Country Overview
Legal forms of philanthropic organizations included in the law: Cooperative, Limited Liability Company, Trust
Main social issues addressed by these organizations: Arts and Culture, Basic Needs, Health and Medical Research, Higher Education, Human Rights
Average time established by law to register a philanthropic organization: More than 90 days
Trusts can be registered within 60 days.
Average cost for registering a philanthropic organization: USD 500
It is difficult to determine the cost for registering a philanthropic organization (PO). The cost includes fees determined by the lawyers providing assistance, placement of an advert in a newspaper and printing of the required documents, and the cost of these services can vary. Otherwise, no fee is paid to official authorities.
Most of the POs in Zimbabwe are registered as trusts that have their own constitution that guides their affairs. Overall, it is cumbersome to be registered under the PVO Act and the requirements are onerous. There is no law that determines how associations or foundations are registered. Even though associations and foundations technically fall under the purview of the PVO Act, most of them are registered as trusts.
POs are required to register for The Private Voluntary Organization Board, which meets twice a year. Lately, the Board did not organize any meetings due to unavailability of funds.
Government levels primarily regulating the incorporation of philanthropic organizations: State Government