Frequently asked questions
What is an NGO?
Non-governmental organizations, or more specifically non-profit legal entities, are associations and foundations. These are legal entities that are established for the purpose of performing non-economic activities, as is clear from their name.
Difference between associations and foundations?
Associations always have members – these are its founders, who must be at least three. For public benefit associations, the founders must be at least seven natural or three legal entities.
Foundations are set up with an act of donation in the lifetime or in the event of death. The person or persons who set up it are not its members, since it has no membership, unlike the association.
What organs do they have?
Both types of non-profit legal entities have organs. These are a general meeting and a board of directors. In the case of associations, the General Assembly shall consist of all members, unless otherwise provided in the Statutes. The General Meeting of the Foundations is determined by the founder. However, in both, the governing body may be a sole governor.
What is the difference between public and private benefit NGOs?
NGOs in the public interest are those whose purpose will be to benefit a wide and indefinite range of people. Donations to public associations and foundations provide for tax relief, so such an organization is more likely to receive external funding.
An NGO for private benefit is created when a group of people come together to achieve some of their nonprofit goals.
What is suitable for me?
It depends on the purpose for which the respective NPP will be created. In the general case, if a charity was going to be running, the more appropriate option would be the foundation. For any other non-business association, the association seems the more appropriate option.