From Registration to Ongoing Compliance, Our Charity Lawyers Will Empower Your Charity's Success

Register My Charity Today!

"Dov and his team were truly amazing. They supported us every step of the way in getting our charity number. I only wish I had hired him sooner. Retain Dov and his firm and rest easy as he will take care of everything." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Cindy Stradling, Founder, Courage in Action, Charity Reg. #: 711664482 RR 0001
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Our charity lawyers have helped thousands of people like you take their idea and turn it into a fully functioning organization that is poised for real success. A small sampling of our happy clients include:

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Testimonial Videos

“We had our Charity Registration within 6 months. Thank you Dov for helping us help over 2,500 families…”

Gillian Cullen, Founder/CEO Birth Mark [Charity Registration # 743972515 RR0001]

“B.I.G. Charity Law guided us every step of the way… They are very quick and prompt to respond.”

Sheryl Over, Businesswoman (Overstock), President Achieve Housing Charity [Charity Registration # 755797131 RR 0001]

“They immediately responded to our emails, questions and phone calls… They helped us navigate the charity registration so that we could focus on the big picture.”

Angela Hill, MBA CFO MedFit Inc. [Charity Registration # 746197714 RR0001]

“I knew nothing about the process. Dov held our hands though to charity registration.”

Dr. Leon Steiner, Psychotherapist/President TMS Clinics of Canada [Charity Registration # 749376133 RR0001]

“The quality is definitely and completely 100%. I am very thankful and completely satisfied.”

Mike Epp, founder of Rev the Nations, a registered Canadian Charity based out of Vancouver, B.C. (Charity Registration #: 770844330 RR 0001)

“I love their message and I love their philosophy. They've been kind, patient, and understanding.. I highly recommend.”

Kylah Harrington, the Executive Director of a Registered Charity located in Toronto, Ontario "Parent Education Network (PEN)" Charity Registration # 133336511 RR 0001.

Our Services

Charity Counsel
(Governance & Compliance)

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Strategic advice to Directors, Officers & Members on all aspects of charity operations, including charity governance, ONCA, CRA-Charities Directorate audits, dissolutions,  charitable gifts, Trusts, and Board and Member disputes.

Not-For-Profit Incorporation

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We incorporate hundreds of Not-for-profits across Canada every year. Registration includes Nuans search/reservation, Certificate and Articles of Incorporation, single/multi-class membership bylaws, resolutions, consents, AGM minutes, and Minute book.

Charity Registration

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Register your charity without dealing with complicated legal forms. Our client Google reviews consistently cite the ease, streamlined service, and speed of our registration service. 87% of our charities are registered within 5-7 months

What Our Clients Say

Reviews

5

B.I.G. Charity Law Group provided exceptional service in helping WDAA secure charity registration. Their expertise, professionalism, and attention to detail ensured a smooth and efficient process.Thanks to the team's support, our registration was approved promptly, allowing us to focus on our mission. We highly recommend B.I.G. Charity Law Group for any charity law needs and look forward to working with them again. WDAA Team

John Lalonde

Reviews

5

I am incredibly grateful to B.I.G Charity Law Group for their outstanding support in helping us obtain our charity status. From the very beginning, their team demonstrated professionalism, knowledge, and a clear commitment to our cause. They guided us through every step of the complex process with patience and clarity, ensuring that all legal requirements were met without delay. Thanks to B.I.G Charity Law, we are now officially recognized as a charity, and our mission can move forward with the legitimacy and trust that comes with it. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking to establish a charity or needing legal advice in the not for profit sector. They truly made a difference for us! Thank you

Reviews

5

When we wanted to focus on launching our new ministry, it was so reassuring to trust all of the legal matters to B.I.G.! They were so fast to answer any questions and our charity status was approved faster than anticipated!!!!

Sean Sherzady

Reviews

5

we been trying to get our chairty liscnce for 9 years and after so many companies they are the only one that came through Thank You Flemingdon foodbank

Teena Sauve

Reviews

4

We got exactly what we were hoping! Thank you

Reviews

5

I am so grateful for B.I.G. Charity Law Group's expertise in helping our organization achieve charitable status with the CRA in such a quick turnaround time. The team, specifically Daisy Francisco, was knowledgeable, incredibly patient and efficient, throughout the entire process. They guided us through a complex legal matter and provided invaluable guidance, putting all anxieties away. Communication was prompt, clear and respectful. I highly recommend them to any organization seeking legal advice and support.

Yahav Barnea

Reviews

5

B.I.G Charity did a great job supporting our organization's process of incorporation and receiving charity status. They were able to give us relevant and clear advice on the right way forward and were attentive to our many questions along the way. Communication was at times not as quick as we hoped but otherwise we received all the services we asked for and always in a pleasant way.

Reviews

5

I am delighted to report on my experience with B.I.G., which involved registering our not-for-profit organization in Canada. B.I.G. ’s team has been a true companion on this journey, providing excellent service and support from start to finish. Their knowledge of NFP registration and corporate formation was clear from the very start. They made us comfortable in the thick of things, so we knew all the requirements and were assured with our submissions. They provided detailed reports that saved us a lot of time and energy and left us to do what we did best, which was to get it done. What really differentiates B.I.G. is its customer service. The team was so accommodating, always helping us out with questions and concerns right away. Their speed with our registration was fantastic, and their detail meant we were in good hands. B.I.G is one of the best companies I know for nonprofit or charity registration and organizational help. They put in the time to see us through, and we are forever grateful. Thanks for all your work, B.I.G.

Rebecca bol

Reviews

5

They are reliable, honest and operate with integrity. I recommend them to anyone who is looking to start business corporation, non profit organization, to become charitable organization and more. B.I.G. Charity Law Group, they have great customer service, they always take their time to help and answer any questions. I was completely impressed with their professionalism and customer service. I highly recommend them to anyone who is looking to start a business, a non profit organization and more. Sincerely appreciate your service for Youth & young adults fulfillment Center.

750+ 5.0 Star Google Reviews Across Two Locations

Our Process

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Schedule a FREE Consultation
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We send the engagement letter and collect the payment
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Complete our Intake Questionnaire (5-10 minutes)
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Look Forward to your Charity (or NFP) Registration!

Reasons why clients choose B.I.G. Charity Law Group

Book A Free Call Now

1 Day

Average of 1 Day to incorporate Not-For-Profit

3778+

Charity & NFP Founders Who Have Successfully Registered Their Charity and/or Not-for-Profit Without Dealing With Complicated Legal Forms

750+

5.0 Star Google Reviews across two locations

1 - 2 Weeks

Average of 1 - 2 Weeks to submit a Charity Application

Only 1

Only B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation exclusively practice Charity Law in Canada

5-6 months

Average 5-6 months for our clients to get their charities registered

Charity Governance and Compliance

Running a Charity is like any other business – full of paperwork! You’re doing this because you love The Work not the legal paperwork. But, with great programming comes great responsibility – to make sure deals get done well.

Disputes & regulatory reviews

DISPUTES & REGULATORY REVIEWS Includes following:

  • Contract Disputes

  • Membership and governance

  • Regulatory, negligence and liability issues

  • Contract and service disputes

  • Regulatory and administrative disputes

  • And negligence (defense of actual or threatened proceedings)

Governance

We provide strategic and practical advice to Directors of Charities and Not-for-Profits on:

  • Compliance and risk management, including governance structures

  • Modernizing Membership Structures

  • Governance Duties

  • Revising Bylaws

  • Appointment and termination of directors

  • Board Policies

  • Due Diligence

  • Privacy Issues

  • Failures and breaches of duties by directors or officers

Charitable trusts

Providing services related to the effective creation, organization and administration of trusts, including:

  • Advising in relation to bequests to charities

  • Amendments to Trust deeds

  • Advising in relation to charitable trust purposes

  • Cypres and other trust variation schemes

  • And advising in relation to charitable trust proceedings in court.

  • Advertising and marketing law, including advice regarding branding and marketing strategies

Brand, information & reputation protection

Advising On:

  • Intellectual property use and protection

  • Privacy laws

  • Copyrights

  • Trademarks

  • Confidentiality

  • General commercial law including terms and conditions

  • Contract review and preparation

Workplace and people issues

Advice for all employment laws and advise and develop appropriate contracts and policies for all types of working arrangements, including:

  • Employements

  • Independent Contracts

  • Volunteers

  • Dispute Resolutions

  • Risk and Safety

  • Misconduct Investigation

  • Human Resource Consulting

  • HR issues related to mergers/acquisitions/divestments

Gifts, charitable fundraising & promotions

Advising on all legal and tax aspects associated with raising funds as a charity and Not-for-Profit, including:

  • Advising on gift deductibility

  • Reviewing Promotional Material

  • Advising charities, philanthropists and corporate foundations on sponsorships

  • Reviewing Receipts

  • Intellectual property licensing for promotional purposes

  • Advertising and marketing law, including advice regarding branding and marketing strategies.

Our All-Star Team

Dov Goldberg

DOV GOLDBERG, J.D.

dov.goldberg@charitylawgroup.ca
416-488-5888


DOV GOLDBERG, J.D.
When Mr. Goldberg takes on a Charity Registration file, his clients reap the benefit of his considerable knowledge, experience and intense personal investment. Mr. Goldberg has been practicing Charity Law for over a decade, and now concentrates his practice exclusively on Charity and Not-for-Profit Law.

dov.goldberg@charitylawgroup.ca
416-488-5888

suzanne rose, l.c.

SUZANNE ROSE, L.C.

suzanne.rose@charitylawgroup.ca
416-488-5888

SUZANNE ROSE,L.C.
Suzanne is a woman of many talents.  Not only is she a fabulous Law Clerk, she is also a gaming addict, flutist superstar and seamstress extraordinaire. She is warm and inviting, always willing to listen to her clients and respect those around her.

suzanne.rose@charitylawgroup.ca416-488-5888

Bruce Turner BIG Law Group

BRUCE TURNER, B.A.

416-488-5888

BRUCE TURNER, B.A.
If Bruce looks familiar to you, it might be because of his 25-year long film and television career as an actor and television host.  His most notable would be hosting the award-winning international hit Style By Jury. He has an extensive background in working with charities, having worked with The March of Dimes and The Aga Khan Foundation to name a few.

416-488-5888

Daisy Francisco BIG Law Group

DAISY FRANCISCO, L.C.

dfrancisco@charitylawgroup.ca
289-819-1177

DAISY FRANCISCO, L.C.
Daisy is a charity law genius, devoted mom, and tech whiz. Okay, she doesn’t do all of these things at the same time (usually), but she is certainly multitalented. She’s easygoing and definitely a people person, but she’s also detail-oriented – a great combination for a law clerk extraordinaire.

dfrancisco@charitylawgroup.ca289-819-1177

linda

LINDA TRAVERO

accounts@charitylawgroup.ca
(289) 277-5788

LINDA TRAVERO
Linda is an accountant and our go-to person for all things numbers-related. She’s highly dependable and always ready to help. A coffee lover, she’s probably enjoying her coffee if she’s not looking at financial data.

accounts@charitylawgroup.ca(289) 277-5788

Gerome

GEROME MONTEALEGRE

gerome.montealegre@charitylawgroup.ca
(289) 277-5788

GEROME MONTEALEGRE
Gerome is the firm's Operations Manager, and he ensures that everything is in order so that we can give high-quality services. He is the person we turn to when we need to automate or optimize a process at the organization. Gerome enjoys spending time with his family and playing with his children when he is not working on his computer.

gerome.montealegre@charitylawgroup.ca(289) 277-5788

Rachael baber

RACHAEL BABER

Rachael.baber@charitylawgroup.ca
(289) 204-7788

RACHAEL BABER
As an Account Executive at B.I.G., Rachael is likely one of the first people you will connect with. She is here to listen attentively to your vision and needs, provide both clarity and answers to your questions, and guide you into the right decision. Your peace of mind and confidence are her main focus. Rachael is organized, detail oriented, and passionate about serving others - as a wife, homemaker and entrepreneur herself. Some days, that looks like helping you set up a charity. And other days, it looks like whipping up some homemade cinnamon rolls.

Rachael.baber@charitylawgroup.ca(289) 204-7788

Mitch

Ryan Mosoff

ryan.mosoff@charitylawgroup.ca
(289) 301-7775

Ryan Mosoff
Ryan Mosoff is a dedicated and forward-thinking lawyer who seamlessly merges a passion for legal technology with a commitment to the practice of charity law. With a unique blend of legal expertise and a deep appreciation for the ever-evolving world of technology, Ryan delivers innovative and effective solutions to our clients. Outside the office, you'll find him playing in the park with his four-legged friend, Sadie.

ryan.mosoff@charitylawgroup.ca(289) 301-7775

Mitch

Mathew Mah

mathew.mah@charitylawgroup.ca
(289) 278-8857

Mathew Mah
Mathew is committed to understanding and resolving your unique challenges through value-oriented solutions. His approach is rooted in empathetic problem-solving and effective communication. Outside the office, Mathew is a travel enthusiast having been to 44 countries, while at home his joys come from spending time with his mini Golden-Doodle, Cali.

mathew.mah@charitylawgroup.ca(289) 278-8857

Mitch

Yisrael Sherman

yisrael.sherman@charitylawgroup.ca

Yisrael Sherman
At BIG Charity Law Group, Yisrael Sherman will guide you in establishing charities and non-profits. His expertise supports you through formation and operational process. His goal is to help you realize your vision for your organization.

yisrael.sherman@charitylawgroup.ca

Mitch

Casriel Silver

casriel.silver@charitylawgroup.ca
(289) 312-8353

Casriel Silver
Casriel is a dynamic team member with a wide variety of experience. He has a solid track record supporting the growth and development of existing organizations as well as spearheading new initiatives with ultimate accountability. Willing to go the extra mile and always seeking to be of help.Casriel has lived in four countries globally, providing him with a rich, multicultural perspective. While he once embraced skydiving and bungee jumping, he now prefers keeping his feet on the ground, reflecting a shift towards a balanced and grounded approach to life.

casriel.silver@charitylawgroup.ca(289) 312-8353

Mitch

Gordon Skillen

Gordon.skillen@charitylawgroup.ca
(289) 809-7078

Gordon Skillen
As a Senior Account Executive at B.I.G., Gordon is likely one of the first people you will connect with. He has extensive experience working with non-profits and is excited to be able to work with clients to help them create their vision into a charity or non-profit.
When not at work, Gordon and his wife ride their bikes over 400 kilometers a week, and he helps others discover the many health benefits of riding through his leadership of an international and a local provincial bike group.

Gordon.skillen@charitylawgroup.ca(289) 809-7078

A Sampling of Our Clients

We work with charities of all shapes and sizes, including Private and Corporate foundations, Philanthropic individuals, Arts and other cultural institutions, Private schools, Medical and Scientific research, overseas and local aid providers, Faith-based organizations, and Environmental NGOs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to register a charity in Canada?

1. For a standard charity, the registration can be as quickly as 6 months, if it's drafted properly and the CRA doesn't have questions. If the application does not provide sufficient information, the turnaround time is usually 8-10 months, though this varies depending on the CRA backlog.  

2. Foundations are generally registered within about 3-4 months. 

3. International charities are usually registered within 8-10 months, on average, if prepared by a competent charity lawyer. If filed by an individual not proficient in Charity law, the process can be expected to take longer than a year.

How much does it cost to register a Charity in Canada? Do you charge hourly? What is the typical price - and can you give me a high and low range?

Most charity lawyers charge hourly fees at various price points - with no predictability of the final cost. We've heard anecdotally of charity lawyers in Toronto and elsewhere in Canada giving a range of "$5,000-$7,500.00" to register a charity, with the client getting a final bill of well over $15,000.00. We were even told by a current client about a prominent Toronto law firm which charged them over $42,000.00 (!) to register their charity, which took 4+ years... This can be due to carve-outs, add ons, or not including all the legal work in the original quoted fees.  

We recommend asking your charity lawyer for a guaranteed fixed fee, including taxes and disbursements, as well as what is included in the said fee (i.e., just the application? Is correspondence with the CRA included?). Additionally, with the CRA rejecting about 65% of all charity applications it receives on an annual basis, we recommend requesting a 100% money-back guarantee of charity registration from the charity lawyer you work with (this may not always be possible, but an experienced charity lawyer should be able to advise the likelihood of registration).

We would also recommend you watch our video, on the top 3 questions to ask before retaining a charity lawyer, here.

What is/are the benefit(s) of incorporating our Non-profit, and how would we go about incorporating if we decide that is the preferred option?

There are 4 primary benefits of incorporating a Non-profit, especially federally:
1. limited liability for the directors and officers;
2. better access to government and private grants;
3. Continuity of the corporation, regardless of the original trustees ability to serve the non-profit; and
4. protection of the non-profit's name across Canada (if incorporated federally).

What are the common issues which trigger a CRA refusal letter to a charity application?

The CRA actually provides such a list, and it could be accessed at the following link: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/charities-giving/charities/registering-charitable-qualified-donee-status/apply-become-registered-charity/deciding/factors-that-will-prevent-organization-being-registered-a-charity.html 
To simplify the list, the 7 most common reasons for a CRA rejection are: 
a. the applicant has for-profit purposes or intent;
b. the applicant's purposes include political purposes which would further the interest of a given political candidate or party;
c. gifting to organizations which are not registered charities in Canada;
d. providing a private benefit;
e. the purposes are a mix of both charitable and non-charitable activities;
f. the applicant is not a resident of Canada;
g. the Applicant's activities are illegal or contrary to public policy;

What considerations should we take into account when deciding whether to move forward with applying for charitable status?

We suggest to consider the following 5 things: 

1. Vision and Mission: Could you answer what your mission is in 50 words or less? Do you know exactly what your organization is coming to fix? 

2. Is it practical - Do you have the logistics to pull it off? 

3. Compliance: Like a for-profit, your charity will be accountable to the CRA, as well as provincial oversight. Be prepared to be transparent, with strict controls of operations to ensure you are operating within the confines of the relevant legislative acts. 

4. Viable: Can the organization survive and thrive through full financial cycles?  

5. Directors and Officers: Do you have other individuals who share your vision and will do everything to make it work? Donors will be a lot more willing to donate to a charity with a team of passionate leaders. 

I want to start a charity. However, it appears that despite putting in buckets of time, sweat and effort, the founder has no ownership rights. Does that mean that the board can fire the founder at any time? Is there any way to protect myself as a founder from being fired? 

It’s true that you cannot own a charity or not-for-profit. However, you can create a multiple classes member structure, where the founder is the sole Class A member. A similar bylaw structure, called "Founder's Bylaws" would have just one class of membership, but would give you the same control. In that capacity, you elect and terminate the board members at your sole discretion. This structure provides protection to you, as a social entrepreneur, who takes on so much risk for zero ownership. We can help you put together such a structure in your Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and relevant resolutions. We, as well as other experienced charity lawyers across Canada and the US, believe that giving founders long term control gives a stronger impetus to the founders to invest time, effort and money into growing their charity to its greatest potential.

Must the members of our Not-for-Profit be Canadian residents or Canadian citizens?

There is no Canadian residency requirement for members of a Not-for-Profit. In fact, neither the directors or officers need to be Canadian residents or citizens. All members, directors and officers of a Canadian not-for-profit may be foreign nationals. Their addresses may be outside Canada as well. However, if the Not-for-Profit registers as a charity, it must have its head office in Canada.

What is the difference between a Not-for-Profit and a Charity?

While most charities are incorporated as Not-for-Profits, NFPs are not necessarily registered charities.

The two are defined differently under the Income Tax Act, as follows:

1. Tax Receipts: Charities may issue official donation receipts for income tax purposes; Not-for-Profits may not issue tax receipts.
2. Tax Exempt: Registered charities are tax exempt. Nonprofits are exempt from paying income tax, but may be taxable on property income and capital gains.
3. Tax Return: Charities must file form T3010 with 6 months of their fiscal period end. Not-for-Profits however must file a T2 return, also within 6 months of their fiscal year end.
4. Registration: Charities must apply to the CRA-Charities Directorate to be approved for registration as a charity. There is no registration process for Income Tax purposes for Not-for-Profits.
5. Purposes: Charities must be established exclusively for charitable purposes (i.e., relief of poverty, advancement of education, religion, or other purposes beneficial to the community. Not-for-Profits however can operate for civic improvement, recreation, sport, social welfare, or any other purpose except for profit.

Meet Dov Goldberg, J.D.

Hi, I’m Dov Goldberg. As a Lawyer working exclusively with Charities and Not-for-Profits, I help founders and directors register their charity and/or not-for-profit  without dealing with complicated legal forms, by taking care of all the paperwork so that you can successfully register your charity/NPO, have more freedom, peace of mind, and spend more time doing what you love. In 2015, after working for several years in a boutique midtown Toronto firm focused on corporate, business, and charity law, I took the leap to start a Law Firm dedicated exclusively to Charities and Not-for-Profit Corporations, so that I could help Charity Founders, Directors and Not-for-Profit Entrepreneurs register and operate their organizations on a solid and stable legal footing and so that I could work in a legal field where I am inspired daily by our amazing clients (…one of the best decisions I’ve ever made).

Since then, I’ve assisted 3,785+ Charity Founders, Directors, Officers, and NPO Entrepreneurs successfully register and govern their Canadian Charity/NPO and I’m the only charity lawyer in Canada with more than 750+  5.0 Star Google Reviews (across our 2 locations) from clients who love my professional, quick and streamlined charity services.

I now manage and operate a passionate team of 8 at B.I.G. Charity Law Group who help my clients start, launch, and operate their Charity and/or Not-for-Profit corporation.

Join over 3,785+ Charity Founders, Directors, and NPO entrepreneurs who have trusted me with registering their charity and NFP Corporation.

–  
Dov Goldberg, J.D.

Dov Golderg