According to Matthew Brannelly - strategic advisor from Australia, if you are planning to start a nonprofit or charitable organisation, then you need to consider some questions before you embark on your initial journey.

Who else is out there?

There are literally hundreds of thousands of nonprofit organisations in Australia. Your first step should be to look at whether there is an organisation already doing what you want to says Matthew Brannelly. This way you can see answer questions such as:

Am I doubling up in an area?

Is there high competition for grants?

Could I join/partner with/share resources with an existing organisation?

How will my nonprofit be structured?

If you want to register your nonprofit organisation, you will have to look at how it is structured – either as a company or an incorporated body.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission have compiled a factsheet of information, to help you choose the appropriate structure of your organisation.

Remember, each state has different rules and regulations regarding setting up of a nonprofit organization says Matthew Brannelly. It would be best to check with your respective Office of Consumer and Business Affairs.