Incorporating a non-profit turns less on the registry than on obtaining permission from the competent ministry or local authority.
Whether the stated purpose falls within that authority's remit,
and whether the assets and organisation can actually carry it out, is what the review turns on.
When we
can help CASES
- You wish to incorporate a new association or foundation
- You cannot tell which authority has jurisdiction over your intended activity
- Your application has drawn a request for supplementation, or been rejected
- You need the articles of incorporation, the business plan and the budget drafted
- After incorporation you need to amend the articles, change officers, or extend the permitted activities
Association or
foundation COMPARE
| Association | Foundation | |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | An association of members | Assets contributed to a purpose |
| Governing body | General meeting | Board of directors (no general meeting) |
| What the review weighs | Membership and how the organisation is run | The size and stability of the basic assets |
| Suited to | Trade bodies, learned societies, member activity | Scholarships, research, welfare — asset-driven work |
How it proceeds PROCESS
- 01Identifying the authorityWe determine the ministry or local government with jurisdiction over the intended activity and consult them in advance.
- 02Articles and annexesArticles of incorporation, minutes of the inaugural meeting, business plan, budget and schedule of assets, drafted to the stated requirements.
- 03Application for permissionWe file with the authority and respond to requests for supplementation.
- 04RegistrationWith permission granted, the incorporation is registered at the registry office for the principal office.
- 05Post-registration filingsNotification of incorporation, issue of the tax identification number, and the report of completed registration.
What to prepare CHECKLIST
- The intended activityThe purpose of incorporation and what the organisation will actually do
- Founders and contributorsThe list, with copies of identification
- Evidence of basic assetsA schedule of the assets to be contributed, with supporting evidence
- Office documentsThe lease or consent to use for the premises to serve as the office
Every authority sets its own bar. For the same purpose, different ministries and local governments require different levels of basic assets and different membership numbers. Consulting before you file is what decides the outcome.
CONTACT
Planning an incorporation?
Tell us the intended activity and we will start by working out which authority you should be dealing with.