If you are trying to understand the disbursement quota for Canadian charities then you may find this CRA page on the disbursement quota calculation helpful. Here is the link
If you are interested in the provision of water in developing countries this article by Ned Breslin is well worth reading.
[the archived recording of the webinar Haiti – Legal and Ethical Issues for Canadian charities is now available at https://ocsa.webex.com/ocsa/lsr.php?AT=pb&SP=TC&rID=619547&rKey=680663606ebf9a91&act=pb (It is approx 1h and 10 min)] We are also beta testing some other webinars at: OCIC, myself and…
There have been a number of articles on a Montreal based charity named Rights & Democracy. One can learn a number of lessons on how not to deal with governance from this example. The official name of the organization on…
It may take a while to know the full story but so far the headlines are “Baptist group accused of child-trafficking in Haiti ” or “Haiti ‘orphans’ case: Misunderstanding or kidnap?” from the BBC. A few thoughts: CRA in…
Here is a reminder from the Charities Directorate of CRA that one registered charity should not issue an official donation receipt to another registered charity. So for example if a foundation gives another registered charity funds the recipient charity does…
Here is the schedule for Being Good at Doing Good: Safeguarding Yourself and your Charity in a Complex World. There is an amazing line up of speakers. CLIP_Conference_Schedule.pdf Check out the topics and speakers and register while you can…
The telethon had 2.4 million viewers and raised over $20 million dollars.
For information on the conference see: The conference is sponsored by the Canada Revenue Agency and I am helping Capacity Builders organize this charity conference. The charitable sector is a large and important part of Canada’s economy and society.…
The Canadian Government recently announced that they will be lifting the cap of $50 million for matching funds. here is an article from the Toronto Star http://www.thestar.com/news/world/haiti/article/754754—ottawa-lifts-50m-cap-for-haiti-donations?bn=1
This article by Laura Payton is particularly timely. Post-traumatic stress real threat to aid workers, diplomats By Laura Payton Published January 27, 2010 Adrienne Carter felt the earth shaking for months after returning to…
Earthquake in Haiti: Québec Announces That Donations Made by February 28, 2010 Will Be Deductible in 2009 Press release Cabinet du ministre FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Earthquake in Haiti: Québec Announces That Donations Made by February 28, 2010 Will Be…
Here are some suggestions for donating to a Canadian charity in a disaster such as we recently saw in Haiti. Donating to a Canadian charity in a disaster – suggestions to ensure funds gets to the most needy Select charities…
Here is a press release from the law firm Scarfone Hawkins LLP on this case. The defendants are Rochester Financial Limited, Promittere Capital Group Inc., Promittere Asset Management Ltd., Banyan Tree Foundation and national law firm Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP. …
To help with Haiti Relief the Charities Directorate of the Canada Revenue Agency will temporarily be working on weekends “Note: As a temporary measure, the Charities Directorate is providing additional telephone service for donors and charities who want information about…
Here is copy of Section 168 of the Canadian Income Tax Act which deals with revoking registration of a registered charity or RCAAA. Registration can be revoked for a number of differrent reasons. Notice of intention to revoke registration 168.…
Recently a US Report on major embezzlements by Marquet International was released. The report covers only one type of fraud namely embezzlement or the misappropriation of resources by an employee or agent of an organization for his or her own…
Here is some useful information from the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs on why it is better to donate cash rather than goods during a disaster. “Why should you donate cash instead of goods? Because cash donations are quick,…
The Haiti Earthquake shows quite vividly how difficult and complicated international charitable activities can be. From logistical issues to security, careful planning, preparation and having the requisite experience and people on the ground are important. At an upcoming conference in…
Keep the lines and internet sites busy. Donate to reputable, experienced, knowledgeable Canadian aid organizations that already have operations in Haiti such as the members of the Humanitarian Coalition () or Doctors Without Borders Canada () Here is an article…
Here is a CBC article on how scammers and cyber criminals are trying to exploit the generosity of people. Save yourself the disappointment and embarrassment and if you are interested in helping people in Haiti donate to an experienced Canadian…
Here is some information from CIDA with respect to their Haiti donation matching program Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund En vedette •FAQs In order to better respond to the needs of Haitian citizens, the government will match eligible donations made…
Here is a link to a PDF document from the BC Ministry of Finance on the BC Society Act Review The document raises a number of important policy issues with non-profit corporate law that may be of interest to…
One release is a caution encouraging Canadians to be an informed donor and see part of the CRA website on being an informed donor. The other is a reminder that in a disaster the urge by some to set up…