Brief of the project
In Alberta involves several steps, including deciding on the structure, preparing necessary documentation, registering with the appropriate authorities, and ensuring compliance with ongoing requirements. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Decide on the Structure
- Determine the legal structure of your not-for-profit organization. In Alberta, you can choose between incorporating provincially or federally. Most organizations opt for provincial incorporation.
- Prepare the necessary documents such as the Articles of Incorporation and bylaws. These outline your organization’s purpose, structure, and rules of operation. Submit them along with the appropriate forms and fees to the relevant provincial or federal authority.
- If your not-for-profit intends to issue tax receipts for donations or access certain funding, you may need to register as a charity with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This process requires meeting specific criteria and submitting a detailed application outlining your charitable activities and objectives.
Choose a Name
- Name Search: Conduct a NUANS (Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search) report to ensure the name is unique and not already in use.
- Reserve the Name: You can reserve the name through the Alberta Corporate Registry.
Draft the Bylaws and Constitution
- Bylaws: Draft the bylaws that will govern the operation of your organization. This includes membership criteria, the role of directors, meeting procedures, etc.
- Constitution: Draft your organization’s constitution, outlining its purpose, mission, and structure.
Prepare the Incorporation Documents
- Articles of Incorporation: Prepare the Articles of Incorporation, which include the organization’s name, purpose, and structure.
- Incorporators: List the names and addresses of the incorporators.
File for Incorporation
- Provincial Incorporation: File the necessary documents with the Alberta Corporate Registry.
- Documents Needed: Articles of Incorporation, NUANS report, Notice of Address, and Notice of Directors.
- Fee: Pay the applicable filing fee.
- Federal Incorporation: If you choose federal incorporation, file with Corporations Canada.
- Documents Needed: Articles of Incorporation, NUANS report, Initial Registered Office Address and First Board of Directors, and filing fee.
Obtain an Alberta Society Number (if applicable)
- If you are incorporating as a society under the Societies Act, you need to file with the Alberta Registries and obtain an Alberta Society Number.
Apply for a Business Number and Tax Exemptions
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA): Apply for a business number from the CRA. This number is necessary for tax purposes and other regulatory filings.
- Charitable Status: If your organization plans to operate as a charity, apply for charitable status with the CRA to issue tax receipts for donations.
Set Up Governance and Management
- Board of Directors: Establish a board of directors to oversee the organization’s activities.
- Officers: Appoint key officers (e.g., President, Secretary, Treasurer).
Develop the Operational Policies
- Create policies and procedures for the day-to-day operation of the organization, including financial management, fundraising, volunteer management, and program delivery.
Register for Provincial Programs and Licenses
- Depending on the activities of your organization, you may need to register for additional licenses or permits.
Compliance and Reporting
- Annual Returns: File annual returns with the Alberta Corporate Registry to maintain your incorporation status.
- Financial Statements: Prepare and maintain accurate financial statements.
- Meetings: Hold regular meetings of the board of directors and members as specified in your bylaws.
- Open a bank account in the name of the not-for-profit organization to manage its finances.
Fundraising and Donations
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