If you (and your group) have decided to start up a new not-for-profit organisation, thinking about legal issues from the start will impact the success and smooth progress of your organisation.
Getting started
Starting a not-for-profit group can be exciting and rewarding, but there are some important legal decisions to make along the way. Click on the picture to the left to view our introductory video.
Getting started
The legal issues faced by the not-for-profit sector are unique, and our website is designed to provide legal information tailored for the not-for-profit sector.
When getting started, groups need to make key legal decisions including:
- whether to incorporate, and
- what legal structure to choose
There are also some important legal issues to think about when setting up like tax issues and insurance.
Getting these issues right at the start will save time, money, administrative headaches and possible legal difficulties for your organisation down the track. The webpages in this topic address the key issues to think about when getting started.
Our Decision Tree diagram provides an overview of the steps involved in choosing a structure and setting it up.
Getting Started app
Use our Getting Started app to help your not-for-profit group decide whether it should incorporate.
The app covers the benefits and obligations of incorporating and the legal structures available. Our app also considers whether your group is eligible to register as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. The app is free and will produce a tailored report.