Not-for-Profit and Charity Experts. Discounted flat fees.
We have offices Australia wide and provide consultations from
9am - 10:30 pm AEST Monday to Saturday.
SYDNEY (02) 9375 2209
BRISBANE (07) 3181 4340
PERTH (08) 9288 1746
AFTER HOURS +61 480 897 412
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Non Profit Specialists works with charities and not-for-profits Australia-wide, of all shapes and sizes and at every level of governance. From founders with an idea and volunteer committees taking their first steps, to established organisations with professional boards operating nationally and overseas, no charity is too big or too small for us to work with.
Every organisation is different, so every engagement is tailored. We build packages around your organisation’s needs and structure, and tailor them to suit all budgets.
Depending on your budget and the package of services that you require, we provide services in the following areas:
Our Services Include
Not-for-Profit and Charity legal documentation to support your registration as a non profit or charity
Governance, Compliance and Risk Management sessions
Charity and Non Profit application support services
Coordination of tax concession and deductible gift recipients (DGR) endorsement applications with registered tax agents
Overseas registration guidance
Preparation of governing documents and Non-Profit and Charity governance documents required for applications
Management and disclosure of Conflicts of Interest and Related Party Transactions
Board establishment, governance and compliance
Grant writing (available to our retained clients only)
Legal Restructures
Who we work with
Founders and groups who want to start a charity or not-for-profit
Registered charities that need governance, compliance or restructuring support
Community groups, clubs, associations and volunteer committees
Organisations operating, or planning to operate, overseas
Existing not-for-profits seeking registration as a charity with the Australian Charities
and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)
Charities and not-for-profits seeking registration at a local, state or federal level, including organisations that assist overseas beneficiaries
Individuals and families wishing to establish Private Ancillary Funds
Individuals wishing to establish charitable trusts and foundations
Overseas organisations and boards seeking registration in Australia as a not-for-profit or registered charity
What we do
Legal structure and entity establishment
The right structure is the foundation of everything that follows. We help you understand your options and establish your entity correctly from the start.
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Guidance on structure options, including incorporated associations, companies limited by guarantee and charitable trusts
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Entity establishment with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)and state and territory regulators
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Guidance on ensuring your Australian Business Number (ABN) entity type matches your legal structure
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Structures for organisations operating nationally or overseas
ACNC charity registration
We guide you through every stage of the ACNC registration process and take much of the administrative burden off your board.
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Eligibility and charity subtype assessment
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Clear, accurate descriptions of your purposes, activities and beneficiaries
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Preparation and review of your ACNC Charity Portal application
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Supporting documentation, policies and records
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Support with ACNC enquiries and requests for further information
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Preparation for discussions with the ACNC
Conflicts of interest and related-party transactions
Related directors, founders who are also employees or suppliers, and major donors on the board are common in charities. Managed well, they need not be a barrier to registration.
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Identification and management of actual, potential and perceived conflicts of interest
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Disclosure and management of related-party transactions
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Guidance for boards with related directors or members
Restructures
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Support for organisations changing their legal structure, such as moving from an incorporated association to a company limited by guarantee
Additional services
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Grant writing support (available to our retained clients only)
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Digital solutions including websites
Governing documents and legal documentation
Your governing document is one of the most closely reviewed parts of any ACNC application. We prepare bespoke documents tailored to your structure, purposes and operations, with minimal work required from your board.
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Constitutions, rules and trust deeds
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Charitable purpose, not-for-profit and winding-up clauses
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Charity and not-for-profit legal documentation to support your registration
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Governance documents required for applications
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Our governing document, such as our constitutions, have been and are reviewed and approved by solicitors. As part of our packaged service to clients, solicitors provide legal oversight on the preparation of your governing documents. Every organisation is different, and your organisation may need to obtain specific legal advice to tailor these documents in some unique or particular circumstances.
Board establishment and governance
Strong governance is what keeps a charity registered, trusted and effective. Governance and compliance sessions are built into our registration process, so your board is prepared from day one.
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Board establishment, including officeholder roles and appointment records
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Guidance on Responsible People suitability requirements
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Board education on roles, responsibilities and the ACNC Governance Standards
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Governance, compliance and risk management sessions
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Governance policies, including conflicts of interest, financial management and safeguarding
Overseas operations
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Guidance for charities operating, or planning to operate, overseas
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Support with the ACNC External Conduct Standards
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AUSTRAC and AML Compliance guidance
Ongoing governance and compliance
Registration is only the beginning. We continue to support boards after registration so they can meet their obligations with confidence.
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Post-registration governance and compliance sessions
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Guidance on ongoing ACNC obligations and reporting requirements
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Governance reviews and updates to governing documents
Specialist legal and taxation services
Non Profit Specialists works closely with Williams Winter Solicitors and Next Dimension Accounting, so your organisation has access to a coordinated team under one roof.
Legal advice is provided by qualified solicitors at Williams Winter.
Accounting and taxation services, including charity tax concessions and DGR endorsement, are provided by registered tax agents at Next Dimension Accounting.
Non Profit Specialists is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, tax advice or advice on DGR endorsement.
How we work
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Free consultation.
We learn about your organisation, your goals and where you are in the process.
Tailored quote.
We recommend the right package and provide a clear, fixed quote for the agreed scope before any work begins.
Structure and documents.
We establish your entity and prepare your governing and supporting documents for incorporation.
Governance sessions.
We make sure your board understands its roles, duties and compliance obligations, conflicts of interest and related party transactions reporting,
disclosure and management.
Application and ACNC support.
We prepare everything necessary for your application and can provide pro bono support to you through ACNC enquiries and discussions with the ACNC and other regulators during the registration process.
Beyond registration.
We remain available to support your board as your organisation
grows and offer pro bono services to clients after registration.
Packages to suit all budgets
Our packages are tailored to your organisation. Factors that shape your quote include your service area and locations, the vulnerability of your beneficiaries, whether you operate nationally or overseas, the experience of your board, any conflicts of interest or related-party considerations, and the complexity of your governance arrangements.
Why choose Non Profit Specialists
100% of our clients are charities and not-for-profits.
Offices in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, with consultations Australia-wide in person or online, Monday to Saturday, including after business hours.
Our team has founded, led, governed and advised charities, with decades of combined experience in the sector.
We have assisted hundreds of charities and not-for-profits across Australia.
Important information
Information on this page is general in nature and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Non Profit Specialists is not a law firm. Legal advice is provided by qualified solicitors, and tax services by registered tax agents, as described above. Approval of charity registration rests with the ACNC, and approval of charity tax concessions and DGR endorsement rests with the Australian Taxation Office.