What is the difference between a public organization and a charitable foundation?

At least two individuals are required to create a public organization, while a charitable foundation can be founded by one individual; a charitable foundation always has the status of a legal entity, while a public organization can be created both with the status of a legal entity and without such status.

Although a public organization can engage in charitable activities, its implementation cannot be the main goal of the public organization. In accordance with Part 1 of Art. 1 of the Law of Ukraine "On Public Associations", a public association is created for the exercise and protection of rights and freedoms, satisfaction of public, in particular economic, social, cultural, environmental, and other interests. If the main goal of the future non-profit organization is human rights activity, advocacy, then this corresponds to the legal nature of the public organization. If the main goal is charity - holding meetings, making purchases for their free transfer to beneficiaries (recipients of charitable assistance), then a charitable fund is more suitable.