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Societies Act - Faqs
What is a non-profit or society?
Societies Act - FaqsWhat is a non-profit or society?
The word society is used in BC to mean non-profit organization (NPO). Societies are governed by a law called the Societies Act. The Societies Act sets out the rules and procedures for incorporating, managing, and dissolving a society in British Columbia.
Societies Act - Faqs
Why incorporate a non-profit?
Societies Act - FaqsWhy incorporate a non-profit?
Incorporation as a non-profit gives it legal status separate from its members. This legal status means the non-profit can do things in its own name, such as borrow money. It also means the non-profit, rather than the individuals, is liable for any debt.
Recordkeeping - Fact sheetsFinancial Records
This Fact Sheet provides information about the legal rules non-profits must follow for keeping official records about its finances. Non-profits must keep and store certain financial records. Section 20 of the Societies Act requires non-p
Societies Act - Fact sheetsPractical Tips
This Fact Sheet provides some practical tips for non-profits for setting up a non-profit.Applying for Incorporation as a Non-ProfitTo apply for incorporation as a non-profit, you will need:
Societies Act - Fact sheetsMembership
This Fact Sheet provides information about the membership in a non-profit in British Columbia i.e., who are the members of the non-profit and why are they the members? Definition
Societies Act - Faqs
Do you need a constitution and bylaws to incorporate a non-profit?
Societies Act - FaqsDo you need a constitution and bylaws to incorporate a non-profit?
Yes. The constitution (name and purposes) and bylaws (rules for governing) are the foundational documents for incorporating a non-profit.
Societies Act - Faqs
What purpose does a non-profit serve?
Societies Act - FaqsWhat purpose does a non-profit serve?
Societies may be set up for a wide range of purposes, such as daycare, recreation or arts, sports, and social clubs. A non-profit’s purpose cannot be to make money, but the non-profit can operate a business to support its purposes. For example, a seniors’ network might operate a thrift shop (a business), but all the proceeds go toward providing services and programming for seniors (the non-profit’s purpose).