What Does a Charity Lawyer Do?
A charity lawyer specializes in the unique legal requirements facing charitable organizations and nonprofits in Canada. At B.I.G. Charity Law Group, our charity lawyers handle:
Charity Registration & Setup
We prepare and submit applications to register charities with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), ensuring your organization meets all charitable purposes requirements under the Income Tax Act. This includes drafting constitutional documents, establishing proper governance structures, and navigating CRA correspondence throughout the application process.
Nonprofit Incorporation
We incorporate nonprofits federally under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act or provincially under the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010 (ONCA), creating the legal foundation your organization needs to operate. Our lawyers draft bylaws, articles of incorporation, and governance documents tailored to your organization's mission.
Ongoing Compliance & Governance
Our lawyers ensure your charity or nonprofit maintains compliance with CRA requirements, corporate governance obligations, and provincial regulations. We assist with annual information returns (T3010), governance policy development, board member training, and ensuring your activities remain within the scope of your charitable registration.
Legal Risk Management
We help charities avoid common legal pitfalls including improper use of charitable funds, conflicts of interest, employment issues, and activities that could jeopardize charitable status. Our proactive approach protects your organization from costly mistakes and regulatory penalties.
When Do You Need a Charity Lawyer in Ontario?
You should consult a charity lawyer when:
Starting a New Charity or Nonprofit
If you're launching a charitable organization, a lawyer ensures you register correctly from the start, avoiding costly mistakes that could delay or derail your application. We help you choose the right corporate structure, draft compliant governing documents, and position your application for CRA approval.
CRA Correspondence or Audits
When the CRA sends compliance letters, requests for information, or initiates an audit, legal representation protects your charitable status and ensures appropriate responses. Our experience with CRA processes allows us to address concerns effectively while maintaining your organization's good standing.
Transitioning to ONCA
Ontario nonprofits must comply with the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010. Our lawyers guide organizations through bylaw amendments, governance updates, and transition deadlines to ensure full compliance with provincial requirements.
Mergers, Dissolutions, or Restructuring
Legal expertise is essential when combining organizations, winding down operations, or significantly restructuring governance or operations. We handle the complex legal requirements involved in organizational changes while protecting stakeholder interests.
Board Disputes or Governance Issues
When conflicts arise between board members or questions emerge about fiduciary duties, a charity lawyer helps resolve issues while protecting the organization. We provide mediation services and governance advice to restore functional board operations.
Receiving CRA Revocation Notices
If the CRA threatens to revoke your charitable status, immediate legal intervention is critical to preserve your organization's ability to issue tax receipts and maintain public trust. Our lawyers have extensive experience representing charities in revocation proceedings.
Experienced Charity and Nonprofit Registration Lawyers in Toronto, Ontario
At B.I.G. Charity Law Group, we provide specialized legal services exclusively for charities and
nonprofit organizations in Toronto, throughout Ontario, and across Canada. Our legal team comprised of charity and nonprofit lawyers and charity law clerks is dedicated to helping organizations of all sizes navigate the complexities of charity law and nonprofit governance. Whether you're a newly established nonprofit or an established charity, we have the expertise and experience to support your legal needs.
Navigating Nonprofit Incorporation & Governance
Looking to set up a nonprofit in Ontario? Deciding whether to incorporate as a nonprofit is a crucial step for many organizations. Our not-for-profit and charity lawyers help you understand the benefits and responsibilities associated with incorporation under the
federal Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act or the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010. We guide you through the incorporation process, from drafting bylaws to setting up your governance structure, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.
We also assist organizations transitioning from unincorporated entities to incorporated ones, or moving incorporation from one jurisdiction to another, handling the transfer of assets, liabilities, and membership in accordance with legal requirements.
Ensuring Compliance & Effective Governance
Effective governance and regulatory compliance are critical for the success of any nonprofit or charity. At B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation we offer expert advice on nonprofit corporate governance and help you develop policies and procedures that meet legal standards and best practices for nonprofits. Our legal team has extensive experience assisting nonprofits across Ontario with the governance
transition under the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010 (ONCA), ensuring a seamless adaptation to new regulatory frameworks.
Applying for Charitable Status in Canada
Need funding for your Ontario nonprofit? The best and quickest way to obtain funds to run your nonprofit is to register it as a charity. Obtaining charitable status is a key milestone for many organizations, allowing them to access new funding opportunities and offer tax receipts to donors. However, the application process to start and register a charity can be complex and challenging. Our nonprofit and charity lawyers in Markham and Toronto Ontario provide guidance on whether your organization qualifies for charitable status and assist you through the application and charity registration process with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Charities Directorate. We stay up-to-date with the latest changes in regulations to ensure your application is complete and compliant. Our comprehensive, 100% Done For You charity registration service is all inclusive, covering everything from forming your nonprofit all the way through charity application, corresponding with the CRA Charities Directorate, and obtaining the Charity Number.
Comprehensive Legal Services for Charities & Nonprofits Across Ontario & Canada
At B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation, we understand that charities and nonprofit organizations face a wide range of legal challenges. Our full-service approach means we can assist with everything from contract negotiations and lease reviews to employment matters and real estate transactions. As our exclusive practice area is charities and nonprofit law, we can provide tailored legal solutions that consider the unique needs of the nonprofit and charity sector, helping you manage risks and operate efficiently.
We have been privileged to provide legal assistance to charity clients, philanthropists, donors, and socially minded corporations from all provinces and all major cities across Canada, including
Vancouver, British Columbia, Toronto, Hamilton, Ottawa, Brampton, and Mississauga, Ontario, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Calgary and Edmonton Alberta, Montreal, Quebec, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, to
register their charity, set up their nonprofit,
create their foundation and ensure CRA-Charities Directorate and
provincial Compliance.
Charity Lawyer Services Across Ontario
While our offices are located in Toronto and Markham, B.I.G. Charity Law Group serves charities and nonprofits throughout Ontario and across Canada. We regularly assist organizations in:
Greater Toronto Area: Toronto, Markham, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Pickering
Central Ontario: Barrie, Newmarket, Aurora, Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Peterborough
Southwestern Ontario: Hamilton, London, Windsor, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls
Eastern Ontario: Ottawa, Kingston, Belleville, Cornwall, Brockville
Northern Ontario: Sudbury, Thunder Bay, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins
Our virtual consultation options allow us to efficiently serve nonprofit founders and charity leaders regardless of location in Ontario or Canada. We use secure technology platforms to conduct meetings, share documents, and communicate throughout your charity registration or legal matter.
Managing Compliance Risks and Resolving NPO Disputes
Proactive risk management is essential for preventing legal issues before they arise. Our team helps you identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. Should disputes occur, our experienced nonprofit lawyers and charity lawyers are prepared to represent you in all forms of conflict resolution, including mediation and administrative proceedings. We work diligently to protect your nonprofit’s interests and resolve disputes effectively.
Contact B.I.G. Charity Law Group for Your Charity & Nonprofit Legal Needs
B.I.G. Charity Law Group is committed to providing top-tier legal services to charities and nonprofit organizations in Toronto, across Ontario and Canad. Whether your nonprofit or charity needs help with registration, incorporation, governance, compliance, or any other legal matter, our experienced legal team is here to assist.
Contact us today learn more about how we can support your organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a charity lawyer in Toronto or Ontario?
Charity law combines corporate law, tax law, and CRA regulatory compliance. A specialized charity lawyer ensures your organization meets all requirements, avoids application rejection, and protects your charitable status. Most DIY charity applications face delays or rejection due to technical errors. B.I.G. Charity Law Group exclusively practises charity and nonprofit law, providing expertise that general practice lawyers don't have.
How much does a charity lawyer cost in Ontario?
Legal fees vary by complexity. At B.I.G. Charity Law Group, our all-inclusive 100% Done For You service covers nonprofit incorporation, CRA application preparation, all correspondence, and obtaining your charity number. We offer free initial consultations with transparent pricing. Most clients find professional legal assistance pays for itself through faster approval and avoiding costly mistakes.
Can a Toronto charity lawyer help organizations across Ontario?
Yes. We serve charities throughout Ontario and Canada. Charity registration is federal (CRA), not provincial, so location doesn't limit our services. We work with clients in Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Windsor, Thunder Bay, and across Ontario using secure virtual consultations. Our Toronto and Markham offices welcome in-person meetings.
How long does charity registration take with a lawyer?
We incorporate nonprofits in 1 day and submit CRA applications within 1-2 weeks of retainer. The CRA takes an average of 5-6 months to process applications. Our experience with 3,778+ successful registrations allows us to respond quickly to CRA requests, preventing common delays. We handle all CRA correspondence while you focus on building your organization.
How is B.I.G. Charity Law Group different from other law firms?
B.I.G. Charity Law Group is the only Canadian law firm exclusively practising charity and nonprofit law. While other firms handle charity matters occasionally, our entire practice focuses on this specialized area. We've successfully registered 3,778+ charities and nonprofits, giving us unmatched expertise in CRA requirements. Our exclusive focus means deeper knowledge, current CRA policy awareness, and efficient processes.
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