This comprehensive episode details the Canada Revenue Agency's (CRA) Charity Application Checklist, serving as a critical roadmap for organizations seeking registered charity status in Canada. It breaks down the four main pillars of the CRA's review process, covering initial documentation, governing documents, scrutiny of charitable objects and activities, and financial and governance oversight. The discussion emphasizes common pitfalls and red flags that can lead to application rejection, while also offering pro tips for successful registration, such as self-auditing and ensuring consistency across all submitted materials. Finally, it outlines what happens after the review, including approval, rejection, and crucial post-registration compliance obligations, all designed to maintain public trust and secure significant tax benefits for qualified organizations.

Support for Your Canadian Charity or Not-for-Profit

Running a successful charity requires passion for your mission and a rock-solid foundation. This episode is made possible by the professional teams who help organizations like yours thrive.

Legal Guidance for Canadian Charities: Navigating the legal landscape for charities and not-for-profits can be complex. Whether you're just starting or need to shore up your governance, you need a Charity Lawyer on your side.

B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation A dedicated law firm exclusively serving charities and not-for-profits in Toronto, Ontario, and across Canada. Serving:

• CRA Charity Registration
• Nonprofit Incorporation
• Corporate Governance & CRA Compliance
• ONCA Updates (Ontario nonprofit compliance)
• Bylaw Reviews and Policy Development
• Ready to build, grow, or protect your organization?
  • Website: https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/
  • Email: welcome@charitylawgroup.ca
  • Phone: 416-488-5888

Bookkeeping & Tax Services for Ontario Charities: Keeping your charity's finances and tax filings in perfect order is essential for transparency and success. For specialized Charity financial management, we recommend:

• B&H Charity Accounts Corporation A professional bookkeeping firm focused on the unique needs of Canadian charities in Ontario. Their services ensure you're always compliant and mission-ready, including:
  • Full-Cycle Bookkeeping
  • CRA T3010 Charity Information Return Filing
  • Financial Reporting and Budgeting
• Stop stressing about spreadsheets and focus on your mission.
  • Website: https://www.charityaccountingfirm.ca/

A Special Mention: A huge thank you to our friends at OrgHub.ca, an innovative software platform that provides not-for-profits and charities across Canada with a streamlined, modern foundation for incorporation and corporate governance.

This episode explains the process for registering a hockey club as a charity in Canada. It outlines the specific criteria set by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), including having a charitable purpose, demonstrating public benefit, and operating as a non-profit. The article details the steps involved in the registration process—gathering documentation, completing the application, and awaiting approval—and emphasizes the importance of maintaining compliance after registration. Finally, it highlights the various advantages of charity status, such as tax benefits, access to funding, and enhanced credibility within the community.

This episode is jointly sponsored by B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation, a Charity Law Firm exclusively serving charity and not-for-profit clients in Toronto, Ontario and across Canada with registration and governance, and B&H Charity Accounts Group, a bookkeeping firm serving Canadian charities in Ontario with all their financial and tax filing needs. Hat tip to our friends at OrgHub.ca, a new, innovative software platform that provides not-for-profits and charities across Canada with a solid foundation for incorporation and streamlined corporate governance.

B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation
https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/
P: 416-488-5888

B&H Charity Accounts Corporation
https://www.charityaccountingfirm.ca/

The episode argues for the critical importance of specialized legal counsel for Canadian charities. It highlights the complex nature of charity law, which involves multiple regulatory frameworks and unique legal concepts not found in general corporate law.

The discussion emphasizes that specialized charity lawyers offer significant advantages in navigating CRA compliance, achieving higher success rates for registrations, and providing long-term support.

Ultimately, engaging a charity law specialist is presented as a cost-effective investment that prevents costly mistakes, manages risks, and enables an organization's mission and growth.

This episode is jointly sponsored by B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation, a Charity Law Firm exclusively serving charity and not-for-profit clients in Toronto, Ontario and across Canada with registration and governance, and B&H Charity Accounts Group, a bookkeeping firm serving Canadian charities in Ontario with all their financial and tax filing needs. Hat tip to our friends at OrgHub.ca, a new, innovative software platform that provides not-for-profits and charities across Canada with a solid foundation for incorporation and streamlined corporate governance.

B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation
https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/
P: 416-488-5888

B&H Charity Accounts Corporation
https://www.charityaccountingfirm.ca/