The Canadian Charity Law Podcast

Staff at B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation
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Exploring the ins-and-outs of Canadian Charity Law in a way that can be understood by the layperson, including Charity Registration, Not-for-Profit Incorporation, Charity Governance, Charity Fundraising, Tax Receipting, and much more!

  1. 6D AGO

    The Nonprofit Board of Directors vs. The Bench: Who Wins?

    In this episode, we discuss a recent Ontario court ruling which affirmed judicial deference to nonprofit boards, ruling that bylaw amendments are valid even if they target specific situations. Boards may change rules for legitimate business interests without being deemed in bad faith or too vague. 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 IncorporationCorporate Governance & CRA ComplianceONCA Updates (Ontario nonprofit compliance)Bylaw Reviews and Policy DevelopmentReady to build, grow, or protect your organization?Website: https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/Email: welcome@charitylawgroup.caPhone: 416-488-5888Bookkeeping & 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 BookkeepingCRA T3010 Charity Information Return FilingFinancial Reporting and BudgetingStop 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 nonprofit incorporation.

    15 min

  2. FEB 1

    CRA vs. Your Health Charity: Why "Good Intentions" Aren't Enough

    The CRA acts as a rigorous scientific review board that rejects applications based on anecdotes and "good vibes" in favor of objective, verifiable clinical data. To secure registration, your organization must prove that its treatments are effective and delivered by licensed professionals rather than well-meaning but unqualified volunteers. Success hinges on demonstrating a direct public benefit while avoiding pitfalls like private enrichment or promoting lifestyle choices over medical necessity. 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 IncorporationCorporate Governance & CRA ComplianceONCA Updates (Ontario nonprofit compliance)Bylaw Reviews and Policy DevelopmentReady to build, grow, or protect your organization?Website: https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/Email: welcome@charitylawgroup.caPhone: 416-488-5888Bookkeeping & 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 BookkeepingCRA T3010 Charity Information Return FilingFinancial Reporting and BudgetingStop 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 nonprofit incorporation.

    18 min

  3. JAN 22

    The CRA Rejected Your Employment Program Charitable Application I Here's Why

    Many well-intentioned founders are shocked to learn that the Canada Revenue Agency doesn't consider "helping people find jobs" automatically charitable, leading to rejected charity applications. This episode breaks down seven critical mistakes that doom employment-focused charity applications, from accidentally creating businesses instead of charities to providing unacceptable private benefits to employers. Learn how to properly frame your mission around recognized charitable purposes, define eligible beneficiaries, and structure programs that meet CRA requirements for charitable registration. 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 IncorporationCorporate Governance & CRA ComplianceONCA Updates (Ontario nonprofit compliance)Bylaw Reviews and Policy DevelopmentReady to build, grow, or protect your organization?Website: https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/Email: welcome@charitylawgroup.caPhone: 416-488-5888Bookkeeping & 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 BookkeepingCRA T3010 Charity Information Return FilingFinancial Reporting and BudgetingStop 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 nonprofit incorporation.

    17 min

  4. JAN 21

    The CRA Rejected Your Poverty Relief Charity Application And Here's Why

    This episode outlines the frequent legal and administrative errors that lead the Canada Revenue Agency to deny charitable status to organizations focused on poverty relief. The discussion clarifies that a charity must focus on remedying existing poverty rather than attempting to prevent it, and benefits must only support a modest standard of living rather than providing luxuries. A successful application requires precise eligibility criteria and rigorous documentation to prove that beneficiaries are selected based on genuine financial need. Furthermore, the source warns against private benefits, noting that funds must serve an open public class or specific needy groups rather than named individuals. Organizations must also ensure their selection restrictions are non-discriminatory and that donors do not exert personal control over who receives aid. Ultimately, achieving registered status depends on a clear understanding of the legal distinction between a charitable endeavor and a private act of kindness. 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 IncorporationCorporate Governance & CRA ComplianceONCA Updates (Ontario nonprofit compliance)Bylaw Reviews and Policy DevelopmentReady to build, grow, or protect your organization?Website: https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/Email: welcome@charitylawgroup.caPhone: 416-488-5888Bookkeeping & 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 BookkeepingCRA T3010 Charity Information Return FilingFinancial Reporting and BudgetingStop 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 nonprofit incorporation. #PovertyRelief #CharityLawCanada #CRACompliance #NonprofitTips #RegisterACharity #BIGCharityLawGroup

    15 min

  5. JAN 7

    The CRA Rejected Your Private Foundation Application I Here's Why

    This episode focuses on the challenges private foundations encounter when their registration applications are rejected by the Canada Revenue Agency. It specifically investigates the common reasons why the CRA might decline or ignore these legal requests for charitable status. Beyond identifying failures, the discussion offers strategic advice for organizations looking to rehabilitate their standing and successfully navigate the appeals process. The episode aims to provide a roadmap for recovery so that philanthropic groups can effectively overcome regulatory hurdles. By following these guidelines, foundations can better understand how to secure Charities Directorate approval after an initial setback. 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 IncorporationCorporate Governance & CRA ComplianceONCA Updates (Ontario nonprofit compliance)Bylaw Reviews and Policy DevelopmentReady to build, grow, or protect your organization?Website: https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/Email: welcome@charitylawgroup.caPhone: 416-488-5888Bookkeeping & 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 BookkeepingCRA T3010 Charity Information Return FilingFinancial Reporting and BudgetingStop 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 nonprofit incorporation.

    7 min

  6. 12/31/2025

    The CRA Rejected Your Indigenous Charity Application I Here's Why

    This episode examines the Canada Revenue Agency’s complex and seemingly contradictory regulations regarding the registration of Indigenous-focused charities. While the Canadian government recognizes that serving Aboriginal peoples can meet the legal definition of a public benefit, the episode highlights a "red light list" of services—such as hospitals and ambulance services—that are deemed too universal to be restricted to one group. Additionally, the discussion focuses on the "class within a class" rule, which frequently prevents specific First Nations or Métis communities from forming charities dedicated solely to their own members.  Ultimately, the episode portrays the current legal framework as a collection of apparently logical gaps that seems to force communities to prioritize bureaucratic compliance over practical, culturally specific needs. 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 IncorporationCorporate Governance & CRA ComplianceONCA Updates (Ontario nonprofit compliance)Bylaw Reviews and Policy DevelopmentReady to build, grow, or protect your organization?Website: https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/Email: welcome@charitylawgroup.caPhone: 416-488-5888Bookkeeping & 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 BookkeepingCRA T3010 Charity Information Return FilingFinancial Reporting and BudgetingStop 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 nonprofit incorporation.

    13 min

  7. 12/24/2025

    The CRA Rejected Your Arts or Music Charity Application I Here's Why

    To secure charitable status in Canada, arts and music organizations must navigate strict requirements set by the Canada Revenue Agency. Many applications fail because they lack structured educational components or fail to demonstrate that their chosen medium has widespread community acceptance. Furthermore, the government requires objective proof of artistic merit, ensuring that public benefit takes precedence over the private financial interests of individual artists or board members. Organizations must also avoid focusing on broad cultural promotion, as the law requires a specific emphasis on advancing artistic appreciation or formal training instead. Ultimately, successful registration depends on maintaining arm's-length governance and proving that the entity serves the public rather than acting as a private career-boosting service. 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 IncorporationCorporate Governance & CRA ComplianceONCA Updates (Ontario nonprofit compliance)Bylaw Reviews and Policy DevelopmentReady to build, grow, or protect your organization?Website: https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/Email: welcome@charitylawgroup.caPhone: 416-488-5888Bookkeeping & 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 BookkeepingCRA T3010 Charity Information Return FilingFinancial Reporting and BudgetingStop 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 nonprofit incorporation.

    12 min

  8. 12/17/2025

    The CRA Rejected Your Application to Register a School as a Charity I Here's Why

    This episode provides a detailed guide outlining ten common reasons why a private school's application for charitable registration may be rejected by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). It explains that rejections often occur because the school's structure, purposes, or activities fail to meet specific legal requirements for the "advancement of education" under charity law. Key pitfalls include having purposes that are not exclusively charitable, using teaching materials that are biased or lack educational value, or operating programs that lack sufficient structure and assessment components. Furthermore, applications can be denied if the beneficiary group is improperly restricted or if the school provides more than incidental private benefit, such as excessive compensation to founders. The overall message is that schools must meticulously align their governance and operations with the CRA’s strict criteria for public benefit to achieve charitable status. 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 IncorporationCorporate Governance & CRA ComplianceONCA Updates (Ontario nonprofit compliance)Bylaw Reviews and Policy DevelopmentReady to build, grow, or protect your organization?Website: https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/Email: welcome@charitylawgroup.caPhone: 416-488-5888Bookkeeping & 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 BookkeepingCRA T3010 Charity Information Return FilingFinancial Reporting and BudgetingStop 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 nonprofit incorporation.

    15 min
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About

Exploring the ins-and-outs of Canadian Charity Law in a way that can be understood by the layperson, including Charity Registration, Not-for-Profit Incorporation, Charity Governance, Charity Fundraising, Tax Receipting, and much more!

Information

  • Creator
    Staff at B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    78
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Podcasting Co
  • Show Website
    The Canadian Charity Law Podcast