Associations & NGOs
Associations and NGOs (Nonprofits) have distinct legal requirements in Israel. An “amutah” (association) or other nonprofit organization must be established and managed according to specific laws and regulations. Nonprofits exist to serve a public or community purpose rather than make profits, and because of that, they face different rules around finances, governance, and reporting. Our role is to help such organizations navigate the legal process so they can focus on their mission.
For example, if a group of people wants to start a charity or community organization, they would typically form an amutah (registered nonprofit association). This requires creating a charter (bylaws) that outlines the organization’s purpose and how it will operate, and registering it with the Registrar of Associations. Once established, the NGO has ongoing obligations: it must hold meetings, file annual financial reports, and ensure it uses funds appropriately according to its goals. We often see clients who are passionate about a cause but unfamiliar with these legal and administrative steps.
Our services: We assist in both the formation and the ongoing legal support of associations and nonprofit organizations. For new NGOs, we guide you through drafting the association’s founding documents (like the bylaws and objectives) and handling the registration process. We advise on structuring the organization’s leadership (board members, auditors, etc.) in line with legal requirements. For existing nonprofits, we provide counsel on day-to-day governance issues, such as proper record-keeping, amending bylaws when needed, handling donations and grants legally, and maintaining compliance to receive statuses like “proper management” certification.
How we support nonprofits:
- Guiding the establishment of a new amutah or public benefit company, including drafting the charter (תקנון) and registering it with the Registrar of Associations.
- Advising on legal governance structures: helping define roles for the board, general assembly, and other officers to meet statutory requirements.
- Ensuring regulatory compliance: assisting with annual reports, financial statements, and obtaining certifications (e.g., אישור ניהול תקין) so the NGO remains in good standing.
- Drafting and reviewing agreements related to the NGO’s activities (such as partnership agreements with other organizations, grant agreements, or volunteer agreements).
- Providing ongoing legal counsel for any issues that arise, from internal disputes within the organization to interactions with regulators or donors.
Our goal is to handle the legal complexities of running a non-profit so that you can focus on advancing your cause. We speak the language of both law and social initiative– bridging the gap between passionate volunteer work and formal legal compliance. With our help, your association or NGO can operate smoothly, transparently, and effectively within the law.