Set up a legal entity for your PAF, charity or NFP

Transform your philanthropic vision into a compliant, tax-effective charity structure.

You want to make a meaningful difference through structured philanthropy or social enterprise, but navigating charity law and ATO requirements feels overwhelming. We will establish the optimal legal entity for your philanthropic goals, handling all the complex regulatory requirements while you focus on your vision. You will have a professionally structured charity or NFP that operates with confidence, maximises tax advantages, and creates lasting positive impact.

What type of legal entity do you need for your charity or NFP?

The legal entity you choose determines how your charity or NFP is governed, what tax benefits are available, and what compliance obligations apply. Options include charitable trusts, incorporated associations, companies limited by guarantee, and unincorporated associations. The right choice depends on your goals, expected scale, and governance preferences. Getting this decision right from the outset avoids costly restructuring later.

What is the difference between a charitable trust and a company limited by guarantee?

A charitable trust is established by a trust deed and governed by trustees. A company limited by guarantee is an incorporated entity governed by a board of directors and subject to company law. The right choice depends on your governance preferences, expected scale, and the level of formality you require. We will advise you on which structure suits your circumstances.

What is DGR status and why does it matter?

Deductible Gift Recipient status allows donors to claim a tax deduction for contributions made to your organisation. DGR status makes your charity significantly more attractive to donors and can open access to government grants and other funding. Not all charitable structures automatically qualify. We will advise you on eligibility and manage the endorsement application.

How long does it take to set up a registered charity?

Establishing the legal entity can typically be completed within a few weeks. ACNC charity registration can take several months from application to approval. We will give you a realistic timeline at the outset and manage the entire process on your behalf.

Can a social enterprise be structured as a charity?

Yes, in some circumstances. A social enterprise can be structured as a charity if it meets the definition of charitable purpose under Australian charity law. This requires careful analysis of the entity’s activities and purpose. We will assess your social enterprise model and advise you on whether charitable status is achievable and advantageous.

Establish a compliant charity structure that aligns with your mission.

Access significant tax benefits and DGR status where eligible.

Create a lasting legacy of positive social impact.

Not sure which type of entity is right for your charitable goals?

Before we go through the options, let us understand what you are trying to achieve. The right entity depends on your vision, scale, and how you plan to govern your giving.

Turn your desire to help into structured action.

You want to make a meaningful difference through structured philanthropy, but the legal maze of ACNC requirements, ATO rules, and governance obligations feels impenetrable. Without the right legal structure, your charitable intentions could result in compliance failures, lost tax benefits, or personal liability for those involved.

We will advise you on the optimal legal entity for your philanthropic goals and explain the implications of each option.
We will prepare all constitutional documents, trust deeds, and governance frameworks tailored to your mission.
We will handle ACNC charity registration, DGR endorsement applications, and all ATO registrations to secure your charitable status.

You are ready to give back in a meaningful, structured way. Let us help you get it right.

You have built significant wealth or success and feel called to give back. You envision a Private Ancillary Fund, registered charity, NFP, or social enterprise that reflects your values and creates lasting change. But the legal requirements feel overwhelming, and you know that getting the structure wrong could mean penalties, lost tax benefits, or a structure that simply does not work the way you intended.

What's included in your charity entity setup service

Advice on the optimal legal entity type for your charitable goals.
Preparation of constitutional documents, trust deeds, and governance frameworks.
ACNC charity registration application and management.
DGR endorsement application and ATO registrations.
Ongoing compliance support to maintain your charitable status.

Good intentions are not enough when charity law demands precision.

Without proper legal establishment, you risk ATO penalties and compliance issues, loss of tax deductions and DGR status, personal liability for governance failures, and an ineffective structure that wastes resources and undermines the very cause you set out to support.

Here is how we help you establish your charitable entity with confidence.

We eliminate the confusion and stress of charity establishment by handling every regulatory requirement, from constitutional documents to ACNC registration and DGR endorsement. With your entity properly established, you are free to pursue your philanthropic vision, confident in your compliance, maximising tax benefits, and creating the meaningful impact you have always envisioned.

Your clear path to charitable impact.

Transform your philanthropic vision into a sustainable, compliant structure.

Strategic consultation

We explore your philanthropic goals and determine the optimal entity type, whether a PAF, charity, NFP, or social enterprise, with a clear explanation of the implications of each.

Structure and documentation

We prepare all constitutional documents, trust deeds, and governance frameworks tailored to your mission and fully compliant with regulatory requirements.

Registration and endorsement

We handle ACNC charity registration, DGR endorsement applications, and ATO registrations so your entity is ready to operate with full charitable status.

Specialist charity law experts who have established charitable entities for Australians for over 25 years.

We understand the deep satisfaction that comes from giving back meaningfully, and how frustrating it is to feel blocked by complex regulations. For over 25 years, ADLV Law has guided some of Australia’s most generous individuals through charity establishment. Our team includes a Chartered Tax Advisor and accredited specialists in charity law who understand both the technical requirements and the strategic opportunities available.

We understand you want to know the cost, before we get started.

We will map out our process, from beginning to end, so you know what the journey will look like before you get started.

We will provide you with a clear and detailed Work Proposal covering each step along the way.

Our fair fees are all-inclusive. No hidden costs for telephone calls, emails, photocopying, couriers, or coffee.

Our great lawyer guarantee

We want to be part of your team over the long term. We achieve this by adhering to these core principles:

Take the time

We listen carefully to understand what you want to achieve. Then we thoroughly explain our advice and step you through the documents. You can be sure you know the full consequences.

Share our knowledge

We will pass on as much knowledge as we can, so you can make your own informed decisions. We want to make you truly independent.

Stick to our knitting

We only do what we're good at. You can be confident that we know what we're doing and don't pass on the cost of our learning.

Work as one team

Someone will always be available to answer your questions, or point you in the right direction. You will also benefit from a range of perspectives and experience.

Fair pricing

For advice and documents, we provide a fixed or capped quote so you don't take price risk. If you're in a dispute, we map out the process and costs so you know what to expect.

It's your show

We're not in this for our egos. We're in it for a front row seat to witness your success.

Start your philanthropic journey today.

Speak with our charity law specialists to discuss your vision and explore the best legal structure for your charitable goals.

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