Incorporate a non-profit

Incorporate a non-profit

In Alberta, non-profit groups can choose to incorporate under a variety of provincial and federal government acts and become a non-profit organization. Choosing the incorporation act depends on the activities and purpose of the organization and its intended clients.

Incorporation options

The process of incorporation depends on the type of entity that the non-profit organization wants to incorporate. Each type of entity is regulated by a legislative act and has unique forms and fees that must be submitted. Incorporation options available for non-profit organizations are as follows:

Alberta options

Society

The most widely used form of non-profit incorporation is as a society. Incorporation under Alberta's Societies Act is the simplest and least costly way to incorporate. However, organizations incorporated under the Societies Act cannot be engaged in any type of active ongoing business operations, especially if these business operations are significant. If the organization is involved in significant business activities, it is important to consider one of the following alternatives when incorporating.

Non-profit company or Part 9 company

Non-profit organizations that are or will be involved in a business operation of a permanent nature that generates significant revenue (such as a second-hand store or a golf course), should incorporate the organization or the business operated by the organization under the Alberta Companies Act. A second-hand store to raise funds is an example of a business that a not-for-profit organization that might be involved in.

Religious society

Religious organizations can incorporate under Alberta’s Religious Societies Land Act.

Inter-provincial or federal options

Not-for-profit corporation (Federal)

Non-profit organizations that are or will be involved in a business operation of a permanent nature that generates significant revenue that is national in scope and operates in many provinces should consider incorporating under the federal statute called the Canada Not-for Profit Corporations Act (CNCA).

Extra-provincial corporation

Non-profit and profit corporations formed outside Alberta that want to conduct business in Alberta can register as an extra-provincial corporation under the provincial Business Corporation Act which applies to a business or organization that is incorporated under another jurisdiction so it can carry on operations in Alberta. If you extra-provincially register the corporation, you will have only one corporation to look after.  

Other options

• Cooperative – Organizations that operate using cooperative principles can consider incorporating under Alberta’s Cooperative Associations Act.   
• Private Act of the Legislature – Some non-profit organizations are incorporated under a private act which has been tailor-made for a major organization which needs special provincial legislation. 
• Agricultural societies which are regulated by the Agricultural Societies Act
• Public libraries which are regulated by the Libraries Act

Resources

• Non-profit incorporation steps and forms
• Responsibilities for corporations, cooperatives and organizations – Find out about your obligations and responsibilities after you incorporate a corporation, a cooperative or an organization.  
• Incorporation forms for non-profits – Use these forms to incorporate your non-profit.  
• Common Business Number program in Alberta – A federal, 9-digit business number is assigned after forming a corporation or non-profit organization, or registering a business name. 
   

Contact

Connect with us if you have questions or comments for the various non-profit programs and services. See our contact page for details.