Choice of Entity Considerations for Charitable Organizations

This article discusses choice of entity issues related to the formation, operation and governance of nonprofit organizations, highlighting the distinctions between charitable organizations formed as charitable trusts and charitable organizations formed as nonprofit corporations. In determining the legal structure for a new nonprofit entity, considerations that need to be taken into account include: (1) ease/speed of formation; (2) limitation of liability for members and directors; (3) financial resources; (4) type and scale of activities to be conducted; (5) governance requirements; (6) capacity to own property and contract; (6) capacity to sue and be sued; (7) liabilities to third parties; (8) permanence of the organization; and (9) ease of dissolution.

Choice of Entity Considerations for Charitable Organizations Academic Article