How to administer an NPO

What is a non-profit organisation

Non-profit organisations (NPOs) do not exist to make a profit from the work of the organisation for the office-bearers or members of the organisation. They exist to serve some public purpose rather than just serving the personal interests of the office-bearers or members of the organisation.

They exist for the benefit of the general public or specific sections of the public. If members receive payment or benefits, it is only in the form of a reasonable salary and benefits in return for the work that is done as an employee…

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As a registered non-profit there are certain obligations you will need to fulfil, including annual reports. The Department of Social Development has made available a short guide in the format of a PDF document which can be downloaded here.

The document comprises three sections as follows:

• Section A: Basic details about the organisation.
• Section B: The organisation’s major achievements over the year.
• Section C: List of important meetings held by the organisation during the year, and details of any changes to the constitution.

Should your organisations fail to submit annual returns you run the risk of being de-registered. That said, we have a range of sample documents and helpful explainer videos to the right (below if you’re using a mobile device) kindly provided by Ricardo Wyngaard Attorneys.

• Sample Constitution for Voluntary Association with Members
• Basics of the non-profit Trust
• Tax Exemption for NPOs
• Quick Guide for NPO Board Meetings
• Sample affidavit for NPO with no funds
• Sample Certificate for changed constitution
• Sample Resolution to change constitution
• Sample Notice to update office-bearer