How To Start A Foundation In Canada

Do you want to start a foundation in Canada? If yes, you have come to the right place! This guide will provide you with the necessary steps to establish a foundation in Canada.

What are Foundations in Canada?
Foundations in Canada are set up either as trusts or corporations with the main goal of donating funds to qualified donees or conducting their own charitable activities.

How are Private Foundations Different from Charities?
Charities receive donations from various sources and actively engage in charitable work, whereas private foundations are typically funded by a single individual or family and may not directly carry out charitable activities (though they would be allowed to carry out charitable activities if provided for in their mandate).

Steps to Start a Foundation in Canada

1. Seek Professional Guidance: It's recommended to consult with a charity lawyer or someone with a comprehensive understanding of Canadian charity laws and regulations regarding foundations before beginning the setup process. This will help ensure that you comply with all legal requirements and regulations and avoid any potential legal issues in the future.

2. Understand Legal Obligations: All foundations in Canada must register with the CRA Charities Directorate as charities, which entails specific advantages and responsibilities. Failure to register as a charity subjects the foundation to income tax obligations and restricts its ability to issue tax receipts to donors.

3. Establish the Foundation: Establish the foundation as a legal entity, either as a nonprofit corporation or trust, in accordance with provincial, territorial, or federal legislation.

4. Apply for Charitable Registration: Apply for charitable registration through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The application process involves providing comprehensive documentation and outlining the intended activities of the foundation. The CRA determines the charity's designation, whether it's a charitable organization, public foundation, or private foundation, based on factors such as funding sources and operational goals.

Understanding Registered Charity Designations
Registered charities in Canada are categorized into three designations:

Charitable Organization:

- Established as a corporation, trust, or under a constitution.
- Primarily conducts its own charitable activities and receives funding from various donors.
- More than 50% of its directors, trustees, or officials maintain arm's-length relationships.

Public Foundation:

- Established as a corporation or trust.
- Allocates more than 50% of its annual income to other qualified donees, typically other registered charities, while also engaging in charitable activities.
- Maintains arm's-length relationships among the majority of its directors, trustees, or officials.

Private Foundation:

- Established as a corporation or trust.
- Conducts its charitable activities or funds other qualified donees, often other registered charities.
- Less than 50% of its directors, trustees, or officials have arm's-length relationships, or a significant portion of its funding comes from a controlling individual or group.

Financial Considerations for Establishing a Foundation
Setting up a foundation in Canada often requires the expertise of financial or legal professionals. Costs may vary, with legal fees ranging from $5000 to $15,000 for comprehensive assistance. We recommend obtaining 3-5 quotes from charity law firms to find the best fit for your legal needs. Additionally, incorporating a Canadian nonprofit without charity status typically incurs legal fees of $2,000 to $3,000.

Tax Implications for Nonprofits in Canada
Nonprofit organizations and registered charities, including foundations, in Canada are generally exempt from paying income tax under Section 149 of the Income Tax Act.

Benefits of Establishing a Foundation

Starting a foundation in Canada offers numerous advantages, such as:

a. Promoting Positive Change: Foundations enable individuals or families to contribute to charitable causes and create a lasting impact.
b. Family Involvement: Private foundations often involve multiple family members, promoting a sense of unity and philanthropic values across generations.
c. Tax Benefits: Foundations enjoy tax advantages, including donation receipts, charitable tax credits, and exemption from income tax.
d. Control and Decision-Making: Foundation founders retain control over ownership and decision-making processes, ensuring alignment with their philanthropic vision.

Establishing a foundation in Canada requires careful consideration, planning, and adherence to legal regulations. Seeking professional guidance, understanding legal obligations, and applying for charitable registration are crucial steps in the process. While there are financial and administrative considerations involved in setting up a foundation, the benefits of creating a lasting impact, promoting philanthropic values, and enjoying tax advantages make it a worthwhile endeavor.

Looking to start a foundation in Canada? The experienced charity lawyers at B.I.G. Charity Law Group have set up numerous foundations across Canada, for philanthropists in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, Winnipeg, Mississauga and more. Our team has incorporated and filed Foundation registration applications in as little as 3 days. Our process is streamlined and fast, and we can register your foundation typically in 3-4 months (unless there is a CRA backlog, which happens from time to time) from the time we are engaged. Click on the "Book a Call" link above, email us at ask@charitylawgroup.ca or call us at 416-488-5888 to start your foundation today.