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Getting started

Starting a not-for-profit organisation but not sure where to begin? We're here to help. We’ll guide your new organisation through key legal decisions.

Content last updated 06/08/2024

What does incorporation mean, and should you incorporate?


More information

Groups in the early stages of development may consider being 'auspiced' by an existing organisation.



  • what it means to ‘incorporate’
  • the advantages of incorporating
  • the obligations of incorporated groups
  • checklists to help your group decide whether to incorporate
  • you have decided to incorporate, what’s next?
  • you have decided not to incorporate, what’s next?
  • resources to help your group with next steps


More information 

Find out which incorporated legal structure you should choose. 

  • Review its decision from time to time. Your group should review its decision to stay unincorporated at least every year and whenever there is a significant change in its activities - for example, if it employs a paid staff member, receives a large grant, wants to lease property, expands or wants to take on further activities, or seek funding.  
  • Be aware of the disadvantages of remaining unincorporated. If your group chooses to stay unincorporated, it will not be recognised as a ‘legal entity’ and will not have the benefits of limited liability and perpetual succession.  

Getting Started Tool

Need help making key legal decisions? Our self-help tool will ask you a series of questions about your new organisation - in plain and simple English - and will provide you with information to help you answer these questions.



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