This episode outlines the process for Canadian registered charities to change their fiscal year-end, emphasizing that approval from the Charities Directorate is required.

It details two main methods for requesting this change: online via the My Business Account (MyBA) portal or by submitting a formal letter, specifying the necessary information for each.

The episode also explains the concept of a transition period created by the change, requiring a separate information return, and highlights the importance of acting promptly and ensuring the charity's governing documents are updated to reflect the new date.

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

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.

It outlines the directorate's mission, vision, and progress in upholding the integrity of the sector and supporting organizations in complying with tax legislation.

The report includes statistical data on registered charities, application processes, compliance efforts including audits and non-audit interventions, and information on revocations and revocation tax.

It also highlights program policy updates, stakeholder engagement through various committees, and the CRA's efforts to serve the sector and the public through various channels like telephone and written enquiries, webinars, and online resources.

If you are looking to register a nonprofit or charity and need assistance with ensuring you, as the founder, retain control, call us at 416-488-5888 or email at ask@charitylawgroup.ca, and our experienced charity lawyers can assist with bylaw and related resolutions formation and revisions, giving you absolute control.

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

This episode outlines how Canadian charities can legally engage in political advocacy while maintaining their registered status.

It clarifies what political activities are allowed and prohibited, emphasizing the requirement to remain non-partisan.

The episode highlights how recent amendments to the Income Tax Act have removed the 10% spending limit on public policy dialogue and development activities, allowing for more freedom in advocacy as long as it supports the charity's mission.

Best practices for compliant advocacy are also provided, including staying focused on the mission, keeping records, and focusing on education rather than campaigning.

If you are looking to register a nonprofit or charity and need assistance with ensuring you, as the founder, retain control, call us at 416-488-5888 or email at ask@charitylawgroup.ca, and our experienced charity lawyers can assist with bylaw and related resolutions formation and revisions, giving you absolute control.

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 Group
https://www.charityaccountingfirm.ca/
P: 289-301-8883

Recent changes to Ontario's Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) have altered the rules for proxy voting in non-profit and charitable organizations located in Ontario.

Previously, the right to use proxies was automatic for members, but now, it is only permitted if explicitly stated in an organization's articles or by-laws.

This discussion outlines what a proxy is, the potential benefits and drawbacks of allowing them, and highlights that virtual meetings offer an alternative.

Canadian nonprofits that continue to use proxies must adhere to specific requirements for proxy forms to ensure legal compliance.

If you are looking to register a nonprofit or charity and need assistance with ensuring you, as the founder, retain control, call us at 416-488-5888 or email at ask@charitylawgroup.ca, and our experienced charity lawyers can assist with bylaw and related resolutions formation and revisions, giving you absolute control.

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.

https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/
P: 416-488-5888

https://www.charityaccountingfirm.ca/
P: 289-301-8883

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

It then presents two main solutions involving different membership classes to mitigate this challenge.

The first solution proposes a structure where only board members are voting members, ensuring they control board appointments. The second involves multiple classes of members.

These strategies enable founders to maintain influence over the non-profit's direction and board composition without worry of losing control of the nonprofit or charity.

If you are looking to register a nonprofit or charity and need assistance with ensuring you, as the founder, retain control, call us at 416-488-5888 or by email ask@charitylawgroup.ca, and our experienced charity lawyers can assist with bylaw and related resolutions formation and revisions, giving you absolute control.

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.

https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/
P: 416-488-5888

https://www.charityaccountingfirm.ca/
P: 289-301-8883

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

It highlights key stages such as building a core team, choosing a name, defining the society's purpose, and crafting bylaws.

The discussion also touches upon filing for incorporation, opening a bank account, and the separate process of obtaining charitable tax status.

Finally, it includes important considerations for long-term success and directs listeners to resources for further assistance and related topics in charity law.

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.

https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/
P: 416-488-5888

https://www.charityaccountingfirm.ca/
P: 289-301-8883

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

The process involves choosing a unique name, preparing Articles of Incorporation, appointing directors, defining bylaws, and submitting an incorporation application.

The guide also mentions the optional step of obtaining charitable status through the Canada Revenue Agency for additional tax advantages.

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.

https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/
P: 416-488-5888

https://www.charityaccountingfirm.ca/
P: 289-301-8883

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

Provincial incorporation in Ontario offers benefits such as easier access to funding, potential tax advantages, limited liability protection, an independent legal identity, and perpetual existence.

Federal incorporation provides nationwide name protection, enhanced prestige, greater flexibility for national operations, and potentially advantageous governance structures.

Ultimately, the choice depends on a nonprofit's geographic scope, administrative capacity, future plans, and budget, though both options offer core benefits like limited liability and legal standing.

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.

https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/
P: 416-488-5888

https://www.charityaccountingfirm.ca/
P: 289-301-8883