Registering An Ngo: Navigating The Process In Belize

Belize is home to a variety of NGOs, from the Belize Audubon Society to the Holy Cross Education Foundation. If you're interested in starting an NGO in Belize, there are a few key steps you need to take. First, it's important to understand the definition of an NGO in Belize and the specific requirements for registration. According to the Non-Governmental Organisations Act, Chapter 315 of the Laws of Belize, an NGO is a legal entity formed as a company limited by guarantee, with aims and objectives consistent with the principles of the Belize Constitution and international human rights treaties. To register, you'll need a proposed name, address, and details of directors and members, as well as financial statements and information on grants. The entire process can take 6-8 weeks, and there are associated fees and legal requirements to keep in mind.

Proposed name, address, and directors' details

When registering an NGO in Belize, you must submit the proposed name and address of the organisation, as well as the names, addresses, and occupations of each director and member.

The name of your NGO must be unique and memorable, while also encompassing the organisation's mission. For example, if your NGO aims to provide access to clean water, you might choose a name that communicates this purpose.

The address you provide should be the registered address of the NGO. This address will be used for official correspondence and should be a location where official documents can be reliably sent and received.

For each director and member, you will need to provide their full name, residential address, and occupation or position within the organisation. It is also beneficial to include a brief biography or resume for each director, outlining their relevant experience and expertise. This information will help demonstrate the capabilities and credibility of your team.

In addition to the above, you will also need to submit the following:

• A clear mission statement
• A detailed description of the NGO's aims, objects, and purposes
• The organisation's structure, including how directors are elected and their duties, powers, and terms of office
• Projected financial statements
• Information on grants and grantors

Mission statement and purpose

When registering an NGO in Belize, it is important to have a clear mission statement and purpose. This is a crucial part of the registration process and will be assessed by the government.

A mission statement should clearly articulate the purpose and objectives of the NGO, outlining its aims and how it intends to achieve them. It should be a concise and focused paragraph that sums up the core values and goals of the organisation. For example, an NGO focused on wildlife conservation in Belize might have a mission statement that reads:

"Our mission is to protect and conserve Belize's rich biodiversity, specifically targeting the rehabilitation and preservation of endangered species and their natural habitats. We aim to achieve this through research, education, and community engagement, working collaboratively with local communities and stakeholders to ensure the long-term survival of Belize's unique wildlife."

This statement clearly communicates the purpose of the organisation, its target area (wildlife conservation), and the methods it will employ to achieve its goals. It also highlights the importance of collaboration with local communities, which is essential for sustainable development.

The mission statement should be supported by a more detailed description of the NGO's purpose, outlining the specific activities it intends to carry out. This might include:

• Environmental education programmes for local communities, focusing on the importance of conservation and sustainable practices.
• Research initiatives to study and monitor endangered species, their habitats, and the threats they face.
• Habitat restoration projects to improve and protect critical ecosystems for endangered species.
• Community engagement activities to involve local stakeholders in conservation efforts and promote sustainable practices.
• Collaboration with other conservation organisations to share resources, knowledge, and best practices.

By providing a clear and detailed description of the NGO's mission and purpose, you can effectively communicate the organisation's goals and strategies to stakeholders, potential donors, and the wider community. This transparency is essential for building trust and securing the support needed to carry out your mission successfully.

Organisation structure

To register an NGO in Belize, you must submit an application form with supporting documentation to the Registrar. One of the requirements for this is to provide the organisational structure of the NGO. Here is some information on how to structure your NGO:

The organisational structure of an NGO should outline how its directors are elected, as well as their duties, powers, and terms of office.

The first step in structuring your NGO is to recruit a Board of Directors. This board will be responsible for the success of the NGO's purpose and will be legally accountable for its actions. The board should consist of members with a range of skills and expertise relevant to the NGO's mission.

The next step is to develop the by-laws, which serve as the operational manual for the NGO. These by-laws should be prepared by the Board of Directors and should outline the rules that govern the internal management of the organisation. They should cover areas such as the election and duties of directors, accounting and management procedures, and the programs the organisation plans to carry out.

It is also important to outline the reporting structure within the NGO. This includes specifying who the directors report to, as well as any committees or working groups that will be involved in decision-making.

Additionally, the NGO should have clear policies and procedures in place, particularly regarding compliance with relevant laws and regulations, such as anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing requirements.

Finally, the organisational structure should also include information on any partnerships or collaborations the NGO plans to have with other organisations, and how these will be managed.

Financial statements

To register an NGO in Belize, you will need to provide projected financial statements. This should include details of grants and grantors for the start-up year and upcoming year.

Once your NGO is up and running, you will need to issue annual financial statements that provide detailed breakdowns of income and expenditure. These must be certified by an auditor appointed yearly by the Board of Directors.

You will also need to keep records of domestic and international transactions for at least five years. These records must be made available to the relevant authorities upon request.

Additionally, you must report any suspicious transactions where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that they are related to money laundering or terrorist activity financing. This includes reporting any property in your possession or control that is owned or controlled by a terrorist or terrorist group.

Grants and grantors

When registering an NGO in Belize, you will need to provide information on grants or grantors for your proposed NGO. This includes details of any funding opportunities that your NGO may benefit from, such as grants for education, health, or youth projects, as well as grants for nonprofit startups or organisations supporting orphans, poultry farming, or religious institutions.

Grants are a crucial source of funding for NGOs, enabling them to pursue their missions and achieve their goals. They can be provided by various entities, including governments, private foundations, corporations, or individuals. Some grants may be specifically earmarked for NGOs operating in particular sectors or fields, such as education or health, while others might be designated for NGOs working in a specific geographic region, like Africa or Asia.

When applying for grants, it is essential to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements, as these can vary significantly among grantors. Some common requirements may include providing a detailed project proposal, a clear budget, and a description of how the grant funds will be utilised to achieve the stated objectives. It is also beneficial to demonstrate a strong track record of impact and effective financial management within your NGO.

Grantors for NGOs in Belize could include local or national government bodies, international organisations, or private foundations with an interest in supporting sustainable human development in the region. It is worth noting that some grantors may have specific application deadlines or funding cycles, so staying informed about these timelines is crucial. Additionally, some grantors might offer ongoing or rolling application processes, allowing NGOs to apply at any time.

To increase your chances of securing grants, it is advisable to thoroughly research potential grantors to identify those whose funding priorities align with your NGO's mission and activities. Building relationships with grantors and demonstrating the impact of your work can also enhance your prospects of obtaining funding. Furthermore, exploring a diverse range of funding opportunities, including those from international grantors or through crowdfunding platforms, can broaden your NGO's financial support.

Frequently asked questions