A new, free Constitution Tool helping NSW incorporated associations
1 Sep 2021
Specialising in providing support to not-for-profit organisations, our Not-for-profit Law program knows just how time-consuming and confusing writing constitutions can be. After the success of our tool for Victorian incorporated associations, we are launching our new, free Constitution Tool for NSW-based organisations – designed to help them draft their own constitution.
How our new NSW Constitution Tool works
Our NSW Constitution Tool asks help-seekers a series of questions about how they would like their association to operate – in simple, plain English – then generates a downloadable, customised constitution that their association can edit or vote to adopt. It takes about 20 minutes to complete.
Our free online tool will help incorporated associations create their own constitution that is customised to their association’s needs, and compliant with NSW associations law by:
• educating help-seekers on certain required or recommended clauses and why,
• adding clauses that promote good governance, and
• including clauses for organisations that are eligible for tax exemptions or concessions.
What is a constitution and why is it important?
Incorporated associations in NSW must have a governing document called a ‘constitution’ (or rules) that sets out the roadmap for how the group will operate.
While NSW Fair Trading has a template called ‘model constitution’ which covers the matters required by law, associations often choose to write their own constitution, so that their governing document suits their specific needs.
If an association decides to write their own constitution, it must make sure it meets certain legal requirements.
Find out more
