How To Register A Charity In Namibia

How To Register A Charity In Namibia

What is Charity?

The practice of charity means the voluntary giving of help to those in need, as a humanitarian act. There are a number of philosophies about charity, often associated with religion. Effective altruism is the use of evidence and reasoning to determine the most effective ways to help others.

How To Register A Charity In Namibia

Procedure to register charity 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 CM3CM4CM44B 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)

How hard is it to start a foundation in Namibia?

Starting a private foundation is much like starting any business, and requires defining your purpose; applying for tax-exempt status, licensing, and filing federal and state tax documents; and defining your organizational structure.

Can I start an NGO without registration in Namibia?

If you want to involve yourself in social service then you can do it without registering an NGO. To register, setup, run and manage NGO is a entrepreneurial task. If you do not want to work by setting up and registering an NGO you can work without forming it.

Do NGO volunteers get paid in Namibia?

Volunteers are individuals who work at NGO out of their own choice or have been deputed at NGO by other organizations. They will be assigned tasks from time to time as deemed necessary by NGO. NGO will have a limited contract with volunteers and will not provide any compensation except under special conditions.

What is needed in Namibia?

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Namibia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

How can I get fund for my Charity in Namibia?

As non-profits, NGOs rely on a variety of sources for funding, including:

  1. membership dues.
  2. private donations.
  3. the sale of goods and services.
  4. grants from other non-profits.
  5. government funding.

How many members are required to form an NGO?

A non-profit company must have at least three incorporators and three directors and may be registered with or without members. A non-profit company is not required to have members.

How much money is needed to start a foundation in Namibia?

There is no size requirement for the creation of a private foundation. However, because there are some costs involved in establishing and operating a private foundation, the traditional guideline has been that a minimum investment of $1-2 million is prudent.

How much does it cost to start a charitable foundation in Namibia?

Many community foundations can set up a fund for $1,000 or less if you give regularly. But it usually takes at least $250,000 in assets to make a private foundation worth the cost.

Does an NGO have to be registered in Namibia?

In principle, an NGO does not have to register itself to perform charitable, welfare or developmental activities. Ideally, due to obligations required of a registered NGO, the registration process itself can lead to the development of systematic thinking and functioning of an NGO’s management.

Do NGOs give salaries in Namibia?

On an average a social worker engaged with an NGO draws about Rs 5000 at the starting of his/her career. However, in most of the cases, one’s salary depends on the size of the organization. In a smaller organization one may have to start at a salary of Rs 3000 to Rs 6000 per month.

What is the difference between NPO and NGO?

Commonly a not-for-profit entity will have both an NPO and a PBO number. The term NPO is also used as a general descriptor to indicate that the entity concerned is not-for-profit, that is, the opposite of a for-profit entity. NGO is another descriptor used to refer to not-for-profit entities.

How long does it take to get NPO certificate in Namibia?

How long does NPO registration take? It would take about two months to process the full registration. Immediately on receipt of the application, an acknowledgement letter is sent to the organisation. After that, a registration certificate follows if the application meets the requirements of the NPO Act

Do charitable foundations pay taxes in Namibia?

Private foundations are exempt from federal income tax because they are charitable or “section 501(c)(3)” organizations. This means that the foundation’s investment earnings, capital gains and certain other types of income are not subject to income tax.

Can you get rich starting a nonprofit in Namibia?

By its very name, a nonprofit company would seem an unlikely source of personal income. You might be surprised to learn you can, in fact, earn decent money by starting and running a nonprofit, all while making a contribution and having a positive impact in the world.


How do I start a foundation with no money in Namibia?

How to start a nonprofit organization: five steps for success

  1. Create your core values.
  2. Research costs and create a budget.
  3. Start fundraising for startup costs.
  4. Incorporate your new nonprofit.
  5. File for a tax-exempt status