How to Register a Nonprofit in Ontario
Published March 10, 2025 By Dov Goldberg
How to Register a Nonprofit in Ontario
Starting a nonprofit organization in Ontario is a great way to support a cause you care about. Whether you want to serve your local community, promote education, support the arts, or help those in need, registering your nonprofit is the first step. If you plan to become a registered charity later on, it’s important to set things up properly from the beginning.
What is a Nonprofit?
A nonprofit is an organization that uses any income it earns to support its goals instead of making a profit for owners or shareholders. In Ontario, many groups start as nonprofits and later apply to become registered charities to issue tax receipts and qualify for more funding opportunities.
Step 1: Choose a Name
Choose a unique name for your organization that is not already being used. Most groups order a NUANS Name Search Report to make sure the name is available. This report is often required when you apply to incorporate.
Step 2: Decide Between Federal or Provincial Incorporation
You have two options when registering your nonprofit:
Option 1: Provincial Incorporation (Ontario)
Most Ontario-based nonprofits choose this. You will be incorporated under the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA). You’ll file your application through the Ontario Business Registry, and your organization will be based in Ontario.
Option 2: Federal Incorporation (Canada-wide)
If you plan to operate across multiple provinces or want more flexibility in the future, federal incorporation might be better. You’ll be incorporated under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (CNCA) and apply through Corporations Canada.
Important: If you federally incorporate and plan to operate in Ontario, you must also complete extra-provincial registration in Ontario. This step registers your federally incorporated nonprofit in Ontario so it can legally do business in the province.
Step 3: Prepare and File Incorporation Documents
You’ll need:
- Articles of Incorporation
- Registered office address
- Names of the first directors
- A NUANS report (for custom names)
- Filing fee (varies by federal or provincial)
Once submitted and approved, you’ll receive your incorporation documents, including your Ontario Corporation Number (OCN) or Federal Corporation Number.
Step 4: Create Bylaws and Hold Your First Board Meeting
After incorporating, draft bylaws that explain how your organization will operate. This includes how meetings are held, how directors are chosen, and how decisions are made.
At your first board meeting, approve your bylaws and appoint officers.
Step 5: Get a Business Number from CRA
Apply for a Business Number (BN) through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). You’ll need this number for taxes, payroll (if applicable), and to apply for charitable status.
Step 6: Apply for Charitable Status (Optional, but Recommended)
If your organization’s purposes are:
- Relief of poverty
- Advancement of education
- Advancement of religion
- Other community benefits
You can apply to the CRA to become a registered charity. This allows your organization to:
- Issue official donation receipts
- Qualify for more grants and funding
- Be exempt from income tax
The charity application is complex and must include:
- Detailed charitable purposes
- Financial information
- Governance documents that follow CRA rules
Having properly drafted documents during incorporation makes this process easier. Poorly written documents can delay or even prevent approval.
Step 7: Open a Bank Account
With your incorporation documents and CRA Business Number, open a bank account in your nonprofit’s name. This helps you manage your funds clearly and professionally.
Step 8: Stay Compliant
Once registered, your nonprofit must keep good records, such as meeting minutes and financial reports. You also need to file annual returns and keep your bylaws and government records up to date.
If you become a charity, you must also file an annual T3010 form with the CRA to stay in good standing.
Need Help Registering Your Nonprofit or Charity?
Registering a nonprofit or applying for charitable status can be overwhelming. Our team at B.I.G. Charity Law Group can help with every step. We have helped thousands of organizations across Canada and have over 837 five-star Google reviews from satisfied clients.
We take care of:
- Federal or provincial incorporation
- Bylaws and corporate documents
- CRA charity applications and communication
- Extra-provincial registrations
- Ongoing legal compliance
Contact us today:
We make the Ontario nonprofit incorporation process smooth and stress-free so you can focus on your mission.
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