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Working with other organisations

We explain some of the different ways that organisations can work together, from informal collaborations to amalgamations or mergers.

Content last updated 14/11/2023

Working with others

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Introduction

Not-for-profit organisations often work with other organisations when limited resources, funding or tender requirements drive a need to pool resources and expertise or strategically align to access tax concessions. 

The ability to work co-operatively and collaboratively is one of the great strengths of the community sector. However, while much great work can be achieved when community organisations join forces, the legal landscape is increasingly complicated, and choosing and implementing an appropriate arrangement for your plans can be a challenging process. 

There are many ways that organisations can work together, with different levels of formality, costs, and risks involved.  

Planning ahead can set and document the expectations of all parties and help to manage risks and potential costs. 

Our comprehensive guide to working with other organisations sets out: 

  • considerations when thinking about working with another organisation 
  • the different arrangements that organisations can use to work together - from informal memorandums of associations through to full mergers 
  • what's involved in the due diligence process, and 
  • legal issues that can arise when working with other organisations (such as governance, tax and charity status, real property and intellectual property, people and safety and privacy) 
Working with other organisations
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We’ve also developed a checklist to help your organisation work through the issues outlined in our guide.  

Checklist - Working with other organisations
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The content on this webpage was last updated in November 2023 and is not legal advice. See full disclaimer and copyright notice.


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