Keeping Your Charity's Fundraising on the Right Side of the Line: When Good Intentions Aren't Enough

This episode outlines several key scenarios where fundraising activities by registered charities in Canada can be deemed unacceptable by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

This includes situations where fundraising becomes a primary focus instead of supporting the charitable mission, results in excessive private benefits, or involves activities that are illegal or contrary to public policy.

Additionally, fundraising is considered unacceptable if it is deceptive in any way or if it utilizes an unrelated business not permitted for charities.

Engaging in these practices can jeopardize a charity's registered status.

Recent Podcasts

June 16, 2025

How can Canadian Nonprofit Transform Board Meetings from Dull to Engaging and Impactful?

This episode presents seven tried and proven ways to transform Canadian nonprofit and charity board meetings into a valuable and impactful use of the board's time.

June 9, 2025

Where to Incorporate Your Ontario Nonprofit: Provincially or Federally?

This episode helps those looking to start a nonprofit in Ontario nderstand the key differences between incorporating under Ontario's Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) and the federal Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (CNCA).

June 9, 2025

The Fundraising Playbook for New Canadian Charities

This episode offers a guide to effective fundraising strategies specifically tailored for new charities operating in Canada.

May 21, 2025

Consequences of Non-Compliance: What Every Canadian Charity Needs to Know

This episode describes the 4 levels of compliance enforcement the CRA uses to ensure Canadian charities comply with the Income Tax Act and related legislation.

May 14, 2025

Keeping Your Charity's Fundraising on the Right Side of the Line: When Good Intentions Aren't Enough

Learn when Canadian registered charities' fundraising activities are considered unacceptable by the CRA, including deceptive practices or benefiting private interests.

May 8, 2025

Setting Up a Charitable Organization, Private Foundation or Nonprofit Within Canada

This episode explains the key differences between nonprofit and charitable organizations in Canada.

April 30, 2025

Change Your Fiscal Year-End. A Guide for Canadian Charities

This episode outlines the process for Canadian registered charities to change their fiscal year-end.

April 30, 2025

Reviewing the CRA's Charities Directorate 2024 Report

This episode discusses the Canada Revenue Agency's (CRA) Report on the Charities Program for 2023 to 2024, detailing the CRA's Charities Directorate's activities related to registered charities and other qualified donees in Canada.

April 23, 2025

Political Advocacy for Canadian Charities: Staying on the Right Side of the Law

Navigate the landscape of political advocacy as a Canadian charity with confidence. This post outlines what's allowed, what's prohibited, and provides essential best practices for staying mission-focused, maintaining records, and advocating effectively within legal boundaries.

May 7, 2025

Pros & Cons of Membership Proxy Voting for Ontario Nonprofits

This episode outlines what a proxy is, the potential benefits and drawbacks of allowing them in an Ontario nonprofit or charity, and highlights that virtual meetings offer an alternative.

April 2, 2025

Guarantee Founder's Long Term Control of Canadian Nonprofit & Charity

This episode explains challenges to founder control in standard non-profit structures where all members typically have voting rights and strategies for retaining control.

March 19, 2025

How To Launch a BC Society: A Comprehensive Guide

This episode explains how to start a non-profit society specifically in British Columbia, offering a step-by-step process for incorporation.

March 12, 2025

A Basic Overview to Starting a Nonprofit in Toronto

This episode outlines the necessary steps for establishing a not-for-profit corporation in Toronto.

March 12, 2025

How to Incorporate an Ontario Nonprofit: Federally or Provincially?

This episode explains the crucial early decision for nonprofits looking to incorporate in Ontario: whether to incorporate provincially (specifically in Ontario) or federally.

March 6, 2025

How Much Should Canadian Charities Pay Their Executives?

This episode addresses the crucial topic of executive compensation within Canadian charities, emphasizing the need for fair and reasonable pay to attract and retain competent leadership while adhering to legal and ethical standards.

March 6, 2025

Accounting Guidelines for Canadian Charities

This podcast episode, Essential Principles for Charity and Nonprofit Bookkeeping, outlines crucial guidelines for managing a Canadian organization's finances.

February 26, 2025

A Founder's Guide to Starting a Nonprofit in Canada

A Comprehensive Guide Explaining How To Start a Nonprofit in Canada.

February 26, 2025

Don't Panic! Has Your Canadian Charity Been Selected for a CRA Audit? A Guide to Prepare

This episode provides guidance to Canadian charities on preparing for and managing audits by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

February 19, 2025

Should Canadian Charities Use a Celebrity to Promote Their Work?

This episode addresses the rewards and risks involved in hiring a celebrity to promote a Canadian charity.

February 19, 2025

Can a Canadian Charity Donate Or Give Funds to a Non-Registered Charity?

This episode outlines the CRA's recommended due diligence approach for grant-making to non-qualified donees (i.e., non charities), emphasizing alignment with charitable purpose and risk assessment.

February 20, 2025

What Religions Are Not Charitable In Canada?

Not all Religions Are Deemed Charitable Under Canadian Law. This Episode Clarifies What Criteria Are Needed To be Registered As a Charity.

February 20, 2025

Why Your Canadian Charity Should Register Its Trademark

This episode provides a thorough outline of why it's critical for Canadian Charities to Register their Trademarks.

February 20, 2025

Filing the T3010? Avoid These Mistakes

This episode provides guidance on accurately filing a Canadian charity's T3010 tax return, emphasizing the importance of meeting deadlines, providing complete information, and correctly reporting activities. ‍

January 29, 2025

Is Your Charity Website Compliant With Canadian Law?

This episode emphasizes the importance of a well-designed and legally compliant website for Canadian charities.

January 23, 2025

What are the key legal & financial obligations for Canadian non-profits?

This episode outlines the post-incorporation responsibilities for Canadian not-for-profit organizations.

January 23, 2025

How Does Incorporation Impact Your Canadian Nonprofit Organization?

This episode discusses the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating a nonprofit organization (NPO) in Canada.

January 17, 2025

Church Law: Essential Legal Documents for Ontario Churches

This episode provides a guide to essential legal documents for churches in Toronto, Mississauga, Barrie, Ottawa and across Ontario.

January 17, 2025

Roadmap to Starting a Private Foundation in Toronto

The episode provides a guide for establishing a private foundation in Toronto. It outlines key considerations such as defining the foundation's mission and legal structure, selecting a jurisdiction, and securing funding.

January 8, 2025

A Guide to Year-End Accounting for Canadian Charities & Nonprofits

This episode emphasizes the importance of year-end accounting for Canadian charities.

January 8, 2025

Why Hiring a Charity & Nonprofit Bookkeeper May Be Your Best Move in 2025

Outsourcing your charity's bookkeeping saves time, reduces financial risks, and ensures accurate tax filings.

January 8, 2025

How To Successfully Choose and Hire a Charity Lawyer

Tips How To Successfully Select and Hire a Charity Lawyer

December 25, 2024

Charity Status Revoked? How to Go About Charity Reinstatement in Canada

This episode is a step-by-step instructions for reinstating a revoked charity license in Canada.

December 19, 2024

Key Responsibilities for Canadian Charity Board Directors

This episode outlines the key responsibilities for Canadian charity board directors.

December 19, 2024

Guidance to Registering a Mosque, Church and Temple as a Canadian Charity

This episode explains how to register a temple, mosque, or church as a charity in Ontario and across Canada.

December 11, 2024

Get Your T3010 Tax Return Filed Right the First Time

December 24, 2024

Compliance for Private Foundations

This episode is a general guide to Canadian tax compliance for private foundations.

December 4, 2024

Ten Tips To Charity Budgeting for Canadian Charities

The ins-and-outs to Charity Budgets. A How-To for Charity Executives

January 21, 2025

Cost Associated With Charity Registration and Operations

This episode outlines the costs associated with registering and maintaining a charity in Canada.

December 1, 2024

How to Run a Board Meeting for Canadian Charities

This episode provides guidelines for creating effective and informative board meeting minutes.

December 1, 2024

Why Start a Private Foundation in Canada

Why Canadian private foundations are a powerful tool for impactful and enduring charitable giving.

November 21, 2024

Asset Protection Tips for Directors of Canadian Charities

Guidance on how Canadian charitable organizations can effectively manage their assets to ensure long-term sustainability.

November 21, 2024

Fundraising Compliance for Canadian Charities

This Episode outlines the importance of reasonableness in fundraising expenses and stresses the need for charities to obtain proper permissions and licenses for specific fundraising methods, including lotteries, bingos, and charity casinos.

November 21, 2024

Tips To Running a Capital Campaign for Canadian Charities

Advice for executive directors leading capital campaigns for charitable organizations.

November 21, 2024

Tips to Running a Successful End-of-Year Matching Campaign for Canadian Charities

A guide for Canadian charities on how to run a successful matching end-of-year fundraising campaign.

October 31, 2024

Ensure Your Charity's Fundraising Practices are in Compliance with CRA Rules

In this episode, we provide an overview of fundraising guidelines for charities in Canada.

October 31, 2024

Register Your Animal Rescue as a Charity

This episode provides guidance for charities and applicants for charitable status who promote the welfare of animals.

November 1, 2024

Key Requirements for Issuing an Official Tax Receipt in Canada

In this episode we cover the required information on an official donation receipt from a registered charity.

October 31, 2024

How to Improve Your Charity's Website and Increase Funding

Tips on Improving a Charity's Website to Increase Funding

October 15, 2024

ONCA Legislation Simplified

In this episode we explore the purposes of the ONCA (the new legislation for nonprofits and charities incorporated in Ontario) and what’s new, including its implications for existing corporations and the transition process.

October 16, 2024

Can I Register a Sports Organization as a Canadian Charity?

Here we explore when a Sports Organization can and cannot qualify for charity registration in Canada.

October 15, 2024

Can a Canadian Charity Give Funds to a Non-Charity?

How Can Canadian Charities Donate to Non-Charities