At Aitken Partners, we understand the unique challenges and legal complexities faced by not-for-profit organisations. Our dedicated team of not-for-profit lawyers provides comprehensive legal support, allowing you to focus on your mission and make a positive impact in the community.
We offer a broad range of legal services tailored specifically for not-for-profits, including:
Charitable Giving and Structuring: We advise on tax-effective giving strategies, establishing foundations, and structuring donations to maximise impact.
Corporate Governance: We help you develop strong governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with regulations and best practices for accountability and transparency.
DGR and Charity Status: We guide you through the process of obtaining and maintaining Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status and charitable registration.
Employment Law: We provide advice on employment contracts, workplace policies, volunteer agreements, and resolving workplace disputes.
General Business and Commercial Advice: We assist with contracts, leases, intellectual property, and other day-to-day legal matters.
Intellectual Property: We help protect your brand and creative works through trademark registration, copyright advice, and licensing agreements.
Government Submissions: We assist with preparing submissions and advocating for your organisation's interests before government bodies.
Legal Structures: We advise on the most suitable legal structure for your organisation, whether it's a company limited by guarantee, incorporated association, or trust.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution: We represent your organisation in legal disputes, aiming for amicable resolutions while protecting your interests.
Property Law: We assist with property sales, acquisitions, leasing, and resolving property-related disputes.
Regulatory Compliance: We ensure your organisation complies with relevant legislation, including fundraising regulations, privacy laws, and reporting requirements.
Tax Advice: We provide guidance on tax exemptions, concessions, and optimising your organisation's tax position.
Wills and Bequests: We advise on planned giving programs and accepting gifts in Wills, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
When you choose Aitken Partners, you're choosing a team with a deep understanding of the not-for-profit sector in Melbourne. Our extensive experience working with diverse organisations means we understand the unique challenges you face. We provide clear, practical, and strategic legal advice to help you make informed decisions and achieve your goals. We're committed to offering cost-effective solutions, recognising the importance of maximising your resources for your mission. Above all, we build strong relationships with our clients, acting as trusted advisors and partners in your success.
To get in touch with our not-for-profit lawyers in Melbourne, fill out the form below or give us a call: +61 3 8600 6000
Located in Melbourne CBD at Level 28, 140 William Street, Melbourne. Servicing all Melbourne suburbs online and within a 15-minute drive for: Melbourne CBD, Carlton, Fitzroy, Richmond, South Yarra, St Kilda, Brunswick, Collingwood, Prahran, South Melbourne, North Melbourne.
Not all not-for-profits are automatically tax-exempt. To qualify for federal tax exemption, a not-for-profit must meet specific IRS requirements and obtain 501(c) status.
Tax consolidation typically applies to for-profit companies. While not-for-profits can have affiliated entities, they do not generally participate in tax consolidation in the same way as for-profit corporations.
Not-for-profits are typically structured as corporations, trusts, or unincorporated associations. Their structure is defined by their governing documents and state laws.
While less common, a company limited by shares can operate as a not-for-profit if its governing documents restrict the distribution of profits and its activities align with a charitable or public purpose.
A not-for-profit trust can give loans if it is within its charitable purpose and if the loans are made in a manner that aligns with its mission and legal requirements.
Yes, a not-for-profit can own property, including real estate and personal property, as long as it is used for its charitable or exempt purposes.