Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697645153485.pdf (Belize)
Non-Profit Organisations BELIZE: NON-PROFIT ORGANISATIONS ACT, 2023 ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS PART I Preliminary 1.

Short title.

2.

Interpretation.

PART II Registration Requirements 3.

The NPO Registrar and the Deputy NPO Registrar.

3A.

Powers and functions of NPO Registrar.

4.

Register.

5.

Disclosure of information by a public authority.

6.

Application for registration.

7.

NPOs existing prior to Act.

8.

Refusal to register NPO.

9.

Publication of names in the Gazette.

10.


On-site inspection of NPO.

11.

Measures imposed on breach of obligations.

12.

Cancellation or suspension of registration.

13.

Inquiry by Registrar.

14.

Additional powers of NPO Registrar.

15.

Offences for false or misleading information, etc.

Non-Profit Organisations PART III Accounts, Records, Reporting, etc.

16.

Accounting and administrative procedures.

17.

Threshold of donation to NPO.

18.

Auditing of accounts.

19.


Duty of auditor to report.

20.

Annual Report.

PART IV Miscellaneous 21.

Administrative penalties.

22.

Notice prior to imposing an administrative penalty.

23.

Legal proceedings.

24.

Exemption from registration.

25.

Regulations.

26.

Authority of Commission under other laws.

27.

Exercise of powers.

28.

Transitional.

29.

Consequential amendment.

30.

No limitation on religious freedom.

SCHEDULE I SCHEDULE II SCHEDULE III SCHEDULE IV SCHEDULE V No.
14] Non-Profit Organisations 267 No.

14 of 2023 I assent, (H.E.

DAME FROYLA TZALAM) Governor-General 12th May 2023 AN ACT to provide for the regulation of Non-Profit Organisations; to protect Non-Profit Organisations from terrorist financing abuse; to satisfy the requirements of the Financial Action Task Force Recommendations with respect to laws regarding combating the financing of terrorism; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

(Gazetted 13th May, 2023).


BE IT ENACTED, by and with the advice and consent of the House of Representatives and Senate of Belize and by the authority of the same, as follows: PART I Preliminary 1.

This Act may be cited as the Short title.

NON-PROFIT ORGANISATIONS ACT, 2023.

268 Non-Profit Organisations [No.

14 Interpretation.

2.
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires– “controller” means a person who owns, controls, manages or directs a Non-Profit Organisation and includes– (a) a trustee of a trust, where the Non-Profit Organisation is established as a trust; (b) a director of a company, where the Non-Profit Organisation is established as a company; (c) a general partner of a partnership, where the Non- Profit Organisation is established as a partnership; (d) a person responsible for the management and administration of an unincorporated body, where the Non-Profit Organisation is established as an unincorporated body; (e) a person not specified in paragraphs (a) to (d) where the Non-Profit Organisation is established, controlled or managed by that person; “Deputy NPO Registrar” means the Deputy Registrar of Non-Profit Organisations appointed under section 3(2); “Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit” means the person appointed under section 4(1) of the Financial Intelligence Unit Act; Act No.
8 of 2023.

“Director General of the Financial Services Commission” means the person appointed under section 7 of the Financial Services Commission Act; CAP.

138:02.

“Financial Intelligence Unit” means the Financial Intelligence Unit of Belize established under section 3 of the Financial Intelligence Unit Act; No.
14] Non-Profit Organisations 269 “Financial Services Commission” or “Commission” means the Financial Services Commission established under the Financial Services Commission Act; “financial year” means the period used by any Non-Profit Organisation registered pursuant to this Act to estimate its annual revenue and expenditure; “funds” has the meaning assigned to it in the Money Laundering and Terrorism (Prevention) Act; CAP.

104.
104.

“General Fund” means the fund established under section 19 of the Financial Services Commission Act; “Minister” means the Minister responsible for Non-Profit Organisation; Act No.

8 of 2023.

“National Anti-Money Laundering Committee” has the meaning assigned to it in the Money Laundering and Terrorism (Prevention) Act; CAP.

104.

“Non-Governmental Organisation” has the meaning assigned to it in the Non-Governmental Organisations Act; CAP.

315.
“Non-Profit Organisation or NPO” means a company or body of persons, whether incorporated or unincorporated, or a trust or other legal arrangement established or which identifies itself as established primarily for the promotion of charitable, philanthropic, religious, cultural, educational, social or fraternal purposes, or other activities or programmes for the benefit of the public or a section of the public within Belize or elsewhere, and which raises or disburses funds within Belize or elsewhere, for that purpose or object; “property” has the meaning assigned to it in the Money Laundering and Terrorism (Prevention) Act; CAP.
104.

“NPO Registrar” means the Registrar of Non-Profit organisations appointed under section 3(1); 270 CAP.

104.

CAP.

104.

Non-Profit Organisations [No.

14 “terrorist” has the meaning assigned to it in the Money Laundering and Terrorism (Prevention) Act; “terrorist organisation” has the meaning assigned to it in the Money Laundering and Terrorism (Prevention) Act.

PART II Registration Requirements The NPO Registrar and Deputy NPO Registrar.
3.–(1) The Director General of the Financial Services Commission shall be the Registrar of Non-Profit Organisations for purposes of this Act.

(2) The NPO Registrar may, with the approval of the Commission, appoint a fit, suitably qualified and proper person to be the Deputy Registrar of Non-Profit Organizations to assist with the execution of functions and responsibilities of the NPO Registrar.
(3) The NPO Registrar may, with the approval of the Commission, appoint one or more persons to be Assistant NPO Registrars to assist with the execution of functions and responsibilities of the NPO Registrar or the Deputy NPO Registrar as the case may be.

(4) The NPO Registrar may have staff as may enable the full and effectual discharge of his duties as provided under this Act.
(5) The NPO Registrar may, by instrument in writing, delegate any of his duties under this Act to the Deputy NPO Registrar appointed under sub-section (2).

(6) Pursuant to a delegation under sub-section (5), the Deputy NPO Registrar shall have the relevant powers under this Act to perform such duties as specified in the instrument of delegation.

No.
No.

14] Non-Profit Organisations 271 (7) A delegation under sub-section (5) is revocable by the NPO Registrar and the delegation of the exercise of a power or the performance of a function shall not preclude its exercise or performance by the NPO Registrar.

(8) No liability attaches to the NPO Registrar or any person acting under the authority of the NPO Registrar for any act done in good faith in the discharge of his functions under this Act.

3A.
3A.

-(1) The powers of the NPO Registrar shall include but not be limited to– Powers and functions of the NPO Registrar.

(a) establishing a committee for the purposes of collaboration under sub-section (4)(d); or (b) setting fees for the application for registration as an NPO.
(2) A committee established in accordance with sub- section 1(a) shall include such members as determined by the NPO Registrar in consultation with the National Anti- Money Laundering Committee, including but not limited to, representatives of the non-profit sector.

(3) A committee established in accordance with sub- section 1(a) shall determine its own procedures.
(4) The functions of the NPO Registrar shall include but not be limited to– (a) implementing a money laundering and terrorist financing risk-based supervisory or monitoring programme for Non-Profit Organisations; (b) establishing, in consultation with the National Anti-Money Laundering Committee, the criteria to be used for determining the money 272 Non-Profit Organisations [No.
14 laundering or terrorist financing risk profiles of Non-Profit Organisations, in order to facilitate risk-based supervision; (c) informing the Non-Profit Organisations sector of the criteria established pursuant to paragraph (b); (d) coordinating collaboration between the Non- Profit Organisations sector, governmental entities and other stakeholders in developing and refining best practices to address terrorist financing risk to, and vulnerabilities of, Non- Profit Organisations; and (e) promoting and undertaking outreach and educational programmes to raise and deepen awareness among Non-Profit Organisations and the wider public about the potential vulnerabilities of Non-Profit Organisations to terrorist financing abuse and terrorist financing risks, and the measures that Non-Profit Organisations can take to protect themselves against such abuse.
Register.

4.–(1) A register of Non-Profit Organisations shall be established and maintained by the NPO Registrar.

(2) The register shall include the following information with respect to each Non-Profit Organisation– (a) its name, address in Belize, telephone number and e-mail address, if any; (b) its purposes and activities; (c) the identity of every person who owns, controls or directs the Non-Profit Organisation; No.
14] Non-Profit Organisations 273 (d) the date of its registration under this Act and if applicable, the date on which its registration was cancelled; and (e) such other information as the NPO Registrar considers appropriate.

(3) The register shall be open for public inspection, on such terms as the NPO Registrar thinks fit.
(4) Any information received, pursuant to the provisions of this Act, on the affairs of a Non-Profit Organisation, other than information contained in the register, shall not be disclosed.
(5) Sub-section (4) shall not apply to a disclosure– (a) lawfully required or permitted by any court of competent jurisdiction within Belize; (b) for the purpose of assisting the NPO Registrar to exercise any functions conferred on the NPO Registrar by this Act, or by any other enactment; (c) in respect of the affairs of a Non-Profit Organisation with the voluntary consent of the Non-Profit Organisation; (d) if the information disclosed is or has been available to the public from any other source; (e) where the information disclosed is in a summary or in statistics expressed in a manner that does not enable the identity of a Non-Profit Organisation, its controllers, its officers, its personnel or its donors to be ascertained; or (f) lawfully made– 274 Non-Profit Organisations [No.
14 (i) to the Financial Intelligence Unit, Director of Public Prosecutions, a law enforcement agency or other competent authority in Belize, with a view to facilitating the conduct of an inquiry or criminal proceedings; or (ii) pursuant to the Money Laundering and Terrorism (Prevention) Act, or any other enactment in which a contravention may constitute wrongdoing on the part of the Non-Profit Organisation.

CAP.

104.
CAP.

104.

(6) Subject to sub-sections (4) and (5), a person who discloses information received on the affairs of a Non-Profit Organisation while acting in the course of that person’s duties or in the exercise of that person’s functions under this Act or any other enactment, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of three thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of one year or to both.

Disclosure of information by a public authority.


5.–(1) A public authority may disclose information to the NPO Registrar if the disclosure is made for the purpose of enabling or assisting the NPO Registrar to discharge any of his functions under this Act.
(2) In this section “public authority” includes– (a) any Ministry or government department; (b) any local authority; (c) any law enforcement agency; (d) any competent authority; and (e) any other body or person discharging functions of a public nature (including a body or person No.

14] Non-Profit Organisations 275 discharging regulatory functions in relation to any description of activities).
6.–(1) An application for registration as a Non-Profit Organisation shall be made to the NPO Registrar in the form prescribed in Schedule I by a controller of the Non- Profit Organisation and contain the information prescribed in Schedule II.

Application for registration.

Schedule I.

Schedule II.

Schedule III.

Schedule IV.

(2) An application under sub-section (1) shall be accompanied by a copy of valid photo identification of the controller making the application together with the prescribed fee.
(3) Where the NPO Registrar is satisfied that the requirements of this Act have been met, the NPO Registrar shall issue to the Non-Profit Organisation a Certificate of Registration in the form prescribed in Schedule III, upon payment of the prescribed fee and enter the Non-Profit Organisation on the Register of Non-Profit Organisations.
(4) It shall be the duty of a controller of a Non-Profit Organisation to ensure that the NPO Registrar is notified, in the form prescribed in Schedule IV, of any change in its purposes and activities, constitutional documents or any of the particulars entered in the register within thirty days of such change.
(5) Where a Non-Profit Organisation has ceased to operate or exist, the person who was a controller at the time of the operation of the Non-Profit Organisation shall notify the NPO Registrar within 30 days of the cessation of the operation or non-existence of the Non-Profit Organisation.

(6) All fees due and payable under this Act shall be paid into the General Fund established under section 19 of the Financial Services Commission Act.
(7) Subject to section 7, a Non-Profit Organisation shall not– 276 Non-Profit Organisations [No.

14 (a) solicit contributions or cause contributions to be solicited; or (b) raise funds or cause funds to be raised, from the public, or any section of the public, within Belize or elsewhere, unless the Non-Profit Organisation is registered under this Act, or during any period within which the registration of the Non-Profit Organisation has been suspended under section 12.
7.–(1) Subject to sub-section (2), a Non-Profit Organisation, including a Non-Governmental Organisation not yet registered as a reporting entity in accordance with section 85B of the Money Laundering and Terrorism (Prevention) Act, which was in operation immediately before the date of commencement of this Act, may continue to carry out its activities without registration under this Act for a period of three months or such longer period as the Minister may by Order, on the recommendation of the Commission, determine, provided that the extension does not exceed twelve months.
(2) A Non-Profit Organisation under sub-section (1) shall, before the expiration of the period referred to in sub-section (1) or any extension of that period, as the case may be, apply to be registered as a Non-Profit Organisation under this Act.
(3) A Non-Governmental Organisation which was registered as a reporting entity in accordance with section 85B of the Money Laundering and Terrorism (Prevention) Act, is, on the commencement of this Act, deemed to be duly registered as a Non-Profit Organisation under this Act.
(4) A Non-Profit Organisation which was registered as a reporting entity in accordance with section 85B of the Money Laundering and Terrorism (Prevention) Act is, on the commencement of this Act, deemed to be duly registered as a Non-Profit Organisation under this Act.

NPOs existing prior to Act.

CAP.

104.

CAP.

104.

No.

14] Non-Profit Organisations 277 CAP.

104.

CAP 138:02.
104.

CAP 138:02.

(5) Subject to sub-section (6), within three months of the commencement of this Act, the Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit shall transmit to the NPO Registrar, the regulatory file of each Non-Governmental Organisation falling within sub-section (3) and each Non-Profit Organisation falling within sub-section (4).
(6) Nothing in this section shall require the Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit to disclose any financial intelligence or other such information protected from disclosure under the Money Laundering and Terrorism (Prevention) Act, the Financial Intelligence Unit Act, or under any subsidiary legislation under either of these enactments.
(7) Notwithstanding sub-section (5), the NPO Registrar may require a Non-Governmental Organisation falling within sub-section (3) or a Non-Profit Organisation falling within sub-section (4) to submit within such period as the NPO Registrar may specify, in writing, such further information as may be required to satisfy the requirements of section 6(1) and (2).
(8) A Non-Governmental Organisation or Non-Profit Organisation that fails to submit information required under sub-section (7) is liable to have its registration suspended or cancelled in accordance with section 12.
(9) The NPO Registrar shall enter each Non-Governmental Organisation under sub-section (3) and each Non-Profit Organisation under sub-section (4), on the Register of Non- Profit Organisations and shall issue each such registrant with a Certificate of Registration in accordance with section 6(3) upon payment of the prescribed fee.

8.–(1) The NPO Registrar may refuse to register a Non-Profit Organisation where, in the opinion of the NPO Registrar– Refusal to register NPO.
(a) the name of the Non-Profit Organisation is similar to the name of another Non-Profit 278 Non-Profit Organisations [No.
14 Organisation or other organisation or entity, as to be likely to mislead the public as to its true identity; (b) the name of the Non-Profit Organisation is offensive or, for any other reason, objectionable; (c) the application for registration does not comply with the requirements of this Act or any regulations made under this Act; (d) the activities of the applicant do not fall within the definition of Non-Profit Organisation under section 2; (e) the Non-Profit Organisation is established for illegal purposes; (f) the Non-Profit Organisation does not have a substantial connection with Belize; (g) the information represented on the application for registration of the Non-Profit Organisation is manifestly incorrect; (h) the name of the Non-Profit Organisation is different from the name in which the entity was established if the entity was established as a company, partnership, foundation, trust or other legal arrangement unless such an entity has a registered business name; or (i) the name of the Non-Profit Organisation is capable of misleading the public as to its object or purpose.
(2) Where the NPO Registrar refuses to register a Non- Profit Organisation under sub-section (1), he shall notify No.

14] Non-Profit Organisations 279 the NPO, in writing, within twenty-one days from such decision of the grounds of such refusal; and he may direct the Non-Profit Organisation to resubmit, within such time as may be prescribed, a new application complying with the requirements of this Act.
(3) If the Non-Profit Organisation complies with the NPO Registrar’s direction within the prescribed time, the NPO Registrar shall register the Non-Profit Organisation.

(4) Any Non-Profit Organisation, or a member or officer of a Non-Profit Organisation, aggrieved by the NPO Registrar’s refusal to register a Non-Profit Organisation under sub-section (1) may appeal the decision to the High Court and the decision of the High Court thereon shall be final.

9.
In the month of June in each year, the NPO Registrar shall cause to be published on the Commission’s website and in the Gazette a list of all the names of Non-Profit Organisations registered, suspended and cancelled under this Act, a list of all Non-Profit Organisations which were registered the preceding year but not currently registered, a list of all international, regional and inter-governmental organisations exempted by the Minister pursuant to section 24 of this Act, and a list of all organisations which applied for registration but whose applications were refused.
Publication of names in the Gazette.

10.–(1) The NPO Registrar may, from time to time, institute an on-site inspection of a Non-Profit Organisation, to enable him to monitor how well the Non-Profit Organisation is in compliance with the requirements of this Act.

On-site inspection of NPO.


(2) The NPO Registrar, or an officer duly authorised in writing, by the NPO Registrar, may at any reasonable time, on producing evidence of his authority– (a) enter the premises of the Non-Profit Organisation; 280 Non-Profit Organisations [No.
14 (b) inspect the premises of the Non-Profit Organisation; (c) observe the conduct of operations of the Non- Profit Organisation; (d) inspect any recorded information in relation to a Non-Profit Organisation, found on the premises of the Non-Profit Organisation and take copies of, or make extracts from, any such information; or (e) require any controller of the Non-Profit Organisation to provide an explanation of any recorded information or to state where it may be found.
Measures imposed on breach of obligations.

11.
Without prejudice to section 12, where the NPO Registrar discovers a breach of any obligation by a Non- Profit Organisation, the NPO Registrar may impose one or more of the following measures, after giving the Non- Profit Organisation a reasonable opportunity to make representations, whether on its own or on its behalf– (a) written warnings; (b) issue a directive to comply with specific instructions to ensure compliance with the obligations of the NPO; (c) ordering regular reports from the Non-Profit Organisation on the measures it is taking; and (d) such other measure as may be prescribed by regulations.
Cancellation or suspension of registration.

12.–(1) The NPO Registrar may cancel or suspend the registration of a Non-Profit Organisation if– No.
14] Non-Profit Organisations 281 (a) the NPO Registrar receives a notification under section 6(5) that the Non-Profit Organisation has ceased to operate or exist; (b) the Non-Profit Organisation submits a written request to the NPO Registrar for its registration to be cancelled or suspended; or (c) after an investigation, it is proven that the Non-Profit Organisation– (i) engaged in or is engaging in wrongdoing; (ii) failed, without reasonable cause, to comply with any requirement of this Act or any regulations made under this Act; or (iii) failed, without reasonable cause, to pay any prescribed fees required for registration.
(d) In any case falling under sub-section (1)(c)(ii) or (iii), the NPO Registrar shall not cancel the registration of the NPO without following the procedure set out under sub-section (2).
(2) In any case where the registration of a Non-Profit Organisation has been or is liable to be cancelled or suspended, the NPO Registrar shall give notice, in writing, to that Non- Profit Organisation at its registered address specifying the proposed grounds for such cancellation or suspension and stating that its registration– (a) has been cancelled or suspended; or (b) is liable to be cancelled or suspended at the end of thirty days of the date of the notice or 282 Non-Profit Organisations [No.
14 within such other period as the NPO Registrar determines, unless the Non-Profit Organisation shows cause in writing, to the satisfaction of the NPO Registrar, why its registration should not be cancelled or suspended.

(3) Where the registration of a Non-Profit Organisation is cancelled under this section, the NPO Registrar may make an application to a Judge of the High Court for an order of forfeiture in respect of the property of the Non-Profit Organisation.
(4) The NPO Registrar shall be required to name as respondents to an application under sub-section (4), those persons who are known to own or control the property that is the subject of the application as well as the NPO and the NPO’s last controller of record.
(5) On an application under sub-section (4), a Judge may require notice to be given to any person not named as a respondent who, in the opinion of the Judge, appears to have an interest in the property, and any such person shall be entitled to be added as a respondent to the application.
(6) The NPO Registrar shall give notice of an application under sub-section (4) to the respondents named in the application, in such manner as the Judge may direct subject always to the civil procedure rules of the High Court.

(7) A Judge may order that the property of a Non-Profit Organisation be forfeited to the State, and the order shall be published in the Gazette.
(8) The property of a Non-Profit Organisation forfeited to the State shall be given or transferred to such other Non- Profit Organisation as determined by the Judge.

No.
No.

14] Non-Profit Organisations 283 (9) Where a Judge is satisfied that a third party has an interest in the property which is the subject of an application under sub-section (4), the Judge shall order that the interest shall not be affected by the order made under sub-section (8) and the order shall also declare the nature and extent of the interest in question.
(10) A person who claims an interest in property that has been forfeited and who has not been named as a respondent or been given notice under sub-section (6) may make an application to the High Court to vary or set aside an order made under sub-section (8), not later than sixty days after the day on which the forfeiture order was made.
(11) Pending the determination of an appeal against an order of forfeiture made under this section, any person appointed to manage, control or otherwise deal with the property under this section shall continue in that capacity.
(12) The NPO Registrar may reverse his decision to refuse or suspend the registration of a Non-Profit Organisation, or may rescind the cancellation of the registration of a Non- Profit Organisation, if it appears to the NPO Registrar that there has been a change in circumstances which justifies the reversal or recission.

(13) A Non-Profit Organisation aggrieved by the NPO Registrar’s decision to cancel its registration may appeal to the High Court whose decision thereon shall be final.
(14) For the purposes of this Act, “wrongdoing” means– (a) a breach of duty owed to the Non-Profit Organisation or any of its contributors; or (b) an offence under this Act, the Money Laundering and Terrorism Prevention Act, or any other enactment.

CAP.

104.

284 Inquiry by Registrar.

Non-Profit Organisations [No.

14 13.–(1) Subject to sub-section (2), the NPO Registrar may inquire into any issue concerning the operations of a Non- Profit Organisation including– CAP.

104.
104.

(a) its purposes, administration and management; and (b) its source or application of funds or other property received or distributed.
(2) An inquiry referred to in sub-section (1) may only be carried out for the purpose of investigating any Non- Profit Organisation which the NPO Registrar has reasonable grounds to suspect the Non-Profit Organisation has committed an offence under the Money Laundering and Terrorism (Prevention) Act or any other law in which a contravention may constitute wrongdoing on the part of the Non-Profit Organisation.
(3) The NPO Registrar may, in writing, appoint an officer or any other competent person to conduct an inquiry in any case for the purposes of sub-sections (1) and (2).
(4) A controller shall, on a written request by the NPO Registrar or the NPO Registrar’s appointee– (a) furnish financial statements in writing with respect to any matter in question at the inquiry; (b) return answers in writing to questions; (c) verify statements or answers by statutory declaration; (d) provide copies of documents in the controller’s custody or under the controller’s control which relate to a matter in question at the inquiry and verify them by statutory declaration; No.
14] Non-Profit Organisations 285 (e) attend at a specified time and place in order to give evidence or produce documents; (f) provide all books, papers, writings and documents in relation to the Non-Profit Organisation or to the administration, management, value, condition and application of the property and income of the Non-Profit Organisation; and (g) answer all questions and give all assistance in connection with the inquiry that the controller is reasonably able to answer or give.
(5) The NPO Registrar shall be entitled, without payment, to inspect and take copies of or extracts from the records or other documents of any court, public registry, public authority or office of records for any purpose connected with the discharge of the functions of the NPO Registrar with respect to a Non-Profit Organisation.
(6) A person who fails to comply with a request under sub-section (4) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction, to a fine of three thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of one year or to both.
(7) For the purposes of an inquiry, evidence may be taken on oath and the person conducting the inquiry may, for that purpose, administer the oath or instead of administering an oath, require the person examined to make and subscribe a declaration of the truth of the matters about which that person is examined.
(8) A person appointed by the NPO Registrar to conduct an inquiry shall provide a written report of that inquiry to the NPO Registrar with such information and documentation as may be prescribed from time to time.

286 Non-Profit Organisations [No.


14 (9) A copy of the report shall, if certified by the NPO Registrar to be a true copy, be admissible as evidence– (a) of any fact stated in the report; or (b) of the opinion of a person as to any matter referred to in the report, in any legal proceedings instituted in respect of a Non-Profit Organisation as a result of an inquiry under this section.
(10) Where, at any time after the NPO Registrar has instituted an inquiry under this section, the NPO Registrar is satisfied– (a) that there has been wrongdoing on the part of the Non-Profit Organisation; (b) that there is or has been any wrongdoing, misconduct or mismanagement in the administration of the Non-Profit Organisation; (c) that a Non-Profit Organisation may have committed a breach of this Act or any other law; or (d) that it is necessary or desirable to act for the purpose of– (i) protecting the property of the Non-Profit Organisation; (ii) securing the proper application of the property for the purposes of the Non- Profit Organisation; or (iii) protecting property that may be given to the Non-Profit Organisation, No.
14] Non-Profit Organisations 287 the NPO Registrar may take such action as set out in sub- section (11).
(11) The action referred to in sub-section (10) may include making an application to the High Court in respect of any funds or other property of the Non-Profit Organisation for an order to– (a) require a controller to carry out the purposes for which the money or other property is held and to comply with the provisions of any scheme relating to the Non-Profit Organisation; (b) establish a scheme for the administration of the Non-Profit Organisation; (c) require a controller to meet that controller’s liability for any breach of trust affecting the money or other property as the court may direct; (d) remove a controller who has been responsible for, or privy to, any wrongdoing, misconduct or mismanagement in the administration of a Non- Profit Organisation, or has, by that controller’s conduct, contributed to it or facilitated it; (e) appoint another person as a controller of the Non-Profit Organisation; (f) exclude any purpose from the purposes for which the funds or other property may be used, applied or disposed of; (g) give directions in respect of the administration of the trust, or in respect of any inquiry or in respect of any question to be answered or assistance to be given by any person in connection with that inquiry; 288 Non-Profit Organisations [No.
14 (h) direct that, on and after the date of the order or any subsequent date specified in the order, the property subject to the trust shall not be used, applied or disposed of otherwise than in accordance with a scheme that, after the date of the order, is approved by the court; (i) preclude the employment or engagement of any named person in the affairs of the Non-Profit Organisation; (j) direct a financial institution which, or person who, is in control of the funds or other property of the Non-Profit Organisation, not to distribute the funds or other property without the approval of the court or the NPO Registrar or the NPO Registrar’s appointee; (k) restrict the transactions which may be entered into or the nature or amount of the payments which may be made, in the administration of the Non-Profit Organisation, without the approval of the court or the NPO Registrar, or a person authorised by the NPO Registrar; and (l) appoint a receiver of the money or other property of the Non-Profit Organisation.
(12) Where the NPO Registrar determines that an inquiry into the operations of a Non-Profit Organisation is required, the NPO Registrar may suspend the registration of the Non- Profit Organisation during the period of that inquiry.

(13) A Non-Profit Organisation aggrieved by the NPO Registrar’s decision to suspend its registration may apply to the High Court for relief including– (a) the review of such decision; No.
14] Non-Profit Organisations 289 (b) interim measures concerning the conduct of the NPO’s operations; or (c) any such other or further relief as may be just.
(14) A person appointed by order of the court under this section as a receiver of the money or other property of a Non-Profit Organisation– (a) may require a controller to deliver to the receiver any funds or other property for which the person has been appointed receiver or to give to the receiver all such information concerning such funds or other property as may reasonably be required; (b) may acquire and take possession of any funds or other property for which the person has been appointed receiver; (c) may deal with any funds or other property that the person has acquired or which the person has taken possession of in any manner in which a controller might lawfully have dealt with the funds or other property; and (d) has such other powers and duties in respect of the funds or other property as the court specifies in the order.
(15) Where the NPO Registrar discovers facts likely to constitute indication of money laundering or terrorist financing or proliferation financing, he shall so inform the Financial Intelligence Unit without delay and shall cooperate with the Financial Intelligence Unit, the Director of Public Prosecutions, any law enforcement agency or any competent authority for the purposes of any investigation or inquiry arising out of such referral.

290 Non-Profit Organisations [No.


14 Additional powers of NPO Registrar.
14.–(1) Subject to sub-section (2), the NPO Registrar may, on the written request of a foreign regulatory authority, do any of the following– (a) exercise any powers conferred on the NPO Registrar, by this or any other Act, to require a person to provide information or produce documents; (b) make any application the NPO Registrar is authorised to make under this Act; or (c) disclose information or provide documentation to a foreign regulatory authority whether the information or documentation– (i) was obtained by the exercise of a power specified in paragraph (a); or (ii) is otherwise in the possession of the NPO Registrar and its disclosure is not prohibited under this Act or any other law.
(2) The NPO Registrar shall not exercise the power conferred on him by sub-section (1) unless he is of the opinion that the information or documentation to which the request relates, or the investigation sought, is reasonably required by the foreign regulatory authority for the purposes of its regulatory or supervisory functions.
(3) In deciding whether or not to exercise the power conferred on it by sub-section (1), the NPO Registrar may take into account, in particular– (a) whether corresponding assistance would be given to the NPO Registrar in the country or territory of the foreign regulatory authority making the request; No.
14] Non-Profit Organisations 291 (b) whether the request relates to the breach of a law, or other requirement, which has no close parallel in Belize or involves the assertion of a jurisdiction not recognised by Belize; (c) the nature and seriousness of the matter to which the request for assistance relates, the importance of the matter to persons in Belize and whether the assistance can be obtained by other means; (d) the relevance of the information or documentation to the enquiries to which the request relates; and (e) whether it is otherwise appropriate in the public interest to provide the assistance sought.
(4) For the purposes of sub-section (3)(a), the NPO Registrar may require the foreign regulatory authority making the request to give a written undertaking, in such form as the NPO Registrar may require, to provide corresponding assistance to the NPO Registrar.

(5) If a foreign regulatory authority fails to comply with a requirement of the NPO Registrar made under sub-section (4), the NPO Registrar may refuse to provide the assistance sought by the foreign regulatory authority.
(6) The NPO Registrar may decide that he will not, on the request of a foreign regulatory authority, exercise his powers under this section unless– (a) he has received satisfactory assurances from the foreign regulatory authority that any information provided to it will not be used in any criminal proceedings against the person furnishing it, other than proceedings for an offence that relates to– 292 Non-Profit Organisations [No.
14 (i) a failure or refusal by that person to produce documents or give assistance in accordance with this Act; (ii) an omission by that person to disclose material which should have been disclosed or the provision by that person of false or misleading information; or (iii) an untruthful statement by that person; (b) the foreign regulatory authority undertakes to make such contribution towards the cost of exercising his powers as the NPO Registrar considers appropriate; and (c) he is satisfied that the foreign regulatory authority is subject to adequate legal restrictions on further disclosure of the information and documents and that it will not, without the written permission of the NPO Registrar– (i) disclose information or documents provided to it to any person other than an officer or employee of the authority engaged in the exercise of any of its regulatory or supervisory functions; or (ii) take any action on information or documents provided to it.
(7) Where, in accordance with this section, the NPO Registrar would, on the written request of a foreign regulatory authority, be entitled to disclose information or provide documentation in his possession to that foreign regulatory authority, the NPO Registrar may disclose such information No.

14] Non-Profit Organisations 293 or documentation to the foreign regulatory authority without having received a written request from the authority.
15.–(1) A person who knowingly provides the NPO Registrar with information that is false or misleading commits an offence if the information is provided– Offence for false or misleading information, etc.
(a) in purported compliance with a requirement imposed by or under this Act; or (b) otherwise than in accordance with paragraph (a), but in circumstances in which the person providing the information intends, or could reasonably be expected to know, that it would be used by the NPO Registrar for the purpose of discharging the NPO Registrar’s functions under this Act.
(2) A person who wilfully alters, suppresses, conceals or destroys a document that the person is liable by or under this Act to produce to the NPO Registrar, commits an offence.

(3) A person who fails to discharge a duty imposed by or under this Act or wilfully withholds information when requested by the NPO Registrar to produce such information, commits an offence.
(4) A person who commits an offence under this section is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine of three thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of one year or to both.

PART III Accounts, Records, Reporting, etc.

16.

Every Non-Profit Organisation registered under this Act shall– Accounting and administrative procedures.

294 Non-Profit Organisations [No.


14 (a) implement internal accounting and administrative procedures necessary to ensure the transparent and proper use of its financial and other resources; and (b) keep accounts and other records in relation to its business.

Threshold of donation to NPO.

17.


The Minister shall, on the recommendation of the Commission after consultation with the National Anti- Money Laundering Committee, by Order published in the Gazette, specify a threshold of donation to a Non-Profit Organisation above which the Non-Profit Organisation shall take reasonable steps to document and keep records of the identity of the donor.

Auditing of accounts.

18.
–(1) The Minister shall, on the recommendation of the Commission, by Order published in the Gazette, specify such classes of Non-Profit Organisations which– (a) shall be required to have their accounts duly audited annually by an independent auditor; and (b) shall be required to take reasonable measures to confirm– (i) the identity, credentials and good standing as applicable of– (aa) each person who receives charitable, humanitarian or other support or assistance, in each instance, equivalent in value to no less than $500 or such other sum as may be prescribed from time to time, through the services of the Non- Profit Organisation; and No.
14] Non-Profit Organisations 295 (bb) every associate Non-Profit Organisation; and (ii) that any such person or Non-Profit Organisation is not involved with or using the funds or property provided by the Non-Profit Organisation to support terrorists or terrorist organisations.

(2) A Non-Profit Organisation to which an Order under sub-section (1) does not apply may have its accounts prepared by an accountant or bookkeeper.
(3) The factors which may be used to delineate classes of Non-Profit Organisations for the purposes of sub-section (1) shall include but not be limited to– (a) the annual estimated revenue or grants of the Non-Profit Organisation; (b) sources of funds or other property of the Non- Profit Organisation; (c) the objects, purpose and functions of the Non- Profit Organisation; (d) the size, structure and organisation of the Non- Profit Organisation; and (e) geographical areas of operation of the Non- Profit Organisation, whether in Belize or elsewhere.
(4) The accounts and other records of a Non-Profit Organisation shall be preserved by the Non-Profit Organisation for a period of at least five years from the end of the financial year, or from the date the registration of the Non-Profit Organisation was cancelled.

296 Duty of auditor to report.

Non-Profit Organisations [No.
14 19.–(1) Where, an independent auditor appointed in accordance with section 18(1), becomes aware of a matter– (a) which relates to the activities or affairs of the Non-Profit Organisation or of any connected institution or body, and (b) which the independent auditor has reasonable grounds to believe is likely to be of material significance for the purposes of the exercise by the NPO Registrar of his functions under sections 10, 11, 12 or 13, the independent auditor must immediately make a written report on the matter to the NPO Registrar.
(2) If, in the course of acting in the capacity mentioned in sub-section (1), the independent auditor becomes aware of any matter– (a) which does not appear to the independent auditor to be one that the independent auditor is required to report under sub-section (1) and; (b) which the independent auditor has reasonable cause to believe is likely to be relevant for the purposes of the exercise by the NPO Registrar of any of his functions, the independent auditor may make a report on the matter to the NPO Registrar.
(3) Where the duty or power under sub-section (1) or (2) has arisen in relation to an independent auditor, the duty or power is not affected by the independent auditor subsequently ceasing to act in that capacity.

(4) Where an independent auditor makes a report as required or authorised by sub-section (1) or (2), no duty to No.

14] Non-Profit Organisations 297 which the independent auditor is subject is to be regarded as contravened merely because of any information or opinion contained in the report.
(5) In this section– (a) “connected institution or body”, in relation to a Non-Profit Organisation, means– (i) another Non-Profit Organisation; (ii) a person; or (iii) a trust or other legal arrangement, which is owned or controlled by the Non-Profit Organisation or the controller or any other senior officer or member of the management personnel of the Non-Profit Organisation acting on behalf of the Non-Profit Organisation; and (b) “control” means the power to– (i) exercise more than fifty per cent of the voting rights at any general meeting of a connected institution or body; (ii) elect a majority of the directors of a connected institution or body; or (iii) exercise direct or indirect influence that, if exercised, would result in control in fact of the connected institution or body.
20.–(1) Within four months after the end of each financial year, every Non-Profit Organisation registered under this Act shall submit to the NPO Registrar an annual return in the form prescribed in Schedule V. Annual report.

Schedule V. 298 Non-Profit Organisations [No.

14 (2) A Non-Profit Organisation to which section 18(1) applies shall file a certified copy of its audited accounts together with the annual return required under sub-section (1).
(3) The documents submitted to the NPO Registrar pursuant to this section shall be open to inspection by any person upon payment of the prescribed fee.

Administrative penalties.
PART IV Miscellaneous 21.–(1) Where a controller of a Non-Profit Organisation fails, without reasonable cause, to comply with the provisions of section 6, 7, 16 or 20 of this Act, the NPO Registrar may impose on the controller, a maximum administrative penalty of three thousand dollars and, in the case of a continuing breach, to a further administrative penalty not exceeding one hundred dollars for every day or part thereof during which the breach continues after the determination by the NPO Registrar.
(2) The NPO Registrar shall not impose an administrative penalty on a controller if the NPO Registrar is satisfied that the controller took all reasonable steps and exercised due diligence to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Act.
(3) The NPO Registrar, in deciding whether to impose an administrative penalty on a controller, shall take into account the following matters– (a) the nature and seriousness of the contravention; (b) whether the controller has previously contravened this Act or any relevant enactment; No.
14] Non-Profit Organisations 299 (c) whether the contravention was caused by the wilful conduct or negligence of the controller; (d) the ability of the controller to pay the penalty; (e) any gain resulting to the controller as a result of the contravention; and (f) such other matters as the NPO Registrar considers appropriate.

(4) The NPO Registrar may recover an administrative penalty imposed by virtue of this section in civil proceedings as a debt.
(5) An administrative penalty imposed by virtue of this section shall be paid into and placed to the credit of the Commission in the General Fund.

22.–(1) The NPO Registrar shall, before imposing an administrative penalty under section 21, provide written notice to a controller stating– Notice prior to imposing an administrative penalty.
(a) the intention to impose an administrative penalty and the reason for the intention to impose the administrative penalty; (b) the amount of the proposed administrative penalty; and (c) the entitlement of the controller to make representation to the NPO Registrar in accordance with sub-section (2).
(2) Where a controller receives an administrative penalty notice, that controller may, within twenty-one days from the date of the notice, make representation to the NPO Registrar indicating why the controller should not be required to pay 300 Non-Profit Organisations [No.

14 the administrative penalty or why the proposed administrative penalty should be reduced.
(3) The NPO Registrar may, at any time prior to the issuance of an administrative penalty notice under sub-section (1), withdraw the notice and substitute a new notice stating a different penalty.

(4) The NPO Registrar shall notify the controller, in writing, of the NPO Registrar’s decision under sub-section (3) and where the NPO Registrar varies the administrative penalty, of the further steps, if any, taken in relation to the controller.
(5) Before imposing an administrative penalty on a controller, the NPO Registrar shall consider any representations received under sub-section (2).

(6) Subject to sub-sections (2) and (7), a controller who receives an administrative penalty notice shall pay the penalty stated in the notice to the NPO Registrar within such period as the NPO Registrar may determine.
(7) The NPO Registrar may agree to the payment of an administrative penalty in instalments over such period of time as the NPO Registrar considers appropriate.
(8) Subject to sub-section (9), a controller who is dissatisfied with a decision of the NPO Registrar in relation to the imposition of an administrative penalty may, within 30 days of the date of the decision, appeal to the High Court under the provisions of Sub-Part 8 of the Senior Courts Act, and for this purpose, the NPO Registrar shall be deemed to be an inferior court and the rules governing the inferior court appeals shall mutatis mutandis apply to every such appeal and the decision of the High Court thereon shall be final.
Act No.

27 of 2022.

No.

14] Non-Profit Organisations 301 Act No.

27 of 2022.

(9) Notwithstanding section 117 of the Senior Courts Act, an appeal or an application for judicial review shall not itself result in the suspension of the decision of the NPO Registrar in relation to which the application or appeal is made, but the appellant may, within the time prescribed for filing such appeal, apply to the High Court for stay of execution of the order appealed from, pending the determination of such appeal.
(10) Upon hearing an appeal, the High Court may– (a) dismiss the appeal; or (b) remit the matter to the NPO Registrar for further consideration with such directions as it considers fit.

23.

Proceedings against any person in respect of– Legal proceedings.
(a) an offence under this Act; (b) imposition of any of the measures set out in section 11; (c) suspension or cancellation of registration of a non-profit organisation in accordance with section 12; (d) forfeiture of the property of a non-profit organisation in accordance with section 12; or (e) imposition of an administrative penalty in accordance with section 21, shall be without prejudice to proceedings against such person in respect of any criminal offence under any written law or the imposition of any civil or administrative fine, penalty or other sanction under any written law, and any such proceedings may proceed in parallel to the proceedings under this Act.
302 Exemption from registration.

Regulations.

Authority of Commission under other laws.

Act No.

8 of 2023.

Exercise of powers.

Transitional.

Non-Profit Organisations [No.

14 24.

The Minister, in consultation with the NPO Registrar, may exempt any international, regional or inter-governmental organisation operating in Belize as a Non-Profit Organisation from registering under this Act.

25.
25.

The Minister may, on the recommendation of the Commission, make Regulations to give effect to and for the better carrying out of the provisions of this Act or for prescribing anything that needs to be prescribed.

26.

Nothing in this Act shall limit the authorities, powers, functions and obligations of the Commission as set out in the Financial Services Commission Act, or any other legislation for which the Commission is responsible.

27.
27.

Where a provision of this Act requires or empowers any person or authority to do any act or thing, all such powers shall be deemed to be also given as are reasonably necessary to enable that person or authority to do that act or thing.

28.

Any matter or proceedings commenced in any court in relation to a Non-Profit Organisation immediately before the date of commencement of this Act shall be continued, completed and enforced as if this Act was not in force.

Consequential amendment.

CAP.

104.

29.


Schedule I of the Money Laundering and Terrorism (Prevention) Act is amended by deleting the paragraphs 32 and 33.”.

No.

limitation on religious freedom.

30.

Notwithstanding anything in this Act to the contrary, the provisions of this Act shall not be construed as restricting or limiting the free exercise of religion or the ability of any religious organisation to operate, teach, speak or act in accordance with its own faith, beliefs and tenets.
Printed in Belize by the Government Printer #1 Power Lane, Belmopan, Belize, C.A.

No.

14] Non-Profit Organisations Non‐Profit Organisations 303 SCHEDULE I NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION REGISTRATION FORM [Section 6(1)] 1.

ORGANISATION CONTACT DETAILS Name of Organisation Contact Details of Organisation Office Telephone(s) Mobile Phone Email Address Physical Address P.O.

Box (If any) Website (if any) Non-Profit Organisation Financial Year End (day – month) 2.
CONTROLLER(S) CONTACT INFORMATION NOTE: Please submit information regarding all additional controllers as an attachment as per Appendix 1 below.

Controller Information Name Has the individual had a name change in the last ten years?

If yes please include current and previous names.

Physical Address P.O.

Box (If any) Office Telephone Mobile Phone Position in Organisation Signature Email Address 28 304 Non-Profit Organisations Non‐Profit Organisations [No.

14 3.
14 3.

ORGANISATION OPERATING DETAILS In full detail, please describe the PURPOSE of the Organisation: In full detail, explain the ACTIVITIES of the Organisation: 29 No.

14] Non-Profit Organisations Non‐Profit Organisations 305 Names, address, telephone numbers and email addresses of senior officers and members of the management personnel.

Senior officer includes President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Managing Partner, Managing Trustee and the like.
Senior Officer Information Name Has the individual had a name change in the last ten years?

If yes please include current and previous names.

Physical Address P.O.

Box (If any) Office Telephone Mobile Phone Position in Organisation Signature Senior Officer Information Email Address Name Has the individual had a name change in the last ten years?

If yes please include current and previous names.

Physical Address P.O.


Box (If any) Office Telephone Mobile Phone Position in Organisation Signature Senior Officer Information Email Address Name Has the individual had a name change in the last ten years?

If Physical Address P.O.


Box (If any) 30 306 Non-Profit Organisations Non‐Profit Organisations [No.

14 yes please include current and previous names.

Office Telephone Mobile Phone Position in Organisation Signature Email Address NOTE: Please submit information regarding additional senior officers and members of the management personnel as an attachment as per Appendix 2 below.

4.
4.

SOURCE OF CONTRIBUTIONS FOR ORGANISATION FOR THE PRECEDING YEAR AND ANTICIPATED SOURCE OF CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR Details of Contributions Received Activity Type Amount Precedin g Year - Actual Geographic al Areas Upcomin g Year - Projected Geographic al Areas Donations Fund Raising Activities/Event s Grants Other (Specify) NOTE: (1) For each activity type, identify the top 5 geographical areas by country and city/town/village etc.
(2) For new organisations, the sums for the preceding year will be Nil.

5.

APPLICATION OF FUNDS OF ORGANISATION FOR PRECEDING YEAR AND ANTICIPATED APPLICATION OF FUNDS FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR Details of Application of Funds Activity Type Amounts Expended Preceding Year - Actual Amou nt Expen ded Geograp hical Areas Mode of disbursem ent Upcoming Year - Projected Amou nt Expen ded Geograp hical Areas Mode of disburse ment Funds Donated/Disburse Financi al 1.

2.

1.

2.

31 No.
2.

1.

2.

31 No.

14] Non-Profit Organisations Non‐Profit Organisations 307 d in accordance with NPO’s Purpose Institut ion MVTS Contributions/Do nations to other causes Other Regula ted Chann els (Specif y) Cash Other (Specif y) Financi al Institut ion MVTS Other Regula ted Chann els (Specif y) Cash 3.
Non-Profit Organisations Non‐Profit Organisations [No.

14 Other (Specif y) (Specif y) (Specif y) (Specif y) Salaries Rent Other expenses (e.g.

insurance, utilities, pension, etc) 4.
2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

NOTE: (1) For each activity type, identify the top 5 geographical areas by country and city/town/village etc.

(2) For new organisations, the sums for the preceding year will be Nil.

(3) Specify the mode(s) of disbursement used including through a financial institution, Money or Value Transfer Service, any other regulated channel (specify), cash or other (specify).

6.
6.

BANKING ARRANGEMENTS Name of Bank or other Financial Institution Address of Bank or other Financial Institution NOTE: Please submit information regarding additional banking arrangements as an attachment as per Appendix 3 below.

7.
7.

OTHER ARRANGEMENTS REGARDING FUNDS AND OTHER PROPERTY Type of Property or Funds Arrangements Regarding Property or Funds (Where the funds or other property representing 10% or more of the funds or other property of the NPO is held by an individual or entity on behalf of the Non-Profit Organisation, include details of the name, address and telephone numbers of such individual or entity) 33 No.
14] Non-Profit Organisations Non‐Profit Organisations 309 NOTE: Please submit information in respect of additional other arrangements regarding funds and property as an attachment as per Appendix 4 below.

8.
8.

OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS Document Type Attached Not Applicable Constitution Memorandum of Association Articles of Association Trust Deed Other Particulars of Trust Other Organisational Documents Other Evidence of Organisational Structure and Functions Document Description NOTE: For document type submitted together with this form, tick attached.

I hereby declare that the above made statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
______________________________ _________________________ Name of Controller Completing Form Date ______________________________ Signature 34 310 Non-Profit Organisations Non‐Profit Organisations [No.

14 Note: In accordance with the Non-Profit Organisations Act, Cap.

, section 6(2), this application shall be accompanied by a copy of valid photo identification of the controller making the application.
APPENDIX 1 ADDITIONAL CONTROLLER(S) CONTACT INFORMATION Please submit information regarding all additional controllers as an attachment using this Appendix.

Controller Information Name Has the individual had a name change in the last ten years?

If yes please include current and previous names.

Physical Address P.O.

Box (If any) Office Telephone Mobile Phone Position in Organisation Signature Controller Information Email Address Name Has the individual had a name change in the last ten years?


If yes please include current and previous names.

Physical Address P.O.

Box (If any) Office Telephone Mobile Phone Position in Organisation Signature Email Address 35 No.
14] Non-Profit Organisations Non‐Profit Organisations 311 APPENDIX 2 ADDITIONAL SENIOR OFFICER(S) CONTACT INFORMATION Please submit information regarding all additional senior officers as an attachment using this Appendix.

Senior Officer Information Name Has the individual had a name change in the last ten years?

If yes please include current and previous names.

Physical Address P.O.


Box (If any) Office Telephone Mobile Phone Position in Organisation Signature Senior Officer Information Email Address Name Has the individual had a name change in the last ten years?

If yes please include current and previous names.

Physical Address P.O.

Box (If any) Office Telephone Mobile Phone Position in Organisation Signature Senior Officer Information Email Address Name Has the individual had a name change in the last ten years?
If yes please include current and previous names.

Physical Address P.O.

Box (If any) Office Telephone Mobile Phone Position in Organisation Signature 36 312 Non-Profit Organisations Non‐Profit Organisations [No.

14 Email Address APPENDIX 3 ADDITIONAL BANKING INFORMATION Please submit information regarding additional banking arrangements as an attachment using this Appendix.
Name of Bank or other Financial Institution Address of Bank or other Financial Institution Name of Bank or other Financial Institution Address of Bank or other Financial Institution Name of Bank or other Financial Institution Address of Bank or other Financial Institution APPENDIX 4 ADDITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS REGARDING FUNDS AND OTHER PROPERTY Please submit information in respect of additional other arrangements regarding funds and property as an attachment using this Appendix.
Type of Property or Funds Arrangements Regarding Property or Funds (Where the funds or other property representing 10% or more of the funds or other property of the NPO is held by an individual or entity on behalf of the Non-Profit Organisation, include details of the name, address and telephone numbers of such individual or entity) 37 No.
14] Non-Profit Organisations Non‐Profit Organisations 313 SCHEDULE II INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR APPLICATION TO REGISTER AS A NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION (See section 6(1)) An application for registration as a Non-Profit Organisation shall include, where applicable, the following— (a) the identity, address and other contact information of a controller and other senior officers or members of the management personnel of the Non-Profit Organisation; (b) copies or particulars of the trust, trust deed and any other organisational documents; (c) copies of the constitution, the memorandum of association and the articles of association of the Non-Profit Organisation; (d) the declared purposes of the Non-Profit Organisation; (e) information with respect to the location of the funds and other property of the Non-Profit Organisation and its banking arrangements; (f) the source or anticipated source of contributions or funds; (g) how contributions or funds are to be applied; (h) any other evidence which reflects the organisational structure and functions of the Non-Profit Organisation; (i) the proposed geographical area of operation of the Non-Profit Organisation; and (j) the financial year of the Non-Profit Organisation.
SCHEDULE III CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION OF A NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION [Section 6(3)] Registration No.

NPO-xxxx 38 314 Non-Profit Organisations Non‐Profit Organisations [No.

14 CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION OF A NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION I, __________________ Registrar/Deputy Registrar of Non-Profit Organisations for Belize DO HEREBY CERTIFY, pursuant to the Non-Profit Organisations Act, Cap.
315, that all requirements of the said law in respect of registration were complied with by _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ ____________________________ a Non-Profit Organisation duly registered in Belize with effect from the _____ day of _______, Two Thousand ________________.
Given under my hand and Seal at Belize City, Belize this ________ day of ___________, Two Thousand ______ Registrar/Deputy Registrar of Non-Profit Organisations, Belize SCHEDULE IV NOTICE OF CHANGE OF PARTICULARS OF NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION [Section 6(4)] Notice is hereby given in accordance with the Non-Profit Organisations Act, section of ________________________________________________________________ _________.

following changes respect 6(4) the of in (Name of NPO) 39 No.
14] Non-Profit Organisations Non‐Profit Organisations 315 Note: Complete any section(s) below where the information in respect of the NPO has changed.

1.

ORGANISATION CONTACT DETAILS Name of Organisation Contact Details of Organisation Office Telephone(s) Mobile Phone Email Address Physical Address P.O.

Box (If any) Website (if any) Date of Change: Non-Profit Organisation Financial Year End (day – month) Date of Change: 2.
CONTROLLER(S) CONTACT INFORMATION NOTE: Please submit information regarding all additional controllers as an attachment as per Appendix 1 below.

Controller Information Name Has the individual had a name change in the last ten years?

If yes please include current and previous names.

Physical Address P.O.

Box (If any) Office Telephone Mobile Phone Position in Organisation Signature Email Address Date of Change: 40 316 Non‐Profit Organisations Non-Profit Organisations [No.

14 3.
14 3.

ORGANISATION OPERATING DETAILS In full detail, please describe the PURPOSE of the Organisation: Date of Change: In full detail, explain the ACTIVITIES of the Organisation: 41 No.

14] Non-Profit Organisations Non‐Profit Organisations 317 Date of Change: Names, address, telephone numbers and email addresses of senior officers and members of the management personnel.

Senior officer includes President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Managing Partner, Managing Trustee and the like.
Senior Officer Information Name Has the individual had a name change in the last ten years?

If yes please include current and previous names.

Physical Address P.O.

Box (If any) Office Telephone Mobile Phone Position in Organisation Signature Email Address Date of Change: NOTE: Please submit information regarding additional senior officers and members of the management personnel as an attachment as per Appendix 2 below.

4.
4.

BANKING ARRANGEMENTS Name of Bank or other Financial Institution Address of Bank or other Financial Institution Date of Change: NOTE: Please submit information regarding additional banking arrangements as an attachment as per Appendix 3 below.

5.
5.

OTHER ARRANGEMENTS REGARDING FUNDS AND OTHER PROPERTY Type of Property or Funds Arrangements Regarding Property or Funds (Where the funds or other property representing 10% or more of the funds or other property of the 42 318 Non-Profit Organisations Non‐Profit Organisations [No.
14 NPO is held by an individual or entity on behalf of the Non-Profit Organisation, include details of the name, address and telephone numbers of such individual or entity) Date of Change: NOTE: Please submit information in respect of additional other arrangements regarding funds and property as an attachment as per Appendix 4 below.

6.
6.

OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS Document Type Attached Revoked Date of Change Constitution Memorandum of Association Articles of Association Trust Deed Other Particulars of Trust Other Organisational Documents Other Evidence of Organisational Structure and Functions Document Description NOTE: (1) Attach a copy of any document which has been amended or any relevant new document.

(2) Tick where a document has been revoked or an amended or a new document has been added.
I hereby declare that the above made statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

______________________________ _________________________ Name of Controller Completing Form Date ______________________________ Signature 43 No.

14] Non-Profit Organisations Non‐Profit Organisations 319 APPENDIX 1 ADDITIONAL CONTROLLER(S) CONTACT INFORMATION Please submit information regarding all additional controllers as an attachment using this Appendix.
Controller Information Name Has the individual had a name change in the last ten years?

If yes please include current and previous names.

Physical Address P.O.

Box (If any) Office Telephone Mobile Phone Position in Organisation Signature Email Address Date of Change: APPENDIX 2 ADDITIONAL SENIOR OFFICER(S) CONTACT INFORMATION Please submit information regarding all additional senior officers as an attachment using this Appendix.
Senior Officer Information Name Has the individual had a name change in the last ten years?

If yes please include current and previous names.

Physical Address P.O.

Box (If any) Office Telephone Mobile Phone Position in Organisation Signature Email Address Date of Change: 44 320 Non-Profit Organisations Non‐Profit Organisations [No.

14 APPENDIX 3 ADDITIONAL BANKING INFORMATION Please submit information regarding additional banking arrangements as an attachment using this Appendix.
Name of Bank or other Financial Institution Address of Bank or other Financial Institution Date of Change: APPENDIX 4 ADDITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS REGARDING FUNDS AND OTHER PROPERTY Please submit information in respect of additional other arrangements regarding funds and property as an attachment using this Appendix.
Type of Property or Funds Arrangements Regarding Property or Funds (Where the funds or other property representing 10% or more of the funds or other property of the NPO is held by an individual or entity on behalf of the Non-Profit Organisation, include details of the name, address and telephone numbers of such individual or entity) Date of Change: 45 No.
14] Non‐Profit Organisations Non-Profit Organisations 321 SCHEDULE V NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION ANNUAL RETURN FORM [Section 20(1)] Name of Non-Profit Organisation: _____________________________________________ Address of Registered Office of NPO: _________________________________________ Telephone Number(s) of NPO: _______________________________________________ Email address of NPO: ______________________________________________________ Name of Person Completing Return Form: ______________________________________ Position of Person Completing Return Form: ___________________________________ Telephone Number(s) of Person Completing Return Form: ________________________ Email address of Person Completing Return Form: ______________________________ NPO Financial Year Beginning: End: _____________ Note: A Non-Profit Organisation which is required to file a certified copy of its audited accounts together with this return in accordance with the Non- Profit Organisations Act, CAP.
, section 18(2), shall not be required to 46 322 Non-Profit Organisations Non‐Profit Organisations [No.

14 complete the Pro-Forma Balance Sheet in section 1. below or the Pro-Forma Income Statement in section 2 below.

1.
1.

BALANCE SHEET $ $ ASSETS Cash in Hand Cash in Bank/Financial Institution Investments (Short Term) Other Current Assets Total Current Assets Property Investments (Long Term) Other Fixed Assets Total Fixed Assets TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES Current Loans Other Loans/Debts Other Liabilities Total Current Liabilities Mortgage Other Long Term Liabilities Total Long Term Liabilities TOTAL LIABILITIES EQUITY Net Income Accumulated Surplus 2.
INCOME STATEMENT INCOME Income from Donations Income from Grants Income from other Fundraising Activities (Specify) Income from the Provision of Goods and Services Rental Income Income from Investments $ $ 47 No.
14] Non-Profit Organisations Non‐Profit Organisations 323 Other Income (Specify) GROSS INCOME $ EXPENSES Funds donated/disbursed in accordance with the NPO’s Purpose Other Funds donated/disbursed Operating Expenses Government Fees Other Expenses TOTAL EXPENSES NET INCOME (= GROSS INCOME – TOTAL EXPENSES) 3.

TEN LARGEST SOURCES OF FUNDS RECEIVED BY THE NPO List the Ten Largest Source of Funds Received Amount 4.
DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS Activity Type Funds Donated/Disbursed in accordance with NPO’s Purpose Amount Expended Mode of Disbursement Financial Institution Geographical Areas 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

48 324 Non-Profit Organisations Non‐Profit Organisations [No.

14 MVTS Other Regulated Channels (Specify) Cash Other (Specify) Other Funds Donated/Disbursed Financial Institution MVTS Other Regulated Channels (Specify) Cash Other (Specify) 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
No.

14] Non-Profit Organisations Non‐Profit Organisations 325 Operating Expenses (Specify) Government Fees Other expenses (e.g.

insurance, utilities, pension, etc) (Specify) (Specify) 5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

NOTE: (1) For each activity type, identify the top 5 geographical areas by country and city/town/village etc.

5.
5.

RECIPIENTS OF FUNDS List the Ten Largest Recipients of Funds Received Amount Disbursed Mode of Disbursement Geographical Area NOTE: (1) Include the top ten recipients on the basis of cumulative funds received over the financial year.

(2) For each recipient, specify the mode(s) of disbursement used including through a financial institution, Money or Value Transfer Service, any other regulated channel (specify), cash or other (specify).

(3) Specify geographical area by country and city/town/village etc.
50 326 Non-Profit Organisations Non‐Profit Organisations [No.

14 6.

TOP TEN COUNTRIES THAT FUNDS WERE SENT TO BY THE NPO Country Money Sent To Amount Disbursed of Mode Disbursement NOTE: (1) Include the top ten recipients on the basis of cumulative funds received over the financial year.

(2) For each country, specify the mode(s) of disbursement used including through a financial institution, Money or Value Transfer Service, any other regulated channel (specify), cash or other (specify).

7.
7.

ANNUAL REVIEW THRESHOLD Complete this section if the figure reported for Gross Income above or in the NPO’s audited accounts equals to or exceeds ______________ .

A.

Has the NPO sent 30% or more of its Gross Income overseas?

Yes __ No __ If the answer to question A is “yes” then answer questions B to D below.

B.

What is the total amount of funds or other property sent overseas by the NPO during the last financial year?
C. What percentage of the NPO’s Gross Income does the amount indicated in response to question B above represent?

(i.e.

the amount reported in question B divided by the Gross Income multiplied by 100)?

51 No.

14] Non-Profit Organisations Non‐Profit Organisations 327 D. What is the name of the licensed auditor who conducted the audit of the accounts of the NPO?

8.
8.

TEN LARGEST SALES AND PURCHASES OF PROPERTY AND OTHER ASSETS Sales Amount Purchases Amount I, __________________, controller of _______________________ (Name of Controller) (Name of NPO) 1.

Certify that the information provided is true to the best of my knowledge and that there has been no change in the material particulars of the NPO that have been notified to the Registrar; 2.

That no major occurrences have taken place that can negatively impact the reputation of the NPO or the NPO Sector; 3.
That any and all matters that can be categorized as major have been reported to the Registrar of NPOs (if applicable).

______________________ _____________________ Signature Date 52