as the "ultimate controlling entity" of the trust funds[5].

Financial Practices and Criticisms
Financial disclosures indicate remittances to Japan, including $90,242 in 1995 and $196,832 in 1994[5]. A portion of funds has also been allocated to directors' remuneration, with one individual reportedly receiving over $100,000 in 1995[5]. Former members allege systematic pressure to donate, with proceeds directed toward Sukyo Mahikari's international operations, including its headquarters in Japan[5].

Membership and Controversies
Australian membership was estimated at approximately 2,000 members in the mid-1990s, though reports suggest declining numbers due to concerns over doctrinal alignment with groups such as Aum Shinrikyo (Aum Supreme Truth), which shared apocalyptic beliefs[5]. Both organizations have faced scrutiny for promoting end-times narratives rooted in conspiracy theories, including the antisemitic Protocols of the Elders of Zion[5].

Operational Focus
The fund's activities center on supporting religious worship, educational initiatives, and charitable projects aligned with Sukyo Mahikari's principles[1][4]. No recent membership or financial figures are publicly available.

[1] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/d75b8a6a-38af-e811-a960-000d3ad24282 [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/d75b8a6a-38af-e811-a960-000d3ad24282/documents/131bfb17-47a1-ed11-aad1-0022489733de [3] https://acncpubfilesprodstorage.blob.core.windows.net/public/d75b8a6a-38af-e811-a960-000d3ad24282-fe243f76-40dc-4c4f-943f-556c253fe5db-Financial%20Report-c8602bbd-43b0-e811-a960-000d3ad24282-MAF_2015_2016.pdf [4] https://acncpubfilesprodstorage.blob.core.windows.net/public/d75b8a6a-38af-e811-a960-000d3ad24282-fe243f76-40dc-4c4f-943f-556c253fe5db-Financial%20Report-ed9f07e5-0adf-ef11-a731-000d3acc14e5-Mahikari_Australia_Fund_-_Chair_Signed_Financial_Report_-_2024.pdf [5] https://www.culteducation.com/group/1038-sukyo-mahikari/13032-aums-aussie-friends.html