Non-profit organisations: registration and funding

Description:

A non-profit organisation is a trust, company or other association of persons that is started to assist the needy or disadvantaged.

Being a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) will not only improve your chances of getting funding, it also tells communities that you care about providing quality services.

Only registered non-profit organisations (NPOs) are eligible for government funding.

An NPO can register with the NPO Directorate in the National Department of Social Development (DSD)

NPO registration and funding

Different types of NPOs

An NPO can be a trust, a company or organisation, which has a public rather than a private purpose. This means that your NPO will not operate for profit but provide social services.

Types of NPOs include:

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
Community-based organisations (CBOs)
Faith-based organisations (FBOs)
Organisations that have registered as Section 21 Companies under the Company Act 61 of 1973
Trusts that have registered with Master of the High Court under the Trust Property Control Act 57 of 1988
Any other voluntary association that is not for profit.

Who’s responsible for NPOs?

The Western Cape Department of Social Development assists NPOs with funding, while the national Department of Social Development helps all NPOs with registration.

Instructions:

Instructions

Registering your NPO

To register your NPO you’ll need the following documents:

A founding document /constitution. Here's a checklist to help you formulate your organisation's constitution.
A deed of trust (a written agreement used by trusts).
The memorandum and articles of association (which set out the mission of your NPO and monitors its growth).

You can apply for registration in 2 ways:

Register online.
Post your application form and 2 copies of your NPO founding documents (constitution or deed of trust, and memorandum and articles of association).

Where to apply

You can post your documents to:

NPO Directorate
Department of Social Development
Private Bag X901
Pretoria
0001

or hand-deliver them to:

NPO Directorate
HSRC Building
134 Pretorius Street
Pretoria
0002

You can contact the NPO Directorate on:

Tel: 012 312 7500
Email: Npoenquiry@dsd.gov.za

What next?

Whether you apply by post or online, you’ll receive a reference number to track your application.

If you’re successful, you’ll receive a registration certificate.

If your application is unsuccessful, however, you’ll receive a letter with advice to re-apply.

Contact information

Funding your NPO

As an NPO founder, you’re encouraged to raise funds to help your organisation achieve its mission and goals. You can also contact your nearest regional office of the Department of Social Development to apply for subsidies and funding programmes. The next funding cycle opens in 2020.

Regional Offices

The City of Cape Town also offers grants and funding.

Provided by:

Government Body:

Department of Social Development

(Western Cape Government)