According to the Globe and Mail “Canadians contributed $70-million to East Africa famine relief, a figure that will be matched by the Harper government. This brings the total government response to $142-million – $70-million in matching funds and $72.35-million that…
In 2009 the CRA released a draft “Consultation on Proposed Guidance on Advancement of Religion as a charitable purpose” which has some examples in Appendix A of objects and activities that could be used for “advancement of religion” applications. Read…
[HERE IS AN UPDATED VERSION OF THE BLUMBERGS' RECEIPTING KIT AS OF 2018] I am working through the Charity Law Information Program of Capacity Builders to prepare a “Receipting Kit” which is a 25 page explanation of how charities should receipt. It…
The Charities Directorate has recently released information obtained from the T3010 Registered Charity Information Return. It paints an interesting portrait of the charitable sector. Analysis of Government funding of Canadian Registered Charities, 2000-2009 Assets Reported by Canadian Registered Charities, 2000-2009…
In 2009, according to the CRA and its T3010 data, Canadian charities spent 2.9 billion outside of Canada. The 2.9 Billion spent by Canadian charities outside of Canada is a 16% increase over 2008. Furthermore in 2002 the expenditures on…
I will be presenting at the Pillar Nonprofit Network and Foundation Western Foundation Investment Forum 2011. Here is a copy of the agenda. Foundation Investment Forum 2011 Event Date: October 18, 2011 Pillar Nonprofit Network in partnership with Foundation…
Imagine Canada is looking for peer reviewers for its new Standards Program. “Are you interested in collaborating with a team of qualified colleagues to evaluate the practices of charities and nonprofits against a new set of Canada-wide shared standards? As…
I will be delivering a presentation to Financial Executives International (FEI) entitled From Donations to Corporate Foundations: Corporate Philanthropy at SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) From Donations to Corporate Foundations: Corporate Philanthropy at SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) Guest Speaker…
Here is an interesting report involving a UK charity with many lessons that can be learned by Canadian charities. The UK charity raised money for the Tsunami in 2004 and the Pakistan earthquake in 2005. In 2006 there were allegations…
On September 20, 2011 Prime Stephen Harper announced a list of projects that will receive funding under the Muskoka Initiative Partnership Program. Projects under the Muskoka Initiative Partnership Program 20 September 2011 New York City, New York The Muskoka Initiative…
Here is a short article quoting Brad Pitt on why he gives to charity. It is quite interesting. Brad Pitt explains charity work commitment By Frances Kindon Sep 23, 2011, 4:23 GMT Brad Pitt has revealed why he and…
Here is an interesting article by Jamie Golombek entitled “A crazy tale of tax fraud”. Unfortunately these types of unsophisticated schemes cost hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars. They are referred to as receipting fraud. There is another type…
Here is a very interesting document from the Max Bell Foundation which outlines some of the difficulties and opportunities for Canadian charities and NGOs to engage in more meaningful and effective public policy discussions. Canada’s Voluntary Sector and Public Policy…
Here is an upcoming webinar “The role of the Not-for-Profit Board Treasurer”. Here is the blurb: Free webinar: The role of the Not-for-Profit Board Treasurer Treasurers of not-for-profit organizations play a key role in ensuring the financial sustainability of the…
Here is an archived webinar that was originally recorded on March 23, 2011 entitled “Dangerous Opinions – Legal and Ethical Issues with Legal Opinions on Charity Law and the Income Tax Act” with David Thompson from Scarfone Hawkins LLP. Mr.…
Here is a brief note entitled Foreign Contractors of Canadian Registered Charities Carrying out the Canadian Charity’s Projects – A Very Simplified View of the Process Hopefull,y this article will help Canadian charities understand in a simplified manner how a…
The Chronicle of Philanthropy has published a lengthy article by Caroline Preston entitled “Multiple Methods of Valuing Drugs Create an Unclear Picture of Aid Totals”. It covers a number of important issues for both Canadian and US charities who either…
In March 2011 a $6 million dollar claim was launched against Redeemer Foundation and Redeemer University College and their “Forgivable Loan Program”. CRA disallowed certain years of the program. We have covered the Redeemer University on this blog in its…
I requested from CRA information about the status of Third Party Penalties (TPP). Some Third Party Penalties are applied to individuals (who are involved with charities) and some to the registered charity itself. As at August 30, 2011 CRA advised:…
Here is an article that appeared in Valuation Law Review entitled “Lemberg, et al. v. Perris” dealing with accountant liability when referring clients to charity schemes. “Valuation Law Review Volume 17, Issue 2, copyright by The Canadian Institute of…
Here is an article in Valuation Law Review entitled Tax Donation Fallout “Valuation Law Review Volume 17, Issue 2, copyright by The Canadian Institute of Chartered Business Valuators, www.cicbv.ca 277 Wellington St. West, Suite 710, Toronto, ON, M5V 3H2, is…
Here is an article entitled Valuation Based Charitable Donations” that appeared in the Valuation Law Review. “Valuation Law Review Volume 17, Issue 2, copyright by The Canadian Institute of Chartered Business Valuators, www.cicbv.ca 277 Wellington St. West, Suite 710, Toronto,…
Here is a case comment on Maréchaux v. The Queen that recently appeared in Valuation Law Review. “Valuation Law Review Volume 17, Issue 2, copyright by The Canadian Institute of Chartered Business Valuators, www.cicbv.ca 277 Wellington St. West, Suite 710,…
Here is an article that appeared in Valuation Law Review entitled “Innovative Gifting Inc. and the House of the Good Shepherd, et al.” on the issue of enforcement of fundraising contracts. It is very important that charities obtain legal advice…