starting NGOs in Finland

[Ngally]

Hello, i am a foreigner with a permanent residence,,,,i am planning to start a small NGO(targeting communities in developing countries),i have ideas, possible donors etcetc at the moment i am almost done with putting my ideas,plan, etcetc to paper, NOW, the following step is how to establish the organisation in this country, where to get the info... .i need to know where to start, i mean, how does it work here in Finland--if anyone know of a website or some office where i can start with the search of the necessary info,,,please advise!!!!
1. rules
2.registration etc

i've gone through the Ministry of foreign affairs pages, but it doesn't say much about this issue......i need to know this as soon as i can, so i can proceed with otherwise(incase its impossible)....that'll mean going and registering in my motherland..

[Hank W.]

Patent Office. http://www.prh.fi

[Ngally]

Hello Hanks, i went through the page, can't seem to find anything to do with NGOs..or atleast specific info..they have mentioned much about associations....

[Hank W.]

they have mentioned much about associations....

Yes, exactly, so read it over a few times. Before you figure out what is it you want is in Finland you are in no good position to start anything unless you want to end up in a huge mess. Look for Finnish NGO's and look how they are established. Say like http://www.effi.org/

[raamv]

NGO in Finland ??

[Rosamunda]

So basically you need to set up a non-profit-making association. In Finland these organisations are called "ry" (which is an abbreviation for something?). All sports clubs, charities and interest groups would usually operate under this status. The rules and regulations concerning "ry" are available on the Patents website that Hank gave (which I can't get into this morning). You would need to have your statutes of the association approved by the registration office, and appoint a committee (chairman, secretary etc) and specify how you will operate (annual general meeting, posting agendas, filing minutes etc). If the association is going to employ anyone then you also need to comply with the usual regulations concerning payment of social contributions etc. The tax office will probably ask you to make a tax return even though an association is not normally liable for tax...

All the info is on the various websites (Patents Office, Vero)
http://www.prh.fi/fi/yhdistysrekisteri/ ... minen.html
https://yhdistysilmoitus.prh.fi/etusivu.htx?kieli=3

We answer your questions also by phone weekdays 8.00 - 16.15:

* Technical questions: (09) 6939 5256
* Legal advice: (09) 6939 5209
* Other queries: (09) 6939 5274

BTW, Caisa might be a good place to get some informal advice. I think there are already several NGOs who operate through that organisation (just a guess). http://kulttuuri.hel.fi/caisa/yhteystiedot_en.html

[RA]

See http://www.kepa.fi . They have a large listing of development co-operation associations registered.