Charity and NFP Legislation

Closer Look at ONCA Transition Compliance Rates

In the ever-evolving landscape of Ontario's non-profit sector, the implementation of the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) has been a pivotal moment. Two years into this transition, only 2% of ONCA-affiliated organizations have filed articles of amendment, leaving just one year before t

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What Recourse Do Charities Have, and How Transparent Is the Process?

Explore the recourse available to charities during and after audits by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Learn about transparency measures, including public disclosure of audit outcomes, and gain insights into statistics shaping the compliance landscape for charitable organizations. Stay informed to

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Can Your Organization Benefit from a Disbursement Quota Reduction?

This article explores the option of a disbursement quota reduction for registered charities facing financial challenges. It delves into the eligibility criteria, available means to cover shortfalls, the approval process, and the necessary steps to amend the charity's return. The article emphasizes t

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A Guide to Reinstating a Revoked Charity License in Ontario, Canada

This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap for charitable organizations in Ontario, Canada, facing the challenge of reinstating a revoked charity license. It covers key steps, including understanding the reasons for revocation, addressing non-compliance issues, engaging with the Canada Revenue Agen

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CRA's Guidance on Grants to Non-Qualified Donees Explained

Explore the implications of recent amendments to the Income Tax Act affecting Canadian charities. Learn about the new "qualifying disbursement" rules and the additional reporting obligations for disbursements over CA$5,000.

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Form T3010 New Version in January 2024

As 2024 approaches, registered charities in Canada prepare for a significant shift in reporting procedures with the introduction of Form T3010 Version 24. This blog delves into the key changes, emphasizing the importance of accurate filing and adherence to new requirements. Discover how these update

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How To Start A Foundation In Canada

Ready to make a lasting impact? This guide walks you through the essential steps and financial considerations for how to start a foundation in Canada, ensuring legal compliance and maximizing philanthropic benefits.

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How to Register an Animal Rescue Charity in Canada

Learn how to register an animal rescue charity in Canada by exploring the Canada Revenue Agency's guidelines on eligibility, charitable purposes, public benefits, and the necessary activities to promote animal welfare effectively.

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How To Draft Corporate Purposes For Charity Registration In Canada

Learn how to draft corporate purposes for charitable registration in Canada. Understand the specific requirements, such as falling into a charitable category, dedicating resources to charitable activities, and avoiding broad or vague language.

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5 Critical Questions Charity Directors Should Reflect On Annually

Effective charity leadership requires continuous assessment and strategic planning to maximize community impact, involving annual evaluations of insurance needs, program effectiveness, financial resource allocation, board communication and diversity, and organizational health and compliance.

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What Rules Apply to Private Foundations in Canada?

Learn how these guidelines ensure accountability, maintain charitable purposes, and navigate tax implications to manage and operate a private foundation while maximizing its philanthropic impact.

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Why Do Charities and Nonprofits in Canada Need Extra-Provincial Registration?

Explore the importance of extra-provincial registration for charities and nonprofits looking to expand their reach across different provinces and territories.

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What is the Process for Extra-Provincial Registration for Canadian Charities and Nonprofits?

Learn the essential steps for Canadian charities and nonprofits to navigate extra-provincial registration, ensuring legal compliance and enabling expansion across provinces and territories to better serve their causes and communities.

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Have You Filed Your T3010 Yet? The Deadline is June 30!

Learn everything about filing the T3010 Registered Charity Information Return in Canada. This guide covers who needs to file, deadlines, consequences of not filing, and detailed steps for submitting your return.

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Does the CRA Approve for Charity Registration All Organizations that "Advance Education"?

Discover how the CRA evaluates organizations seeking charity registration for advancing education, exploring structured teaching methods, court-recognized educational purposes, and examples of qualifying educational programs.

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What is Bill C-41 and How Does It Affect Humanitarian Assistance in Terrorist-Controlled Areas?

Discover the impact of Canada's Bill C-41 on humanitarian aid in terrorist-controlled areas. Learn how the Authorization Regime and humanitarian exception enable crucial assistance without legal risks.

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Financial Statements for Charities and Nonprofits

Discover why financial statements are crucial for charities and nonprofits, detailing their financial health and ensuring transparency, accountability, and public trust through comprehensive reporting of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenditures.

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What Are the Roles and Responsibilities of a Charity or Nonprofit Board of Directors in Canada?

Discover the essential roles and qualifications of directors in charities and nonprofits under Canadian law. This blog simplifies the duties, eligibility criteria, and processes involved in managing corporate affairs, ensuring clarity for members, employees, and potential directors.

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Ensuring Grant Activities to Non-Charities Align with Your Charity’s Purpose

This essential guide teaches you how to effectively align grant activities with your charity’s mission. It also explores key steps for legal compliance, monitoring funds, and maximizing impact while maintaining transparency.

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Essential Background Checks for Charity Volunteers in Canada

Discover essential background checks for charity volunteers in Canada to enhance safety and security. Learn about criminal history, driving records, sex offender registries, and more. Explore cost-effective options and additional safety measures to protect your organization and its members.

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Why Might a Charity Founder or Member Want to Remove a Director?

Explore the essential reasons charity founders or members may need to remove a director. Key factors include neglecting responsibilities, creating divisions, engaging in unethical behaviour, and voluntary resignations while outlining the processes involved in a respectful and effective removal.

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What’s the Difference Between a Charity and a Non-Profit in Canada?

Discover the key differences between charities and not-for-profit organizations. Learn how registered charities can issue tax receipts, attract donations, and have specific reporting requirements, while not-for-profits focus on social welfare and community benefits without the same obligation

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What Are Articles of Incorporation and Why Do They Matter in Canada?

Discover the significance of Articles of Incorporation in Canada. These key legal documents establish your business or charity's framework, including its name, purpose, and governance. Essential for legal recognition, they ensure compliance, protect personal assets, and enhance credibility.

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Do Canadian Charities and Nonprofits Need a Business Number?

Discover why a Business Number (BN) is essential for Canadian charities and nonprofits. This comprehensive guide explains the role of a BN in tax compliance, issuing donation receipts, and accessing government grants.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Removing a Board Member for Violating Policies in a Canadian Charity

Learn the essential steps for removing a board member from a Canadian charity due to policy violations, ensuring a fair process while maintaining organizational integrity, and understanding the importance of legal compliance throughout the procedure.

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Fundraising 101: Key Insights for Canadian Charities

Fundraising is essential for Canadian charities, as it encompasses a wide range of activities to solicit donations, ensuring they can continue their missions while adhering to the regulations set by the Canada Revenue Agency for accountability and transparency.

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What Are the Key Changes to the Societies Act in British Columbia?

The recent amendments to British Columbia's Societies Act introduce key changes affecting membership rules, financial reporting, governance, fundraising, and dissolution procedures. These changes require charities and nonprofits to update their practices to remain compliant.

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What is a Public Benefit Corporation and How Does It Affect Charities and Nonprofits in Canada?

Discover how Public Benefit Corporations (PBCs) in Canada offer charities and nonprofits a focused, accountable, and legally protected way to create positive community impacts while enhancing credibility and funding opportunities

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What Programs are Deemed "Charitable" Under Canadian Law?

Learn which programs qualify as "charitable" under Canadian law, including the four main categories defined by the CRA: relief of poverty, advancement of education, advancement of religion, along with tips for writing and submitting your charity's purposes.

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Can Canadian Charitable Purposes Be Amended After Registration?

Canadian charities can amend their purposes after registration by following specific legal steps to ensure compliance with the Canada Revenue Agency and maintain their charitable status.

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What Are Examples of Charitable Purposes That Promote Public Health in Canada?

Charitable purposes promoting public health in Canada, such as health education, services for disabilities, healthcare access, mental health support, and crisis response, must meet legal criteria to be recognized as charitable under Canadian law.

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Broad or Specific? Choosing Your Charity's Purpose in Canada

When registering a charity in Canada, choosing between broad or specific charitable purposes is crucial, as broad purposes offer flexibility and wider appeal, while specific ones provide clarity and a higher chance of CRA approval.

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What are the Advantages of In-Kind Donations for Canadian Charities & Nonprofits?

In-kind donations provide Canadian charities and nonprofits with valuable cost savings, improved program quality, stronger community ties, and greater donor inclusivity, while offering practical strategies to maximize their impact and value.

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Do Nonprofits Have to File Tax Returns in Canada? What Every Canadian Organization Should Know

Most Canadian nonprofits must file tax returns with the CRA, even if they’re tax-exempt—learn which forms to submit and why timely filing matters.

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Charitable Business Activities: What You Can and Can’t Do

When most people decide to start a charity, they have a big dream to make a difference in the world. They know they want to help, but they’re not always entirely sure how they plan to do that. That can complicate things for these organizations, because under Canadian law and tax regulations, there a

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Social Activities and Charitable Organizations: It’s a Fine Line

If you are considering registering a charity in Canada, you probably have some lofty goals. Charities are, after all, organizations that are established to uplift and empower. They aim to reduce poverty, increase participation in society, and alleviate suffering. However, if you were thinking that y

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Charitable Business Activities: What You Can and Can't Do (2)

Employees and Your Charity If you need to hire employees for your charity, that’s actually great news! It means you’ve probably come a long way from registering your charity, and you’re well on your way to achieving your goals. In fact, you might even change the world. But, while growth, including n

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Is a Charity Allowed to Get Involved in Politics?

Some people might say that political parties engage in activities that are largely for the greater good. Most do, to a greater or lesser extent, albeit with their own goals in mind. But when it comes to charities, largely is not good enough. There are clear, well defined rules when it comes to chari

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Nonprofit and Charity Insurance: An Essential Guide for Canadian Charities

Not-for-profit and charity leaders frequently prioritize constructing and nurturing communities to such an extent that they inadvertently overlook the importance of safeguarding themselves and their organizations.

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