Legalities to consider in research non profit organization?

Question

Hi,

I am about to create a non-profit organization for historical research. This organization will work on the web, through a website and will have several members, researchers who share information with each other. The sole aim of the organization is to promote the research. There is no money involved whatsoever. Before putting up the website of the organization do I need to consider any legal aspects? In other words, have I to go through any paperwork to fill or let the Government know (through some kind of paperwork...) what I am about to do, or I am free to do this since there is no money being involved? Thank you for reading.

Answer 1

If there's no money involved, there's no point in making it a legally recognized organization at all. It's just a group, such as a Yahoo Group. In fact, that might be a good way to form the organization. But you have the right to associate with others any way you choose. The formalities of being registered as a non-profit are exclusively as a way to collect money and give those who donate a receipt for tax benefit. They are designed to prevent people being exploited. No money, no exploitation in government terms.