Country Overview
Legal forms of philanthropic organizations included in the law: Association, Benefit Corporation, Cooperative, Corporation, Foundation
In Colombia, philanthropic organizations (POs) are called nonprofit organizations with emphasis on their economic characteristics as opposed to for-profit organizations with commercial goals. Additionally, the Constitution guarantees the right to associate for the improvement of various societal causes. Thus, in Colombia, nonprofit organizations and associations are often used interchangeably, while civil society organizations are mainly referred to as POs that focus on human rights, gender, and inequality.
Main social issues addressed by these organizations: Arts and Culture, Basic Needs, Environment, Higher Education, Human Rights
Average time established by law to register a philanthropic organization: 0-30 days
Average cost for registering a philanthropic organization: USD 50
The registration cost for nonprofit organizations varies based on the time of incorporation and the organization’s initial equity. The government determines and regularly revises the registration fee, which was last modified by Decree 1756 of 2020.
Government levels primarily regulating the incorporation of philanthropic organizations: Local Government