Before you start

Some important decisions need to be made before you even begin the process of starting a not-for-profit.

The way you decide to organise your group may be one of the most important decisions you make because, with the right legal structure, your group will:

• be able carry out its activities effectively, and in a way that complies with the law
• minimise the chance the group will run into legal difficulties (and costs) as it grows or changes, and
• be in a better position to deal with legal issues if they do occur

The Not-for-profit Law resources are designed to help you think about some of the key issues involved in starting a new community organisation.

First, complete the Checklist below with questions about your group.

For more information about what not-for-profit means, read our fact sheet:

Some organisations with a social mission are looking at structures other than not-for-profits, like Pty Ltd companies (in particular social enterprises).  If you are thinking of starting a social enterprise, go to the Not-for-profit Law page Social Enterprises. Remember that social enterprises can be structured using either a not-for-profit or for-profit structure, depending on the business model.

Extra Resources