Non-Profit FAQ

Put simply, a Charitable Trust is a non-profit organisation with a charitable purpose and a Board of Trustees. An Incorporated Society is a non-profit organisation where members have a common interest; and do not necessarily have to have a charitable purpose (for example sport, hobby or community interest). Whether your organisation is a Charitable Trust or Incorporated Society depends on your circumstances. Click here for more information.

You make an application to incorporate a trust under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957 by sending a number of documents to the Registrar of Incorporated Societies. There are different filing requirements depending on whether you are applying for incorporation of trustees as a Board or incorporation of a society as a Board. Click here for more information.Business Professional Services Limited can help your organisation draw up its trust deed and help you through the process of setting up a Charitable Trust or Incorporated Society. Click here to contact us.

• The society becomes its own separate legal entity. The society then has the capability to buy, sell, lease or rent property in its own name.
• There is no personal liability for the members, with two exceptions. To become an incorporated society, the organisation must be non-profit. Personal liability within the society occurs when debts are incurred by operations involving financial gain within the society; or when debts are incurred as a result of unlawful actions. In these scenarios, the member involved is held accountable for these debts. Members also do not have any personal financial claims to property or assets owned by the society unless explicitly stated in the society's rules.
• "Perpetual succession" means that the organisation continues to exist even if membership changes. This allows for flexibility in the running of the organisation, and means that it is not dependent on certain people being there to run it.
• The society is recognised by law, and must therefore adhere to the Incorporated Societies Act 1908. There is some guarantee of the society carrying out responsible practices, which makes it more credible to your members, media, government and the general public.
• Many funding institutions require organisations to be registered charitable trusts or incorporated societies. In order to access funds and grants through government schemes and charitable trusts, it pays to register your organisation as an incorporated society.

Information on becoming registered with the Department of Internal Affairs - Charities can be found here.

Business Professional Services Limited is classified as an Association Management Company.
"An association management company (AMC) provides management and specialised administrative services to trade associations and professional societies using a for-profit approach that runs not-for-profit associations like businesses."

• Association Management Companies like Business Professional Services Limited have extensive experience working with associations and charitable organisations. They can draw upon past experience and specialised skills to help non-profit organisations meet their goals.

• Association Management Companies are flexible and adaptable to individual non-profit organisations' needs.

• Association Management Companies allow non-profits to have a centralised office, meeting place and other facilities, and can act as a non-profit organisation's "Headquarters".

• Business Professional Services Limited will provide your organisation with a reputable and consistent service. We have been in the business of helping non-profit associations and charitable organisations since 1985, and we will continue to be part of this industry for years to come.
• At Business Professional Services Limited, we put people first. We work very closely with your Board or Committee and key decision makers to ensure we obtain the best results for your organisation.
• Business Professional Services Limited provides services to non-profits on par with the services that businesses expect to receive. We provide a business-quality service while maintaining the core social values of your non-profit.
• We enable your non-profit to achieve more. Please see our Client Case Studies for examples of how our clients have grown to the organisations they are today.

Absolutely not! Business Professional Services Limited understands that non-profit associations and charitable trusts have Boards or Committees that are passionate about their organisation. We work with your Board or Committee to ensure you receive the results you want for your organisation. An advantage of working with us is that we free up time for your Board or Committee to focus on the issues affecting your members; so that your Trustees are able to steer away from operational issues.