Our firm carries forward the legacy of Richard Rosenthal Attorneys, long regarded as Cape Town’s preeminent philanthropy law firm. Since acquiring the practice, we have continued to grow and deepen our expertise in this specialised field, providing strategic and compliant legal solutions for non-profit entities and philanthropically minded individuals and organisations.
We advise on the optimal structure and type of entity to carry out the intended philanthropic activities, and assist with the registration of Non-Profit Trusts, Voluntary Associations and Non-Profit Companies (NPCs). Our team supports clients in securing tax exemption (commonly referred to as Public Benefit Organisation status) from the South African Revenue Services under the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962, as well as registration with the Directorate for Non-Profit Organisations, housed in the Department of Social Development.
We also guide organisations through structural changes, including amending founding documents such as Deeds of Trust and Memoranda of Incorporation, and facilitating changes to Board composition. Our services extend to ensuring compliance with the Non-Profit Organisations Act, the Income Tax Act (including Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) requirements), and the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act — including applications for recognition as Broad-Based Ownership Schemes.
In addition, we provide strategic governance advice aligned with the principles of King IV: Report on Corporate Governance, and assist with drafting tailored agreements, such as grant agreements and loan agreements, that safeguard philanthropic intent while ensuring operational clarity.
Whether advising philanthropic foundations, social enterprises, charitable trusts, or funders, we are committed to supporting purpose-driven initiatives with legal insight that is both technically sound and practically responsive.