> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.rubica.au/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.rubica.au/households/institutions.md).

# Institutions

Institutions are **third-party businesses** your firm interacts with.

Think referral partners, product providers, platforms, accountants, lawyers, and other vendors.

### 🧱 Why Institutions exist

Institutions are deliberately separate from client Accounts.

This keeps **client Accounts** focused on client relationships. That means Households, people, and entities.

{% hint style="info" %}
If it’s a **client**, it belongs in a **Household / Group** account.

If it’s a **business we deal with**, it’s usually an Institution.
{% endhint %}

### 🧩 What an Institution contains

An Institution can have:

* **Contacts** who work for (or are associated with) that business.
* **Multiple contact detail records** (phone, email, address, etc.).

### ✅ Where you’ll use it

Institutions show up most often when you:

* Track **Outbound Referrals** (who you refer to).
* Link **External Relationships** to the client (the professional and their employer).
* Record **revenue sources / payment methods** (e.g. platforms or providers paying commission).

### Related

* [External Relationships](/households/external-relationships.md)
* [Outbound Referrals](/households/outbound-referrals.md)
* [Revenue](/households/revenue.md)

<details>

<summary>Optional: using Institutions as a vendor register</summary>

Some firms also use Institutions to track internal vendors.

Examples include software providers, research houses, and outsourced service partners.

</details>