How to Incorporate an Organization

There are various benefits to incorporation including limited liability to members, permanency, and funding options. The process of incorporating as a society with Alberta (Canada) Corporate Registry is outlined here.

Step 1

Determine and clearly articulate the purpose/objectives of the organization.

Step 2

Select a name. The name must be distinctive, descriptive and include one of the following: Society, Fellowship, Institute, Council, Bureau, Association, Guild, League, Board, Club, Foundation, Committee, Centre. Once a name has been decided on, you will have to obtain an Alberta Name Search Report.

Step 3

Develop the bylaws of the organization. Bylaws are the rules and regulations that set out the way the organization will be managed. Bylaws are also known as the Constitution, Charter, and/or Governing Rules.

Step 4

List the incorporators of the society. The application requires the names and addresses of at least five persons. Each person must sign the application in front of a witness and the witness must sign his/her name.

Step 5

All application forms can be ordered by calling the Corporate Registry Office toll free 310-0000, or in Edmonton at 427-2311, or Calgary 297-3442. They can also picked up at any of the private registry offices, addresses can be found in the phone book. Submit the application along with the Name Search Report, the objects, the bylaws, and a list of incorporators to the Alberta Government Registry. Registry personnel will review the documents and reject or accept them in the name of the Registrar.

Help

The Resource Centre for Voluntary Organizations (RCVO) has publications that will assist you in each step of Incorporating as a Registered Society. The Board Development Book Set - Drafting and Revising Bylaws, is particularly helpful and available for purchase at the RCVO ($6.00 + GST). We are located at Grant MacEwan College, City Centre Campus, 100700-104 Avenue, Room 5-132, phone 497-5616, fax 497-5634 or call toll free in Alberta 888-897-5616 or link to our book sales.