Register a Non-Profit Online in Alberta
To register a non-profit in Alberta you incorporate it first, as an Alberta society, an Alberta non-profit company or a federal not-for-profit, and only then can it apply to the Canada Revenue Agency for registered charity status. This page compares the five options with the price for each, so you can start the right one today.
Alberta Non-Profit Organization Registration Made Simple With ACS
ACS is a private company. Our CORES-trained agents prepare your filing and submit it through a licensed Alberta registry agent; we are not a government office or a registry agent. An Alberta society needs five or more people, a purpose that is social, recreational, cultural or charitable, and an Alberta NUANS report less than 91 days old for a name that ends in a legal element such as Society, Association, Club or Foundation. It cannot carry on a trade or business, and it cannot pay dividends or distribute property to members.
A non-profit company under Part 9 of the Companies Act is the alternative for a non-profit that operates more like a business, and a federal not-for-profit is incorporated with Corporations Canada and then registered extra-provincially in Alberta. A trained person checks every package before filing, and complete Alberta orders received before 3:00 pm MT are filed the same business day. This hub is part of our online business registration in Alberta catalogue.
Ways to register a non-profit in Alberta, compared
| Option | Best for | People needed | Price | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta society | Clubs, community, cultural and charitable groups that will not run a business | 5 or more | From $1,619 + GST | Same business day |
| Alberta non-profit company | Non-profits that operate more like a business (Companies Act, Part 9) | From $1,619 + GST | Same business day | |
| Federal not-for-profit | Organizations incorporating with Corporations Canada, then registering in Alberta | From $1,619 + GST | ||
| Alberta registered charity (CRA) | An existing Alberta society or non-profit company seeking charity status | An existing organization | No government fee; from $1,619 + GST | |
| Federal registered charity (CRA) | An existing federal not-for-profit seeking charity status | An existing organization | From $1,619 + GST |
Alberta non-profit organizations
Alberta Society
Incorporate an Alberta society →For five or more people with a social, recreational, cultural or charitable purpose and no plan to trade; filed with bylaws, Notice of Address and Notice of Directors. From $1,619 + GST.
Alberta Non-Profit Company
Form an Alberta non-profit company →For a non-profit that will operate more like a business, incorporated under Part 9 of the Companies Act. From $1,619 + GST.
Federal not-for-profit corporations
Federal Not-for-Profit
For organizations that want a federal not-for-profit in Alberta: incorporated under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act, then registered extra-provincially here. From $1,619 + GST. Start a federal not-for-profit
Charity status with the CRA
Alberta Registered Charity
Apply for charity status →For an existing Alberta society or non-profit company ready to start a charity in Alberta through a CRA application. No government fee; from $1,619 + GST.
Federal Registered Charity
Apply as a federal charity →For an existing federal not-for-profit applying to the CRA for registered charity status. From $1,619 + GST.
Not sure which one?
- If five or more of you are forming a club, team, cultural or community group that will not trade, incorporate an Alberta society.
- If the organization will run services or sales to fund its purpose, consider a non-profit company; Alberta society vs non-profit company is a question worth a short legal consult.
- If you want to incorporate with Corporations Canada, start a federal not-for-profit and register it in Alberta before operating here.
- If you want to issue donation receipts, incorporate first, then apply to the CRA for registered charity status.
- If your group plans to make and share profit, it is a business, not a non-profit; see register a company in Alberta.
- Still unsure? Call (403) XXX-XXXX and we will talk it through.
FAQs
What is the difference between a society and a non-profit company in Alberta?
A society is incorporated under the Societies Act by five or more people for social, recreational, cultural or charitable purposes, and it cannot carry on a trade or business. A non-profit company is incorporated under Part 9 of the Companies Act and suits a non-profit that operates more like a business; get legal advice on which fits your plans.
Is a non-profit the same as a registered charity?
No. Incorporating a society, non-profit company or federal not-for-profit is a registry filing that creates the organization. Registered charity status is granted separately by the Canada Revenue Agency after the organization exists, through a CRA application rather than a registry filing.
How many people do I need to start a society in Alberta?
Five or more people are needed to incorporate an Alberta society. The society also needs a name with a distinctive, descriptive and legal element, such as Society, Association, Club or Foundation, supported by an Alberta NUANS report less than 91 days old.
Can a non-profit pay its directors or staff?
A non-profit cannot pay dividends or distribute its property to members, and an Alberta society cannot carry on a trade or business. Paying staff a wage for their work is different from distributing profit, but whether directors may be paid depends on your bylaws and, for charities, CRA rules, so check both and ask your advisor before paying a director.
Start your Alberta non-profit now: choose an option above and see the total price before you begin. Questions? Call (403) XXX-XXXX (Mon–Fri 8:00–6:00 MT).