How To Register A Non-Profit Organization In Namibia

What is a Non-Profit Organization?

A nonprofit organization, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in contrast with an entity that operates as a business aiming to generate a profit for its owners. 

How To Register A Non-Profit Organization In Namibia

Procedure to register Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Associations not for Gain

1. Submission of name application/reservation form CM5 or reserve a name online
2. Once approved, you may apply for a Certificate of Incorporation and Certificate to Commence Business. This requires the submission of the following documents:

• Memorandum and article of Association in triplicate of forms CM3, CM4, CM44B and CM44C.
• Copy of approved name on CM5
• Notice of postal and registered address on CM22
• List of Directors, Auditors and public Officers on CM29
• Appointment of an Auditor on CM31
• Application of Certificate of Registration of memorandum of External Company CM46
• Request for submission of additional Copies on CM51.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What qualifies you as a nonprofit organization in Namibia?

A Nonprofit corporation is a special type of corporation that has been organized to meet specific tax-exempt purposes. To qualify for Nonprofit status, your corporation must be formed to benefit: (1) the public, (2) a specific group of individuals, or (3) the membership of the Nonprofit.

How long does it take to start a non profit in Namibia?

If you file online for your Articles of Incorporation and Initial Report, the process takes 1-3 days. Your tax-exempt status with the IRS will take the longest to arrive. You can expect a determination letter anywhere from one to six months after filing

How much money do you need to start a nonprofit in Namibia?

The answer is “it’s complicated.” Generally, you need an investment of $500 at a bare minimum, but costs can be as high as $1,000 or more

Can the founder of a non-profit receive a salary?

A non-profit founder may pay themselves a fair salary for the work they do running the organization. Likewise, they can compensate full-time and part-time employees for the work they do. Non-profit founders earn money for running the organizations they founded.

Does a nonprofit have to spend all its money?

This is a difficult question, as all nonprofits are different. In fact, any surpluses i.e. (“profits”) are needed by all nonprofits to even out their cash flows. The obvious way to build a reserve fund is to operate with an annual surplus, generating net revenue that can then be added to reserves.

Can I run a nonprofit from my home in Namibia?

Many people dream of starting a nonprofit organization to serve their goals, and this is completely possible to do from your own home. These organizations serve the community through education, direct service or charity, and in return do not have to pay many of the taxes that for profit businesses pay.

Where does the money go in a non profit organization?

Nonprofits receive much of their income through donations. These donations cover operational expenses and help nonprofits achieve their missions. Individual giving made up 68% of all charitable giving in 2018. 8 Corporate and foundation giving are usually much smaller fractions of that philanthropic endeavor.

How does a non-profit make money in Namibia?

Non-profit charities get revenue from donations, grants, and memberships. They may also get revenue from selling branded products. A non-profit organization’s expenses may include: Rent or mortgage payments.

How does a CEO of a nonprofit get paid in Namibia?

We found that nonprofit CEOs are paid a base salary, and many CEOs also receive additional pay associated with larger organizational size. These regulations determine the reasonableness of executive compensation based on benchmarking against comparable organizations.

What happens if a non profit makes money in Namibia?

Tax-exempt nonprofits often make money as a result of their activities and use it to cover expenses. As long as a nonprofit’s activities are associated with the nonprofit’s purpose, any profit made from them isn’t taxable as “income.”

How do you pay yourself from a nonprofit organization in Namibia?

Directors and officers of the nonprofit cannot be paid, but people who hold a position within the company can be. When you create a nonprofit, you can put yourself in any position you want within the company, with a salary you set. But this isn’t an invitation to give yourself an unlimited paycheck.

Why are non profits needed?

Nonprofit organizations play a vital role in building healthy communities by providing critical services that contribute to economic stability and mobility. They also strengthen communities in other important ways. Frequently, nonprofit leaders are the voice of the people they serve.

What are the disadvantages of nonprofit organizations?

Cost: Creating a nonprofit organization takes time, effort, and money. Fees are required to apply for incorporation and tax exemption. The use of an attorney, accountant, or other consultant may also be necessary.

Is it worth it to start a nonprofit in Namibia?

You should. Just don’t start a nonprofit. Existing organizations, particularly those that rely on outside funding in the form of donations and grants, are already competing for scarce dollars. Running a nonprofit and growing it to a size where it can most effectively serve its constituents takes resources.

What percentage of a nonprofit budget should be fundraising?

The nonprofit’s total expenses should not include more than 35 percent for fundraising. Charity Navigator sets a goal of “less than 10 percent” of the nonprofit’s budget for fundraising spending and considers an organization that spends less than one-third of its budget on program expense to be failing in its mission.

What do nonprofits need most in Namibia?

What nonprofits need most is to keep their community-oriented services viable. To do that, they need to develop an organizational structure that supports financial sustainability. They also have to be ready to embrace change.

Do nonprofit employees get bonuses in Namibia?

Can we pay nonprofit employees a bonus? Yes: Bonuses are considered to be part of the overall compensation received by an employee.