How to start a non-profit organisation in Singapore

Published Monday 8 June 2026

Table of contents

• What is a non-profit organisation?
• Why register a non-profit in Singapore?
• Can you make money from a non-profit?
• How does a non-profit generate revenue?
• Types of non-profit structures in Singapore
• How to start a non-profit in Singapore
• How much does it cost to start a non-profit in Singapore?
• Ongoing compliance and reporting
• Common mistakes to avoid when starting a non-profit
• FAQs on starting a non-profit in Singapore

Key takeaways

• Non-profits in Singapore can be registered as a Society, Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG), or Charitable Trust, each with different requirements and suited to different missions.
• Registering your non-profit gives you legal standing to enter agreements, raise funds publicly, and apply for charity and Institution of a Public Character (IPC) status for tax benefits.
• The registration process involves choosing a legal structure, registering with the relevant authority, and optionally applying for charity and IPC status through the Commissioner of Charities.
• Startup costs range from SGD 60 for a Society to SGD 300 for a CLG, with total initial expenses typically between SGD 2,000 and SGD 8,000 when you include professional services.

What is a non-profit organisation?

A non-profit organisation is an entity set up to serve a social, charitable, educational, or community purpose rather than to generate profit for its members. Any surplus revenue is reinvested into the organisation's mission instead of being distributed to founders or stakeholders.

In Singapore, non-profits are often referred to as Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs) when they deliver social services. The sector is regulated by the Commissioner of Charities, and non-profits can take several legal forms depending on their size, goals, and governance needs.

Why register a non-profit in Singapore?

Formally registering your non-profit in Singapore gives you a legal identity and unlocks several practical benefits that make it easier to operate and grow.

• Legal standing: your organisation can enter contracts, open bank accounts, and hold property in its own name.
• Public fundraising: registered non-profits can legally solicit donations from the public.
• Donor trust: registration signals legitimacy, which makes individuals and corporations more willing to contribute.
• Tax exemptions: registered charities are exempt from income tax on funds used for charitable purposes.
• Government grants: many Singapore government grants and funding schemes are only available to registered non-profits and charities.

Can you make money from a non-profit?

Yes, a non-profit can earn revenue and even generate a surplus. The key difference from a for-profit business is that all surplus funds must be reinvested into the organisation's mission. No profits can be distributed to members, directors, or founders.

Staff, including founders, can receive reasonable salaries for their work. The critical requirement is that the organisation's income supports its stated charitable or social purpose.

How does a non-profit generate revenue?

Non-profits in Singapore use a mix of revenue streams to fund their operations. Diversifying your income sources helps build financial stability.

• Donations: one-time or recurring contributions from individuals, often collected through online giving platforms or direct appeals. A donation receipt template can help you keep accurate records.
• Government and foundation grants: competitive funding from Singapore government agencies or private foundations for specific programmes or general operations.
• Fundraising events: charity dinners, runs, auctions, and online campaigns that raise funds while building community awareness.
• Programme service fees: charges for workshops, courses, counselling, or other services your organisation provides.
• Corporate sponsorships and partnerships: businesses sponsor events, programmes, or the organisation itself in exchange for visibility and community engagement.

Types of non-profit structures in Singapore

Singapore offers three main legal structures for non-profits. Your choice depends on the scale of your operations, your governance needs, and the type of activities you plan to carry out.

Society

A Society is the most common and straightforward structure for non-profits in Singapore. It is governed by the Societies Act and registered with the Registry of Societies (ROS).

• Best for: clubs, associations, and community groups focused on social, charitable, recreational, or educational purposes.
• Minimum members: 10 persons to form a Society.
• Governance: managed by a management committee elected by members.
• Liability: members may have personal liability unless the constitution limits it.
• Registration authority: Registry of Societies (ROS) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Company limited by guarantee (CLG)

A CLG is a corporate structure registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). It offers limited liability, making it suitable for larger or more complex non-profits.

• Best for: larger non-profits, social enterprises, and organisations that plan to apply for charity or IPC status.
• Minimum members: one member (guarantor) at incorporation.
• Governance: managed by a board of directors, must comply with the Companies Act.
• Liability: members' liability is limited to the guaranteed amount (typically SGD 1).
• Registration authority: ACRA.

Charitable trust

A Charitable Trust is established through a trust deed, where trustees manage assets for a specific charitable purpose. This structure is less common but useful for endowments and asset-based giving.

• Best for: endowments, foundations, and situations where a donor wants to set aside assets for a defined charitable purpose.
• Minimum members: at least two trustees.
• Governance: governed by the terms of the trust deed; trustees have fiduciary duties.
• Flexibility: no formal registration is required to create the trust itself, but registration as a charity is needed for tax-exempt status.

How to start a non-profit in Singapore

Starting a non-profit in Singapore involves a series of steps, from clarifying your mission through to setting up your financial systems. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

1. Define your mission and purpose

Start by clearly articulating what your organisation exists to do. A well-defined mission statement helps you attract supporters, secure funding, and stay focused as you grow. Consider the specific community need you want to address and what makes your approach distinct.

Conduct market research to understand what other non-profits are already doing in your space. This helps you identify gaps and position your organisation to have the greatest impact.

2. Choose the right legal structure

Decide whether a Society, CLG, or Charitable Trust best fits your goals. If you plan to operate at scale, hire staff, or apply for IPC status, a CLG is often the most practical choice. Smaller community groups may find a Society simpler and more cost-effective.

Think about the level of governance and compliance you're prepared to manage. A CLG has stricter reporting requirements than a Society, but it also offers limited liability protection for members.

3. Register your organisation

Once you have chosen your structure, register with the appropriate authority. Societies are registered with the Registry of Societies (ROS), while CLGs are registered with ACRA. You'll also need to choose a name for your organisation that is not already in use.

For a Society, you'll need to submit your constitution, particulars of at least 10 founding members, and details of your management committee. For a CLG, you'll need to prepare a constitution (memorandum and articles of association) and file it with ACRA along with the required documents.

4. Apply for charity status

If your non-profit has exclusively charitable purposes, you can apply for charity registration with the Commissioner of Charities. Charity status provides income tax exemption on funds used for charitable objectives and adds credibility with donors and grant-makers.

The application is submitted through the Charity Portal. You'll need to demonstrate that your organisation's purposes fall within recognised charitable categories: the relief of poverty, the advancement of education, the advancement of religion, or other purposes beneficial to the community.

5. Apply for IPC status (if applicable)

An Institution of a Public Character (IPC) is a registered charity that can issue tax-deductible receipts to donors. Donors to an IPC-approved organisation receive a 250% tax deduction on their donations, which is a powerful incentive for attracting contributions.

IPC status is granted by the Commissioner of Charities and typically requires your organisation to demonstrate strong governance, transparent financial management, and a track record of charitable activities. Not all charities qualify, and IPC status is reviewed periodically.

6. Create a business plan

Even non-profits benefit from a clear business plan. Your plan should outline your mission, target beneficiaries, programmes, revenue model, governance structure, and financial projections for the first three to five years.

A solid plan helps you secure grants, attract board members, and stay financially sustainable. You can use the Xero business plan template to structure your plan and keep your projections organised.

7. Set up governance and your board

Good governance builds trust with donors, regulators, and the community. Appoint a board of directors or management committee with a mix of skills, including financial management, legal, and sector-specific expertise.

Establish clear policies for conflicts of interest, financial oversight, and decision-making. The Code of Governance for Charities and IPCs provides a useful framework to follow, especially if you plan to apply for IPC status.

8. Set up financial management

Sound financial management is essential from day one. You need to track every dollar of income and expenditure, maintain clear records for compliance reporting, and produce financial statements for your board and donors.

Cloud accounting software like Xero can simplify this process. You can automate bank reconciliation, track donations and grants against specific programmes, and generate reports that satisfy both your board and regulatory requirements.

9. Build your presence and start fundraising

With your legal and financial foundations in place, focus on building awareness and raising funds. Create a website that clearly explains your mission, programmes, and how people can contribute. Set up social media channels to reach your target community.

Start with a mix of individual donations, grant applications, and community fundraising events. As your track record grows, you can pursue corporate partnerships and larger institutional grants. Keeping accurate financial records from the start makes grant applications much smoother.

How much does it cost to start a non-profit in Singapore?

The direct registration costs for a non-profit in Singapore are relatively low, but you should budget for additional professional and setup expenses.

• Society registration (ROS): SGD 60.
• CLG registration (ACRA): SGD 300 (includes name reservation and incorporation fees).
• Charity registration: free of charge.
• IPC application: free of charge.

Beyond registration fees, a realistic startup budget is between SGD 2,000 and SGD 8,000. This typically includes costs for professional services such as legal advice on your constitution, accounting setup, website development, and initial marketing materials. If you are setting up a CLG, you may also need a company secretary and registered office address.

Ongoing compliance and reporting

Once your non-profit is up and running, you need to meet several ongoing obligations to maintain your registered status and public trust.

• Annual returns: Societies must file annual returns with the ROS. CLGs must file annual returns with ACRA.
• Annual general meetings: hold an annual general meeting (AGM) within the timeframe specified in your constitution or the Companies Act.
• Charity annual reports: registered charities must submit annual reports to the Commissioner of Charities, including audited financial statements if annual receipts or expenditure exceed SGD 500,000.
• Governance compliance: charities and IPCs should follow the Code of Governance for Charities and IPCs, with disclosure of compliance in annual reports.
• PDPA compliance: ensure your organisation handles personal data in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), especially when collecting donor information.

Common mistakes to avoid when starting a non-profit

Learning from common pitfalls can save you time and keep your non-profit on solid ground from the start.

• Choosing the wrong structure: picking a Society when a CLG would better suit your scale and governance needs can create problems later, especially if you want to apply for IPC status.
• Neglecting financial systems: relying on spreadsheets or manual tracking makes compliance reporting difficult and increases the risk of errors as your organisation grows.
• Weak governance from the start: appointing a board without clear roles, policies, or financial oversight damages donor confidence and can lead to regulatory issues.
• Underestimating compliance requirements: failing to file annual returns, hold AGMs, or submit charity reports on time can result in penalties or deregistration.
• Not diversifying revenue: relying on a single funding source puts your organisation at risk if that source dries up. Build multiple revenue streams early.

Manage your non-profit finances with Xero

Running a non-profit means every dollar counts, and transparent financial management builds trust with donors, board members, and regulators. Xero's cloud accounting software helps you automate bank reconciliation, track donations and expenses in real time, and generate the reports you need for compliance and board meetings.

Whether you're just getting started or scaling your operations, Xero gives you a clear view of your finances so you can focus on your mission. Set up your non-profit accounting with confidence and Get one month free.

FAQs on starting a non-profit in Singapore

Here are some frequently asked questions about starting a non-profit in Singapore.

Can I run a non-profit in Singapore without registering?

You can operate an informal community group without registration, but you won't be able to open a bank account in the organisation's name, solicit public donations, or apply for grants and tax-exempt status. Registration is strongly recommended if you plan to fundraise or enter into legal agreements.

How long does it take to register a non-profit in Singapore?

Registering a Society with the ROS typically takes two to three months. Incorporating a CLG with ACRA can be completed within one to two days if all documents are in order. Charity registration with the Commissioner of Charities usually takes two to four months.

Can foreigners start a non-profit in Singapore?

Yes, foreigners can be founding members and serve on the board of a non-profit in Singapore. However, at least one governing board member of a registered charity should be a Singapore citizen or permanent resident. For a CLG, the company secretary must be a local resident.

Do I need 10 members to start a non-profit in Singapore?

Only if you are registering a Society, which requires a minimum of 10 founding members. A CLG can be formed with just one member (guarantor), and a Charitable Trust requires at least two trustees. The right structure depends on your situation.

What is IPC status and do I need it?

IPC stands for Institution of a Public Character. It is a status granted to registered charities that allows them to issue tax-deductible receipts to donors. While IPC status is not mandatory, it makes your organisation significantly more attractive to donors because they receive a 250% tax deduction on their contributions.