How to Set Up A Not-for-Profit Organisation

Dreaming of making a difference in your community or a cause you care about? Setting up a not-for-profit organisation (NFP) in Australia is a practical way to turn that vision into real, lasting impact.

Starting an NFP isn’t just about a great idea and passionate volunteers, though. There are legal, governance and compliance steps you’ll need to follow. Getting these right from day one gives you a strong foundation to grow, earn trust and secure grants or donations.

In this guide, we’ll unpack what a not-for-profit is, how to choose the right structure, the step-by-step setup process, key laws to follow, the essential documents you’ll need, and how to stay compliant over time.

What Is A Not-For-Profit Organisation?

A not-for-profit organisation is set up for a purpose other than distributing profits to members, owners or shareholders. Any surplus is reinvested to advance the organisation’s purpose.

Not-for-profits can take many forms. Common examples include community sports clubs, arts collectives, environmental groups, health and education charities, social services and faith-based organisations.

NFP (not-for-profit): An organisation that does not distribute profits to members. Not all NFPs are charities, but all charities are NFPs.
Charity: An NFP registered with the Australian Charities and Not‑for‑profits Commission (ACNC) that meets charitable purpose and public benefit tests. Charities may be eligible for specific tax concessions once endorsed by the ATO.

Many NFPs earn income through membership fees, fundraising, grants or trading activities. The key distinction is how funds are used: they must further the NFP’s purpose, not private gain.

Which Not-For-Profit Structure Should You Choose?

Your legal structure affects how you register, report, govern and manage risk. The right fit depends on where you’ll operate, size, funding model and your governance preferences.

Incorporated Association: Common for small to medium groups operating in a single state/territory. Offers separate legal identity and limited liability with typically simpler reporting at the state level. You can apply via your state regulator (for example, NSW incorporated association applications are handled through NSW Fair Trading).
Company Limited By Guarantee: A national structure for NFPs registered with ASIC. Members guarantee a nominal amount if the company winds up (there are no shareholders). It’s often preferred for larger or multi‑state operations. Our team assists with company set up and constitutions tailored for guarantee companies.
Charitable Trust: A trust structure to hold and apply funds for charitable purposes according to a trust deed. Typically used for philanthropy or grant‑making.
Cooperative: A member‑owned entity that can be for‑profit or NFP. Works well for collaborative enterprises or community ownership models.
Unincorporated Association: An informal group without separate legal identity. Low cost but higher risk because members can be personally liable for debts and obligations.

Most mission‑driven NFPs select either an incorporated association (single state) or a company limited by guarantee (national/multi‑state), as both offer limited liability and legal personality separate from members.

Step‑By‑Step Guide: How To Set Up A Not‑For‑Profit In Australia

Here’s a practical roadmap from idea to launch.

1) Define Your Purpose And Plan Your Activities

Start with a clear purpose statement and the outcomes you want to achieve. Map out your programs or services, who you’ll serve, and how you’ll measure success.

Who benefits from your work and how?
What activities will you deliver in year one vs later?
How will you fund operations (grants, membership, donations, trading)?
Who will govern the organisation (board/committee) and manage day‑to‑day tasks?

Document this in a simple business plan. It becomes your north star for funding applications, registrations and early decision‑making.

2) Choose Your Legal Structure

Decide whether an incorporated association or a company limited by guarantee (or another option) suits your goals, risk profile and footprint. Consider where you’ll operate, expected revenue, the need for national recognition, and governance preferences.

3) Prepare Your Governing Document

You’ll need a governing document such as a set of rules (for associations) or a constitution (for guarantee companies). This should set out your purpose, membership rules, decision‑making, board or committee powers, meeting requirements, financial controls, dispute processes and winding‑up provisions.

If you intend to register as a charity, draft these documents with ACNC governance standards and charitable purpose requirements in mind. We regularly prepare a Company Constitution for companies limited by guarantee that aligns with charity registration.

4) Appoint Your Board Or Committee

Appoint the people responsible for governance and compliance. Check minimum numbers and eligibility rules for your structure and state. Ensure these officeholders understand their duties (such as acting in good faith, keeping records, and managing conflicts of interest). Having a clear Conflict of Interest Policy in place from the outset is helpful.

5) Register The Organisation And Get An ABN

State/territory regulator for an incorporated association (for example, NSW incorporated association applications).
ASIC for a company limited by guarantee (we can assist with company set up and filings).

Apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN) via the Australian Business Register. If you’ll trade under a name different from your legal name, register a business name with ASIC.

6) Consider Charity Registration And Tax Endorsements

If your purposes are charitable and for public benefit, you can apply to register with the ACNC. Charity registration is a gateway to some tax concessions, but it’s not automatic. After ACNC registration, you may seek ATO endorsements (for example, income tax exemption).

Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) endorsement is separate and only available to eligible categories (or through an approved fund). Similarly, charity GST concessions have specific criteria. Because tax treatments vary, it’s wise to seek independent tax advice alongside your legal setup.

7) Put Your Governance, Finance And Policies In Place

Set up bookkeeping systems, bank accounts and internal controls. Adopt policies for conflicts, financial delegations, records, fundraising, safeguarding (where relevant) and privacy. If you’ll collect personal information, prepare a clear, compliant Privacy Policy for your website and operations.

8) Get Your Operational Agreements Ready

Before you launch programs or accept donations, put in place the right contracts and terms (more on this below). If you’ll engage volunteers, use a tailored Volunteer Agreement and supporting policies to set expectations and manage risk.

What Laws Apply To Not‑For‑Profits?

Your exact obligations depend on your structure, registration status (including whether you’re a charity), activities and where you operate. Key areas to consider include:

Incorporation And Corporations Law

Associations must follow the relevant state/territory Associations Incorporation legislation and regulator requirements. Companies limited by guarantee must comply with the Corporations Act and ASIC reporting rules.

ACNC Governance Standards (Charities)

Registered charities must meet ACNC Governance Standards around responsible management, accountability, record‑keeping and compliance with laws. Some charities also need to comply with External Conduct Standards if operating overseas.

Fundraising Laws

Public fundraising is regulated at the state/territory level (including online appeals). You may need licences, disclosures and specific record‑keeping. If you plan to run lotteries or raffles, check the raffles/lotteries rules for your state before launching a campaign.

Australian Consumer Law (ACL)

If you supply goods or services, run events, advertise or manage memberships, you must comply with the ACL (for example, no misleading representations and correct handling of consumer guarantees). A good starting point is understanding section 18 (misleading or deceptive conduct).

Privacy And Data

The Privacy Act (including the Australian Privacy Principles) generally applies to organisations with annual turnover above $3 million, and to some smaller organisations in specific categories (for example, certain health service providers). Even if you’re not legally required to comply, donors and members expect strong privacy practices, so adopting a clear Privacy Policy and good data security is smart governance.

Employment And Work Health & Safety

If you employ staff, you must comply with the Fair Work Act, modern awards, minimum entitlements, payroll and super obligations, and provide a safe workplace. Volunteer management should also include safety, training and clear policies.

Intellectual Property

Protect your brand name and logo by registering a trade mark early to prevent confusion and misuse by others. Copyright in your original content arises automatically in Australia (there is no official copyright registration system here). If brand protection is a priority, consider filing trade marks using the right trade mark classes or speak with us about how to register your trade mark.

Tax And Finance

NFPs and charities can access certain concessions, but endorsement is case‑by‑case and category dependent. GST registration, FBT and PAYG withholding may apply depending on your activities and revenue. For tailored advice on tax status and concessions, speak with a qualified tax adviser alongside your legal setup.

What Legal Documents Will Your NFP Need?

Having the right documents in place helps you manage risk, satisfy regulators and build trust with donors, partners and participants. Your exact list will depend on your activities, but many NFPs require:

Constitution/Rules: Your founding document setting out the organisation’s purpose, governance and decision‑making. For companies limited by guarantee, we prepare a tailored Company Constitution that supports charity registration and ACNC compliance.
Board/Committee Charter: A practical guide to roles, delegations, meeting processes and oversight.
Conflict Of Interest Policy: Clear rules to handle conflicts, which helps directors meet their duties and maintain public trust. You can implement a standalone Conflict of Interest Policy.
Volunteer Agreement: Sets expectations, IP ownership, confidentiality and safety obligations for volunteers. A tailored Volunteer Agreement is best practice.
Service Agreement / Program Terms: If you deliver services or run programs, terms that describe inclusions, exclusions, fees (if any), cancellations, liability and complaints handling.
Website Terms & Conditions: Rules for using your site, including acceptable use, IP ownership and limitations of liability. We can prepare Website Terms & Conditions that align with your operations.
Privacy Policy: Explains how you collect, use and secure personal information from donors, members and participants. Even if the Privacy Act doesn’t strictly apply, adopting a clear Privacy Policy builds trust.
Fundraising Agreements: If you engage third‑party fundraisers or platforms, put the relationship in writing and ensure it meets state fundraising rules.
Grant/Funding Agreements: Keep signed copies and track obligations (deliverables, reporting, acquittals, branding requirements, publicity approvals).
IP And Brand Protection: Consider trade mark registration for your name and logo, and include IP ownership and licence clauses in your contracts.

Not every NFP needs everything on this list, but most will need several of these documents prepared specifically for their purpose and risk profile.

Ongoing Compliance For Not‑For‑Profits

Once you’re up and running, staying compliant is an ongoing commitment. Build these habits into your calendar:

File annual statements and reports to your regulator (state association regulator, ASIC and/or ACNC) based on your structure and size tier.
Maintain accurate financial records and, where required, prepare reviewed or audited financial statements.
Hold required board/committee and member meetings, keep minutes and update registers (members, conflicts, delegations).
Renew licences and fundraising authorities before expiry, and ensure campaigns meet disclosure and record‑keeping requirements.
Keep your governing document up to date as your activities or membership structure evolves.
Update policies (privacy, conflicts, safeguarding, complaints) as legislation or best practice changes.
Monitor employment and WHS obligations as staffing or volunteer arrangements grow or change.

If you plan to expand interstate, start new programs, or enter partnerships, check whether additional registrations, licences or contract updates are required before you proceed.

Key Takeaways

A not‑for‑profit in Australia exists to advance a purpose, not to distribute profits to members; surpluses are reinvested into that purpose.
Choose a structure that fits your footprint and risk profile, with many NFPs opting for an incorporated association (single state) or a company limited by guarantee (national/multi‑state).
Set up the essentials early: a fit‑for‑purpose governing document, a capable board/committee, registrations (including ABN), and core policies.
Charity registration and tax concessions (including DGR) are not automatic; eligibility and endorsements depend on your specific circumstances.
Comply with key laws from day one: incorporation/corporations law, ACNC standards (if a charity), fundraising rules, the ACL, privacy, employment/WHS and IP.
Protect your organisation with the right documents, including a Constitution/Rules, conflict management, volunteer and service agreements, website terms and a Privacy Policy.
Make compliance routine with annual reports, meeting records, licence renewals and policy updates, and seek professional legal and tax advice when your activities change.

If you would like a consultation on starting a not‑for‑profit organisation, you can reach us at 1800 730 617 or team@sprintlaw.com.au for a free, no‑obligations chat.

How To Set Up A Not-for-Profit Organisation In Australia