Country Overview
Legal forms of philanthropic organizations included in the law: Association, Corporation, Foundation, Trade Association, Professional Association, Labor Union
Main social issues addressed by these organizations: Arts and Culture, Early Childhood Education through High School, Housing and Economic Development, Sports and Recreation
Average time established by law to register a philanthropic organization: 31-60 days
Average cost for registering a philanthropic organization: USD 50
The reform of Law 20.500 came into force in 2011 and with it, an improvement in the time and costs to acquire legal personality: the regulatory requirements do not depend on an authority to give the concession (as it was before). The registration process is clear, albeit with some bureaucratic barriers, minor legal fees and time constraints that can become limited obstacles. Civil Society Organizations (CSO) must submit and register their Acts and bylaws in their municipality and subsequently register in the Civil Registry Service, with minor differences between corporations and foundations. The bylaws of an association must determine the rights and responsibilities of its members, the incorporation conditions and the means and motives for exclusion. The bylaws of a foundation must define the assets contributed by the founder to its equity, as well as the basic rules for the use of resources in compliance with the foundation’s purposes, and for the determination of its beneficiaries.
Government levels primarily regulating the incorporation of philanthropic organizations: Local Government