Create a civil society organization It's a strategic decision for those who want to. to act in a structured way in socio-environmental causes. Formalize a NGO It allows you to raise funds, establish partnerships, execute projects, and operate with legal certainty.
In this article, we explain What is an NGO?, What are the main types of non-profit organizations in Brazil? and the Step-by-step guide to opening your.
What is an NGO?
NGO is the acronym for non-governmental organization. It is a private, non-profit entity that is not part of the public power structure.
It is important to clarify that the expression NGO does not appear in Brazilian legislation. Today, the term is commonly used to refer to third-sector organizations that carry out activities of public interest, operate independently of the State, and are non-profit.
These organizations are created by individuals or legal entities that They share a common goal of public interest., such as education, health, environment, culture or social assistance.
One NGO It can mobilize financial resources, volunteers, partners, and society in general to develop projects, influence public policies, and promote social change.
Types of non-profit organizations
In Brazil, there are different legal formats for structuring a civil society organization.
Foundation – It is created from assets donated by an individual, family, or company. These assets are formalized through a public deed, and the foundation's establishment is validated by the Public Prosecutor's Office.
Civil Society Organization (CSO) – It is formed by the association of two or more people who unite around a common objective of social interest. The purpose of the organization is formalized in a Social Statute, approved in assembly and registered in a notary's office. After registration, the entity must obtain a CNPJ (Brazilian tax identification number) from the Federal Revenue Service and comply with other legal requirements. This is the most common format for those who wish to... start an NGO.
cooperative – It is an association of people who come together to provide services to their own members. It is also formalized through a constituent assembly and registered with a notary's office. Although it is not for profit, the cooperative has its own rules and focuses on the interests of its members.
Business Institute - you business institutes They are created by private companies to structure actions of social responsibility or philanthropy. It can take the form of an association or foundation. It is common in corporate strategies of private social investment.
OSCIP – OSCIP is a title granted by the Ministry of Justice to associations that demonstrate integrity and a purpose of public interest. This recognition allows them to establish partnerships with the public sector and facilitates the receipt of incentivized donations.
Social Organization (OS) – It is a private, non-profit entity that receives authorization from the public authorities to operate in areas such as health, culture, research, and the environment. It may receive public funds and tax benefits through a management contract.
What can an NGO do?
One NGO It can operate at the local, state, national, or international level.
Among its activities are:
- Implementation of social or environmental projects;
- Raising funds from individuals, companies, and governments;
- Community mobilization;
- Impact on public policy;
- Proposing legal actions;
- Conducting campaigns and events.
The scope of action can be broad or specific, ranging from neighborhood-based initiatives to global issues.
How to start an NGO: step by step
THE opening an NGO It requires organization and adherence to formal steps.
1. Define the social objectives.
Clearly define the mission and areas of operation, such as education, health, environment, or social assistance.
2. Bring the founders together
Invite the people who will be part of the board of directors and the membership. It is important that there is alignment regarding the purpose and responsibilities.
3. Drafting the Articles of Association
The Statute must contain:
- Name of the entity and acronym;
- Headquarters address;
- Institutional objectives;
- Governance rules;
- Rights and responsibilities of members;
- Method of amending the bylaws;
- Rules for dissolution and allocation of assets.
4. Hold the founding assembly.
In a general assembly, the bylaws must be discussed and approved. The board of directors is also elected. This meeting generates the Founding Charter.
5. Register at the notary's office.
The Articles of Incorporation and Minutes must be registered with a notary public. It is recommended that a lawyer initial the copies before registration.
6. Obtain a CNPJ (Brazilian company tax ID).
With the documents registered, it is necessary to request the CNPJ (Brazilian tax ID) from the Federal Revenue Service and complete the required registrations at the state and municipal levels.
Only with a CNPJ (Brazilian tax ID) can an organization open a bank account, sign contracts, and formally raise funds.
7. Assess specific qualifications
If it makes sense for the organization's strategy, it is possible to apply for titles such as OSCIP or qualification as a Social Organization, according to legal requirements.
A more agile alternative: tax representation.
Starting an NGO It requires time, costs, and administrative structure. For initiatives that need get started quickly For those who lack a solid legal and financial structure, there is an alternative.
THE Sitawi Finances for Good works with tax representation, also known as fiscal sponsorship. In this model, initiatives with a positive impact They utilize Sitawi's CNPJ (Brazilian tax ID) and expertise to raise and manage funds with legal security and a high level of compliance..
This allows that organizations, movements or philanthropic people centralize resources to support socio-environmental causes, without needing to create a new legal entity..
What the service enables
- Raising donations from individuals and legal entities;
- Receipt of funds from parliamentary amendments;
- Crowdfunding and matchfunding operations;
- Raising funds in Brazil and abroad;
- The initiative can focus on the strategy and execution of the project., while financial and administrative management is handled by a specialized team..
benefits
- Solid experience in providing accountability reports to national and international funders;
- Dedicated financial and administrative structure;
- Annual independent external audit;
- Detailed and transparent financial reports;
- Reducing bureaucracy.
With this model, it is possible Access calls for proposals, establish partnerships, and operate securely using a CNPJ (Brazilian tax ID) that is already structured and recognized in the third sector..
Do you want to structure your initiative safely and efficiently?
If you want start an NGO or understand how tax representation can make your project viable, Speak with our team of experts..
