Shows
The Canadian Charity Law PodcastDecoding the Denial: Why the CRA Rejects Canadian Charity ApplicationsThis episode explains why the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) denies charity registration applications. It discusses how more than half of the 4,000 annual applications often fail due to misunderstandings of charitable purposes, inadequate documentation, or operational failures, such as providing private benefits. We thoroughly detail the CRA review process, including the significance of Administrative Fairness Letters (AFLs) and critical deadlines for responding. Furthermore, we outline the four legally recognized charitable purposes in Canada and emphasize the need for clear governance and strict adherence to the public benefit test to ensure a successful application.
2025-11-0613 minThe Canadian Charity Law PodcastEssential Canadian Charity Law Questions: Part IIThis episode provides an essential overview of Canadian charity law, focusing on the critical importance of a charity's legal objects (or purposes) and the strict regulations surrounding the issuance of donation receipts. It explains that a charity must legally operate within its defined objects, warning that acting ultra vires (beyond its powers) can lead to severe consequences, including the revocation of charitable status and personal liability for directors. The discussion also details the process for properly drafting and amending charitable objects, emphasizing the need for specificity to satisfy the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
2025-10-0616 minThe Canadian Charity Law PodcastEssential Canadian Charity Law Questions Answered: Part IIn this episode, we cover some common questions concerning Canadian charity law, offering guidance for both new and established organizations. It strongly warns against the dangerous misconception of "borrowing" another charity's registration number while awaiting approval, which carries severe legal consequences including potential revocation of charitable status. The discussion clarifies that new rules for political activities eliminate the previous resource percentage restriction, allowing charities more freedom for non-partisan public policy dialogue if aligned with their mission. Furthermore, it explains that director residency requirements are more flexible than commonly thought. Finally, the episode cautions that social activities must be limited...
2025-09-2614 minThe Canadian Charity Law PodcastNavigating Charity Mergers & Amalgamations in CanadaThis comprehensive guide from the B.I.G. Charity Law Group details the intricate processes of charity mergers and amalgamations in Canada, outlining when such strategic moves make sense, the legal distinctions between them, and the critical due diligence required. It further explains the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) approval requirements, the necessary member and board approval processes, and complex considerations for asset and liability transfers. Finally, the episode addresses post-merger integration challenges and emphasizes the crucial role of professional support across legal, financial, and organizational development domains for successful outcomes.* * *Support...
2025-09-1825 minThe Canadian Charity Law PodcastDecoding the Charity Application Process: Your Blueprint for Charity Application SuccessThis 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...
2025-09-1023 minThe Canadian Charity Law PodcastBeyond the Boards: Unlocking Charity Status for Canadian Hockey ClubsThis 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. C...
2025-09-0816 min
Leaders In The SpotlightLook To Your Team for The Next Leaders with Sherika Charity-Junirs.Season 6 Episode 3
Sherika Charity-Junirs is a powerhouse in financial aid leadership, currently serving as the Director of Financial Aid at Northern Virginia Community College, one of the largest community colleges in the U.S. With 15 years of experience, she’s championed access, equity, and student success across Virginia’s community college system.
Sherika holds a double major in Economics and Sociology from the University of Virginia, earned her MBA in Management from Strayer University, and had completed consequences for a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration at Old Dominion University. But beyond the credentials, it’s her...
2025-08-2340 minThe Canadian Charity Law PodcastThe Hidden Costs of Using General Lawyers for Charity Law Legal Matters: Why Specialization MattersThe 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...
2025-08-0715 minThe Canadian Charity Law PodcastCharity-to-Charity Gifts: Designated Donations and Spending RulesThis episode explains the complexities of charity-to-charity donations in Canada, particularly focusing on "designated gifts". It highlights that while simple donations between individuals are straightforward, financial transfers between registered charities, especially those that are "non-arm's length" (connected by shared governance or family ties), are subject to strict regulations. The primary challenge for non-arm's length charities receiving funds is the requirement to spend non-designated gifts, with severe penalties for non-compliance. To mitigate this, the discussion introduces designated gifts, which offer the recipient charity flexibility in spending.This episode is jointly sponsored...
2025-08-0112 minThe Canadian Charity Law PodcastAI Fails: Canadian Charity Registration Demands Legal ExpertiseThis episode warns against using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Canadian charity registration applications due to frequent failures and significant delays. It emphasizes that AI lacks a nuanced understanding of Canadian charity law requirements, struggles with complex evaluation criteria from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), and fails to grasp governance requirements. The discussion highlights the absence of strategic positioning and ongoing support from AI, leading to costly appeal processes and founder burnout. Ultimately, the hosts advocate for professional legal guidance as a crucial investment for successful and efficient charity registration in Canada....
2025-07-1012 minThe Canadian Charity Law PodcastT3010: The Catastrophic Risks of Late Canadian Charity ReturnsThis episode comprehensively outlines the severe repercussions for Canadian registered charities that fail to file their annual T3010 Registered Charity Information Return on time. It explains that this critical document serves as a public accountability mechanism, reporting an organization's activities, finances, and governance. The discussion details immediate consequences like penalties and damage to public standing, escalating to the terrifying threat of charity registration revocation, which can lead to the loss of tax benefits and forced asset transfer. Furthermore, it highlights the devastating financial and operational impacts of non-compliance, emphasizing reputational damage and the paralysis an organization faces. Ultimately, the...
2025-06-2616 minThe Canadian Charity Law PodcastEnergizing Nonprofit and Charity Board MeetingsThis episode offers a comprehensive guide on improving nonprofit and charity board meetings, transforming them from tedious obligations into productive and engaging sessions. It emphasizes the importance of defining a clear purpose for each meeting and starting with emotional connection rather than immediate financial discussions. Key strategies include mastering the consent agenda to streamline routine matters, facilitating interactive conversations over monologues, and assigning clear roles for efficient time management. The discussion concludes by stressing the necessity of crystal-clear action items and ending with genuine gratitude to foster continued engagement and build a stronger...
2025-06-1215 minThe Canadian Charity Law PodcastHow To Determine Where to Incorporate Your Ontario Nonprofit or CharityThis episode helps Ontario nonprofits understand the key differences between incorporating under Ontario's Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) and the federal Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (CNCA). It clarifies that neither option is universally better and the best choice depends on the organization's specific needs and operational plans.It highlights distinctions regarding director requirements, membership voting rights, financial standards, filing obligations, and public information disclosure. The discussion also confirms that organizations must choose one structure, though switching is possible, and that ONCA-incorporated nonprofits can still operate and fundraise across Canada while adhering to local regulations....
2025-06-0506 minThe Canadian Charity Law PodcastGet Funding for Your Newly Registered Canadian CharityThis episode offers a guide to effective fundraising strategies specifically tailored for new charities operating in Canada. It provides practical advice on various approaches, including online campaigns, events, monthly giving programs, grant applications, social media engagement, and corporate partnerships. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of clearly defining a charity's mission and vision and the value of donor recognition and appreciation. Overall, this resource helps guide new charities to secure funding and build lasting relationships with supporters.This episode is jointly sponsored by B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation...
2025-05-3013 minThe Canadian Charity Law PodcastStaying on the Sunny Side of Compliance: Your Charity's Best DefenseThe episode explains that registered charities in Canada must meet specific obligations to maintain their status, as failing to do so can lead to serious repercussions. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) uses a graduated scale of enforcement, starting with education and potentially progressing to compliance agreements. More severe non-compliance can result in sanctions, such as financial penalties or the suspension of the right to issue donation receipts. The most extreme consequence is the revocation of charitable status, which leads to the loss of tax benefits, required asset dispersal, and significant damage to public...
2025-05-2115 minThe Canadian Charity Law PodcastHow a Canadian Charity Can Change its Fiscal Year End: Episode 45This 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...
2025-04-3012 minThe Canadian Charity Law PodcastCharity and Nonprofit Founder: Don't Lose Control of Your Nonprofit or Canadian Charity!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...
2025-04-0304 minThe Canadian Charity Law PodcastHow to Prepare for a CRA Charity Audit: Process, and ComplianceThis episode provides guidance to Canadian charities on preparing for and managing audits by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). It highlights the potential consequences of audits, including revocation of charitable status and reputational damage. The discussion details the CRA audit process, common audit triggers, and possible outcomes, ranging from education letters to revocation. Furthermore, it outlines steps charities can take to prepare for an audit, such as maintaining proper documentation and seeking professional support. Finally, the episode identifies common audit issues like inadequate record-keeping and impermissible political activities, emphasizing proactive compliance...
2025-02-2614 minThe Canadian Charity Law PodcastCan 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. The model stresses collaboration, accountability, and thorough documentation for responsible grant management. Consistent application of these principles protects the charity and acknowledges necessary administrative expenses.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 f...
2025-02-1918 min
BumbershootDETOUR! Charity for Charity? What's that?Charity for Charity and Stars of the Valley! With the big event coming up on Friday and Saturday, we detour to fill you in on what it's all about! Charity for Charity is a local wish fulfilling organization fulfilling wishes for individuals with life threatening illness and traumatic injury. Stars of the Valley is hosted by Charity for Charity as its largest fundraising event of the year! CharityforCharity.orgStarsoftheValley.org
2025-02-1848 minThe Canadian Charity Law PodcastIs Every Religion Charitable Under Canadian Charity Law?This episode clarifies the Canada Revenue Agency's (CRA) criteria, which involves common law and the Income Tax Act. The CRA focuses on whether the organization's belief system qualifies as a religion and whether its purposes and activities advance that religion. Requirements include belief in a Supreme Being, worship, and a comprehensive system of faith. To "advance" religion means to promote belief through activities materially connected to religious teachings. 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...
2025-02-0629 minThe Canadian Charity Law PodcastFiling the T3010 Charity Return? Avoid These MistakesThis 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. It highlights potential pitfalls such as inaccurate financial reporting and improper descriptions of charitable activities. 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...
2025-01-2916 minThe Canadian Charity Law PodcastIs Your Charity Website Compliant With Canadian Law?This episode emphasizes the importance of a well-designed and legally compliant website for Canadian charities. The episode highlights crucial aspects like transparently conveying the charity's mission and activities, ensuring legal compliance in online fundraising, and avoiding conflicts of interest. It stresses the need for accurate financial reporting and discourages the promotion of unrelated commercial interests. Finally, the episode advocates for user-friendly website design to enhance the charity's online presence and attract support. 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...
2025-01-2919 minThe Canadian Charity Law PodcastWhy Hiring a Charity & Nonprofit Bookkeeper May Be Your Best Move in 2025The episode highlights how outsourcing your charity's bookkeeping saves time, reduces financial risks, ensures accurate tax filings, provides access to better software, and offers expert advice. 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.https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/P: 416-488-5888https://www.charityaccountingfirm.c...
2025-01-0808 minThe Canadian Charity Law PodcastTips To Successfully Choosing a Charity LawyerThis episode offers an essential guide to selecting a charity lawyer, highlighting the importance of legal expertise for Canadian nonprofits and charities. It emphasizes finding a lawyer with experience in Canadian charity law, transparent and predictable fees, significant number of online 5 star reviews, and strong, timely communication. 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.I.G. Charity Accounts Group, a bookkeeping firm serving Canadian charities in...
2024-12-2511 minThe Canadian Charity Law PodcastCharity Status Revoked? Let Us Help You Reinstate Your Charity StatusThis episode is a step-by-step instructions for reinstating a revoked charity license in Canada. It highlights the importance of understanding the reasons for revocation, rectifying non-compliance issues, and engaging with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The discussion emphasizes the need for a comprehensive reinstatement application and the benefits of seeking professional legal assistance from organizations like B.I.G. Charity Law Group. The information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.This episode is jointly sponsored by B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation, a Charity Law Firm...
2024-12-2518 minThe Canadian Charity Law PodcastKey Responsibilities for Canadian Charity Board DirectorsThis episode outlines the key responsibilities for Canadian charity board directors. These responsibilities include monitoring the executive director's performance, making organizational decisions, maintaining accurate records, filing returns with the Canada Revenue Agency, and approving financial statements. The outline also covers budget development, ensuring sufficient and well-trained board members, preparing an annual report, convening an annual general meeting, and regularly evaluating risks. 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 go...
2024-12-1912 min