Not-For-Profit & Charity Set-Up Lawyers
- Expert guidance on structuring and setting up your charity.
- Support with ACNC registration and legal compliance.
- Strategic advice to ensure the right legal footing.
- Committed legal partners for your not-for-profit mission.
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Our Services
Our Charity & NFP Establishment Services
LawBridge Lawyers & Consultants offers a comprehensive, end-to-end service for establishing your not-for-profit or charity. Our team of experienced NFP lawyers provides practical legal advice to support your organisation through every stage of formation, ensuring a strong and compliant foundation so you can focus on your mission.
1
Structuring, Formation and Registration for NFPs
We guide you in selecting the right legal structure for your mission—whether a company limited by guarantee, incorporated association, or charitable trust. Our team then manages the entire formation process to ensure your organisation starts on the right legal footing.
2
Governance, Constitution and Policy Development
We help build a strong governance framework by drafting a tailored constitution and developing key operational policies. Our expert guidance on director duties and board structures ensures your organisation is set up to operate effectively and meet its legal obligations from day one.
3
ACNC Registration and Tax Endorsement Applications
Our team manages the critical process of registering your organisation with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). We also prepare and lodge applications to secure essential tax concessions and Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status with the ATO.
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Our clients trust LawBridge to provide clear, reliable & practical legal support.
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Our Approach to Establishing Your NFP or Charity
Our approach is centred on delivering practical legal solutions that empower your new not-for-profit to launch confidently, meet all regulatory demands from the outset, and stay focused on your mission.
Understanding Your Vision and Mission
We begin by gaining a thorough understanding of your organisation’s core purpose, values, and objectives. This foundational step allows us to provide tailored legal advice on the optimal structure and governance framework that will best serve your mission and community impact for years to come.
Developing a Strategic Establishment Plan
Our approach focuses on creating a clear, practical plan for your NFP’s formation. We consider the specific regulatory environment, ACNC requirements, and your operational goals to develop a setup strategy that is both effective and sustainable, allowing you to navigate legal complexities from day one.
Implementation and Foundational Support
We assist with the hands-on implementation of your legal structure, constitution, and compliance measures. Our support ensures your organisation is established correctly, with robust governance in place. This partnership provides the strong legal foundation needed to begin delivering on your charitable objectives with confidence.
Why Choose LawBridge as Your Charity Establishment Lawyer
Choosing the right legal partner is essential for establishing your charity or NFP on a strong, compliant foundation. LawBridge Lawyers & Consultants provides expert, tailored legal support to help new organisations navigate the complex setup process with confidence.
Experienced Not-for-Profit Establishment Lawyers
Our team brings extensive legal expertise to the formation of your not-for-profit. We understand the unique legal challenges of the NFP sector and provide strategic advice on structuring, constitution drafting, and governance to ensure your organisation is built for long-term success.
Deep Understanding of ACNC & Tax Law
LawBridge Lawyers & Consultants offers deep insight into the regulatory landscape affecting new Australian charities. We stay current on ACNC registration standards and ATO requirements for tax concessions and DGR status, ensuring your establishment process is smooth and compliant.
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Team
Meet Our Dedicated NFP & Charity Law Team
The LawBridge team includes dedicated not-for-profit lawyers focused on providing exceptional legal support to charities and not-for-profit organisations. We understand the unique operational environment and legal complexities faced by the NFP sector.
Adam Jacobs
Partner & Co-Founder
Ramia Abdo Sultan
Partner & Co-Founder
Mohamad Kammoun
Managing Partner & Co-Founder
Comprehensive Not-for-Profit & Charity Law Services
LawBridge offers a comprehensive suite of legal services tailored to the specific needs of the not-for-profit (NFP) and charity sector.
NFP Governance & ACNC Compliance
Strengthen governance and meet ACNC requirements with legal advice on board duties, reporting, and regulatory obligations.
NFP Employment & Workplace
Navigate employment law confidently with guidance on hiring, contracts, workplace policies, disputes, and regulatory compliance.
Government Funding Agreements for NFPs
Understand and manage government funding contracts with legal support for obligations, compliance, and risk mitigation.
NFP Tax Concessions & DGR
Clear guidance on securing tax concessions and DGR status, with support for eligibility, applications, and compliance.
Charity Fundraising, Donations & Sponsors
Ensure your fundraising activities meet legal standards with advice on compliance, donor agreements, and fundraising regulations.
NFP & Charity Set-Up
Start strong with legal guidance on structure, registration, charitable status, and long-term compliance planning.
Charity Disputes & ACNC Investigations
Resolve internal and external disputes and respond to investigations with expert legal support tailored to charitable organisations.
NFP Mergers, Corporate Restructuring & Collaborations
Strategic legal advice for mergers, restructures, and partnerships that align with your mission and regulatory obligations.
NFP Intellectual Property
Protect your brand, content, and innovations with legal advice on trademarks, copyright, licensing, and IP strategy.
Property Lawyers for NFPs
Expert legal support for leasing, acquiring, and managing property assets aligned with your charitable objectives.
Charitable Trust & Foundations
Expert support for establishing and managing trusts and foundations, ensuring compliance, governance, and long-term charitable impact.
Social Enterprise for NFPs
Build sustainable impact with legal advice on hybrid models, income generation, governance, and regulatory compliance.
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What Legal Structure Should My Not-for-Profit Organisation Use?
Choosing the right legal structure is the first critical step in establishing your not-for-profit or charity in Australia. The structure you select—commonly a company limited by guarantee, an incorporated association, or a charitable trust—will define your organisation’s legal obligations and governance framework.
This decision impacts everything from your ability to operate nationally to your board’s responsibilities. Our not-for-profit lawyers provide tailored legal advice to help you select the most effective and compliant structure for your unique needs and charitable mission.
How Our Charity Lawyers Help You Register with the ACNC
To be recognised as a charity in Australia, your organisation must register with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). This process requires a detailed application and a constitution that meets strict legal standards, proving your charitable purpose.
Successfully navigating the ACNC registration is essential for gaining public trust and accessing tax benefits. We provide the expert legal help needed to prepare a robust application, ensuring your organisation meets all key legal requirements for a smooth registration.
Legal Advice for NFP Tax Concessions and DGR Status
A major benefit for a registered charity is eligibility for tax concessions, including income tax exemptions. Furthermore, securing Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status from the ATO is vital for many organisations, as it allows donors to claim tax deductions.
Applying for tax benefits and DGR endorsement involves complex criteria and detailed submissions. Our firm provides the specialist legal support needed to navigate this process, maximising your organisation’s eligibility for these crucial financial advantages.
Establishing Good Governance in the Not-for-Profit Sector
Strong governance is the backbone of any successful not-for-profit organisation or social enterprise. This includes drafting a compliant constitution, defining the duties of your board members, and establishing clear policies for managing conflicts of interest and risk.
Meeting these governance standards is a fundamental legal obligation and essential for maintaining ACNC registration and public trust. As your trusted legal partner, we provide the legal service to build a robust framework, protecting your organisation and empowering you to focus on your mission.
Insights
Tap into LawBridge Insights & Updates
Stay informed with our latest thinking on legal developments, commercial challenges, and opportunities across the sectors we serve.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Charity & NFP Establishment
LawBridge supports not-for-profits with clear set-up guidance. Explore answers to common questions about legal structure, registration, and charitable status.
What is the difference between a charity and a not-for-profit?
While all charities are not-for-profits (NFPs), not all NFPs are charities. A charity is a specific type of NFP that must have a charitable purpose for the public benefit and be registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).
What is a "charitable purpose"?
A charitable purpose generally includes the advancement of religion or education, the relief of poverty, or other purposes beneficial to the community. Your organisation’s governing documents must clearly define its charitable purpose to be registered.
What is the best legal structure for a new NFP?
The best legal structure—commonly an incorporated association, a company limited by guarantee, or a charitable trust—depends on your organisation’s size, scope, and mission. Each has different legal and operational requirements.
What is ACNC registration and why is it important?
The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) is the national regulator for charities. Registering with the ACNC is essential for being legally recognised as a charity, accessing tax concessions, and building public trust.
How do I register my organisation as a charity?
Registering as a charity involves submitting a detailed application to the ACNC. This includes providing a constitution that meets ACNC standards and demonstrating that your organisation’s main purpose is charitable.
What are tax concessions for charities?
Tax concessions are benefits that registered charities and some NFPs can receive, such as exemptions from income tax, GST, and Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT). Eligibility depends on your organisation’s purpose and structure.
What is Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status?
Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status allows your organisation to receive donations that donors can claim as a tax deduction. To get DGR status, you must be a registered charity and apply to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), meeting specific criteria.
What is a constitution for a not-for-profit?
A constitution is a foundational legal document that sets out your organisation’s rules. It defines your charitable purpose, membership structure, and how the board will operate, and is a key requirement for registration and good governance.
What are the key governance duties for a new NFP board?
The board of a new NFP has duties to act in the organisation’s best interests, manage finances responsibly, ensure compliance with the law and the constitution, and manage any conflicts of interest.
Why do I need a specialist charity lawyer for establishment?
The NFP sector has unique legal rules and complex ACNC/ATO regulations. A specialist lawyer ensures you choose the right structure, draft a compliant constitution, and correctly navigate registration and tax endorsement processes, avoiding future pitfalls.
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Practice Areas