A Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) as defined in the Non-Profit Organisation Act No. 14 of 2023 as a company or body of persons whether incorporated or unincorporated, or a trust or other legal arrangement established or which identifies itself as established primarily for the promotion of charitable, philanthropic, religious, cultural, educational, social or fraternal purposes, or other activities or programmes for the benefit of the public or a section of the public within Belize or elsewhere, and which raises or disburses funds within Belize or elsewhere, for that purpose or object.
REQUIREMENTS TO REGISTER A NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION (NPO) IN BELIZE:
As per section 6(1) and schedule I and II of the Non-Profit Organisation Act No. 14 of 2023, the application requirements include:
1. Completed Registration Form
2. Required information and supporting documents:
a) the identity, address and other contact information of a controller and other senior officers or members of the management personnel of the Non-Profit Organisation;
(b) copies or particulars of the trust, trust deed and any other organisational documents;
(c) copies of the constitution, the memorandum of association and the articles of association of the Non-Profit Organisation;
(d) the declared purposes of the Non-Profit Organisation;
(e) information with respect to the location of the funds and other property of the Non-Profit Organisation and its banking arrangements;
(f) the source or anticipated source of contributions or funds;
(g) how contributions or funds are to be applied;
(h) any other evidence which reflects the organisational structure and functions of the Non-Profit Organisation;
(i) the proposed geographical area(s) of operation of the Non-Profit Organisation;
(j) the financial year of the Non-Profit Organisation.
3. Email application to inquiries@bccar.bz
All successful applications will receive a NPO registration certificate.
REQUIREMENTS FOR FILING AN ANNUAL RETURN FOR A NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION (NPO) IN BELIZE:
As per section 20 (1) all NPO’s must file their annual return by the fourth month following the end of their financial year.
The requirements to file an annual return include:
1. Completed Annual Return Form
2. Supporting documents outline in the annual return form
3. Email form to inquiries@bccar.bz
All successful applications will receive a good standing certificate.
The list of NPO’s registered in Belize can be viewed here.
