Reply To: Kia ora We are a small theatre company that works with local community artist and supports communities who aren’t usually able to access the arts. We don’t make any money and run project to project on grants, which have no profit. We need to set up a bank account (so we don’t have to put funding through external partners), and register as a company, but have no idea where to start!Whether a non for profit, a charity, or a trust?And even if we knew this, we have no idea who to ask for advice on how to set up properly.Any advice would be gratefully received!

Morena Laura/Equinox – there are a bunch of things here, lets see if we can unpack a bit –
– first, is it appropriate for these activities to make a profit? Reason why I ask is that, if you are making a profit, it can help you fund more activities, and also replace things you use. Making a profit can be helpful. I appreciate it is not always possible, but building up reserves can certainly enable your activities to do more and have more impact.
– 2nd, ‘structure’ – in these days, there are a few challenges with banks and the AML requirements – the various entity options would include Individual, Company (registered), Trust, Charity, Incorporated Society – I think if you do some googling about the various different options it can help – also, maybe search around for similar organisations who are doing what you are in other towns and find out what structure they have/ and/or ask your local council what structures they would advise or maybe they already work.

I wonder what the community centres legal structures are – maybe see if you can find out.

End result – if you can attract resources, ie funding and maybe even profit, then setting up a legal structure like an incorporated society with a bank account could be a good option – if not, then what many people do is use their own bank accounts and/or share the expenses until there is clarity on the future and what it could be.