Understanding Legal Structures in Non-Profit Organizations
Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia
Publisher: NEYA Global Publishing
Article | NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies
Year: 2025
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5669-1676
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-lg-fr-ens-02
This material forms part of the NEYA Global knowledge architecture. Institutional, organizational, professional, training, consulting, curriculum, program design, or implementation use requires an active license from NEYA Global
Explore Architecture →
Module Overview →
Request Institutional Access →
About the Article
The legal structure of a non-profit organization fundamentally shapes governance, compliance obligations, and sustainability. This article critically examines the primary legal forms—charities, foundations, and associations—and assesses their implications for accountability, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement. It outlines the incorporation process, emphasizes mission clarity and governance documentation, and situates legal frameworks within diverse regulatory contexts, offering leaders actionable guidance for aligning structure with organizational goals and ensuring long-term effectiveness.
Key Topics
- Non-profit legal structures
- Incorporation
- Governance
- Compliance
- Charities
- Foundations
- Associations
Suggested Citation
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Understanding Legal Structures in Non-Profit Organizations. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. Neya Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-lg-fr-ens-02
References
| Anheier, H. K. (2014). Nonprofit organizations: Theory, management, policy (2nd ed.). Routledge. | ||||
| Hansmann, H. (1980). The role of nonprofit enterprise. The Yale Law Journal, 89(5), 835-901. https://doi.org/10.2307/796089 | ||||
| Hopkins, B. R. (2018). Starting and managing a nonprofit organization: A legal guide (7th ed.). Wiley. | ||||
| Salamon, L. M., & Anheier, H. K. (1997). Defining the nonprofit sector: A cross-national analysis. Manchester University Press. | ||||
| Stone, M. M., & Ostrower, F. (2007). Acting in the public interest? Another look at research on nonprofit governance. Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, 36(3), 416-438. https://doi.org/10.1177/0899764006296049 | ||||
| Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Legal Frameworks: Ensuring Compliance and Governance. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/legal-frameworks-2025 | ||||
| Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Public Policy: Power and Influence in Decision-Making. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/public-policy-2025 | ||||
| Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Ethical Decision-Making. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/ethical-decision-making-2025 | ||||
| Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Accountability: Building Trust through Transparency. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/accountability-2025 | ||||
| Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Legal Compliance and Good Governance in Non-Profit Organizations. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-lg-fr-ens-01 | ||||
| Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Regulatory Compliance in Non-Profit Organizations: Foundations for Accountability and Sustainability. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-lg-fr-ens-03 | ||||
| UNDP. (2016). Governance for sustainable development: Integrating governance in the post-2015 development framework. United Nations Development Programme. | ||||
