Our services
Supporting Charities
Practical legal support for charities and not-for-profits across setup, governance, funding readiness, social enterprise and responsible AI adoption.
Setting up a charity or not-for-profit
Starting a charity, foundation or not-for-profit involves early legal decisions that affect how you operate, govern, register and raise funds. EP Law helps you set up the right structure from the beginning, with clear advice on what’s required and what comes next.
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We help you choose and establish the right legal structure for your organisation, whether that’s a company limited by guarantee, incorporated association, trust or another model. This includes advice on governance, constitutional requirements, board responsibilities and the practical steps needed to get the organisation operating properly.
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We guide you through ACNC registration and ATO endorsement, including DGR eligibility, charity subtype, purpose drafting and the supporting documents required. We help make the process clearer, reduce the risk of delays, and ensure the structure supports future fundraising and funding opportunities.
Governance and constitution updates
As organisations grow, their governing documents need to keep pace with how decisions are made, how responsibilities are shared and what regulators, funders and stakeholders expect. EP Law helps boards and executive teams keep governance clear, current and aligned with purpose.
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We review and update constitutions, rules, trust deeds and other governing documents so they reflect your organisation’s current structure, purpose and decision-making needs. This may include changes to membership, board composition, powers, objects, meeting processes or compliance requirements.
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We help boards and leadership teams understand their obligations and improve the systems that support good governance. This can include reviewing policies, board processes, delegations, conflicts management and compliance obligations, with a focus on practical steps that support better decision-making.
Funding readiness and gift agreements
Major funding opportunities often come with legal, governance and relationship considerations that need to be clear before conversations progress too far. EP Law helps charities prepare for significant gifts, grants and funder relationships with the right documents and structures in place.
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We draft and review gift agreements, grant agreements and major funding arrangements so expectations, obligations and responsibilities are clearly documented. This includes advice on restrictions, reporting, milestones, recognition, governance requirements and risk management.
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We help charities prepare the legal foundations funders often look for before making a significant commitment. This may include reviewing governance, structure, compliance, decision-making processes and supporting documents so the organisation can enter funding conversations with greater confidence.
Social enterprise structuring
Purpose-led and hybrid models often need a structure that can hold both impact and income without creating unnecessary legal or governance issues. EP Law helps organisations choose and refine structures that support their mission, funding pathways and long-term growth.
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We advise on legal structures for social enterprises, trading activities, partnerships and hybrid models where charitable purpose, commercial activity and impact need to work together. This includes helping you understand the benefits, limits and obligations of different structures.
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We help shape legal frameworks that support fundable, investable or partnership-ready opportunities. This can include clarifying how funds will be received and used, how impact will be delivered, and what legal documentation is needed to support stronger conversations with funders or partners.
Legal support for responsible AI adoption across fundraising, operations and program delivery.
AI is already shaping how charities communicate with donors, manage information, deliver programs and support internal operations. EP Law helps charities use AI safely and responsibly, with legal frameworks that protect privacy, confidentiality, stakeholder trust and mission alignment.
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AI strategy and implementation
Advice on adopting AI tools with the right legal safeguards from the start.
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Data, privacy and confidentiality
Support to safeguard donor data, beneficiary information and confidential organisational material.
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Governance, policy and board oversight
Advice on governance frameworks, internal AI policies, directors’ duties and practical risk management.
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Intellectual property and content risks
Advice on ownership, licensing, organisational content and risks associated with generative AI outputs.
A clear path from first conversation to next steps.
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Tell us what you are working towards
Share where your organisation is at, what you are trying to set up or strengthen, and any funding, governance or compliance questions already on your radar.
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Discovery conversation
Explore your current structure, goals, funding opportunities, key risks and what support you may need to move forward with confidence.
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Tailored proposal
Receive a recommended pathway, scope, likely steps and what to expect, based on your organisation’s needs and priorities.
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Setup, structure or support begins
Start building the legal foundations, documents or frameworks needed to support your organisation, strengthen funding readiness and make clearer decisions.
Common legal support questions
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Yes. EP Law can help you work through the right legal structure, prepare for DGR and charity registration, and support ACNC registration and ATO endorsement where appropriate.
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Yes. EP Law supports governance frameworks, constitution updates and compliance reviews for clearer decision-making, accountability and regulatory obligations.
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Yes. EP Law can help with gift agreements, grant-making frameworks, major funding structures, donor circles and funder-ready legal frameworks.
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Yes. EP Law advises on responsible AI adoption, including governance, board oversight, privacy, confidentiality, intellectual property, policy and risk management.
Not sure where your legal need fits?
Use the enquiry form and EP Law can help identify the best next step.