Should You Register a Charity or a Non-Profit?

Many people ask, “Is a charity a nonprofit?” The answer is yes—all charities are nonprofits, but not all nonprofits are charities. If you’re planning to launch a community organization in Canada, understanding what is the difference between a charity and a nonprofit is crucial. While both types of organizations aim to serve the public good, they are very different in how they are structured, registered, and regulated.

Before you register, it’s important to know where your organization fits—whether you’re consulting a charity lawyer or handling the process yourself.

What Is a Charity?

In Canada, a registered charity is a specific type of nonprofit organization that is approved by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to carry out activities that fall within four allowable categories:

1. The relief of poverty
2. The advancement of education
3. The advancement of religion
4. Other purposes that benefit the community in a way the law regards as charitable (including animal rescue charities, charities that advance health, conservation, environment, and the arts).

Examples of charities include food banks, refugee aid organizations, religious institutions, and education-focused groups.

Key Features of a Registered Charity:

• Must apply to the CRA to become a registered charity
• Can issue official donation tax receipts
• Must file an annual T3010 Registered Charity Information Return
• Must meet the disbursement quota (i.e. use a portion of its income for charitable activities or gifts)
• Is generally exempt from paying income tax

Charities can operate in Canada or internationally, but they must be headquartered in Canada and follow strict rules about how they spend their funds, especially if they’re working with partners outside the country.

What Is a Nonprofit?

A nonprofit organization (NPO) is also structured to serve a purpose other than earning profit, but it has more flexibility in its goals and operations than a charity.

Nonprofits may include:

• Sports clubs
• Cultural associations
• Hobby groups
• Community event organizers

Unlike registered charities, nonprofits do not have to register with the CRA unless they wish to become a charity. They can still be incorporated (federally or provincially), but they are not allowed to issue donation receipts for income tax purposes.

Key Features of a Nonprofit:

• Can be incorporated provincially or federally
• Cannot issue donation tax receipts
• Usually tax-exempt, but must file a tax return if they earn certain types of income
• Does not have to meet a disbursement quota
• Cannot benefit members personally from profits or assets

So, what is a nonprofit charity? That term is sometimes used to describe a registered charity—but it can be misleading. In Canada, the CRA draws a clear legal line between charities and other types of nonprofit organizations.

How Are Charities and Nonprofits Similar?

Both charities and nonprofits:

• Operate for the public benefit, not for private gain
• Are restricted from distributing profits to members or directors
• Can participate in fundraising and receive donations
• Must follow certain reporting requirements

However, their tax benefits, legal obligations, and registration processes differ significantly, which affects how they raise money and what they can offer to donors.

What Is the Difference Between a Charity and a Nonprofit?

Let’s summarize:

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This answers the common questions:

• What is the difference between a charity and a nonprofit?
• What is the difference between a nonprofit and a charity?

How Do You Choose Which One to Register?

If your organization is focused on providing direct relief, education, or advancing religion, and you want to offer tax receipts to donors, then registering as a charity may be the right fit.

However, if your organization is primarily for social, recreational, cultural, or community-based activities without the need to issue tax receipts, then a nonprofit may be better suited.

It’s also worth noting:

• Registering a charity involves a more complex process with the CRA.
• Nonprofits have fewer regulatory obligations but cannot offer the same tax incentives to donors.

Still unsure? Speaking with a charity lawyer or nonprofit expert can help clarify which structure is right for your goals.

Set Yourself Up for Success

Choosing the right type of organization—nonprofit or a charity—isn’t just a formality. It affects how you operate, fundraise, report, and ultimately how you fulfill your mission.

So before you start, take the time to think about your goals, your beneficiaries, and how you plan to raise and spend money. When you understand the difference between a charity and a nonprofit, you’re in a better position to build something sustainable and impactful.

If you’re still not sure, we’re here to help. Set us a free complementary 15 minute consultation with one of our nonprofit and charity registration lawyers or law cleks, or call us at 416-488-5888 or email ask@charitylawgroup.ca

‍Frequently Asked Questions

We've answered some common questions about charities and non-profit organizations to help you understand how they work in Canada.

Is it better to be a charity or not-for-profit?

It depends on your goals. Charities can issue tax receipts for donations, which helps attract donors. However, charities must work toward specific charitable purposes and follow strict rules set by the Canada Revenue Agency. Not-for-profits have more flexibility in their activities but can't give tax receipts. Choose charity status if fundraising through donations is important to you. Choose not-for-profit status if you need more freedom in how you operate.

Is a registered charity the same as a not-for-profit?

No, they are different. All registered charities are not-for-profits, but not all not-for-profits are charities. A registered charity has special status from the Canada Revenue Agency and must follow additional rules. Not-for-profits are simply organizations that don't distribute profits to members. Think of it this way: being a not-for-profit is the basic structure, while being a registered charity is an extra designation on top of that.

What is the difference between non-profit and charity?

The main difference is tax receipts and purpose. Charities can issue official donation receipts for income tax purposes, while non-profits cannot. Charities must focus on charitable purposes like relieving poverty, advancing education, or benefiting the community. Non-profits can work toward a wider range of goals, such as sports clubs, social groups, or professional associations. Charities also face stricter government oversight and reporting requirements.

Who holds the most power in a non-profit organization?

The board of directors holds the most power. They make major decisions, set the organization's direction, and oversee its operations. The board hires and supervises the executive director or CEO if there is one. Board members have a legal duty to act in the organization's best interests. In some organizations, members can vote on important matters and elect board members, which gives them indirect power. However, day-to-day decisions usually rest with the board and staff they hire.

What is the purpose of a non-profit?

A non-profit exists to serve a social, educational, charitable, or community purpose rather than make money for owners. Any money earned goes back into the organization's programs and operations. Non-profits fill gaps in society by providing services, advocating for causes, or bringing people together around shared interests. They can focus on anything from helping people in need to promoting arts and culture to protecting the environment. The key is that they work for public benefit, not private profit.