January 31, 2010

Arrest of US Baptist missionaries highlights importance of awareness and compliance with local laws

It may take a while to know the full story but so far the headlines are “Baptist group accused of child-trafficking in Haiti ” http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/haiti/baptist-group-accused-of-child-trafficking-in-haiti/article1450829/ or “Haiti ‘orphans’ case: Misunderstanding or kidnap?” from the BBC.

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January 27, 2010

CRA reminder about gifts from one registered charity to another - no receipt issued

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 not provide an official donation receipt.

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January 25, 2010

Being Good at Doing Good:  Safeguarding Yourself and your Charity in a Complex World - Toronto

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 at http://www.capacitybuilders.ca/clip/conference/index.php for the early bird rate for this CLIP conference.  Here is a flyer if you want to circulate to your charities, their boards, volunteers and staff.  Flyer for Being Good at Doing Good

CRA, Public Guardian and Trustee and UK Charity Commission to speak in Toronto in February

For information on the conference see: http://www.capacitybuilders.ca/clip/conference/index.php  The conference is sponsored by the Canada Revenue Agency and I am helping Capacity Builders organize this charity conference.

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Canadian Government lifts $50M cap for Haiti donations - will match more donations

The Canadian Government recently announced that they will be lifting the cap of $50 million for matching funds. 

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January 22, 2010

Haiti Earthquake - Québec Announces That Donations Made by Feb 28, 2010 Will Be Deductible in 2009

Earthquake in Haiti:  Québec Announces That Donations Made by February 28, 2010 Will Be Deductible in 2009

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January 21, 2010

Donating to a Canadian charity in a disaster - suggestions to ensure funds gets to the most needy

Here are some suggestions for donating to a Canadian charity in a disaster such as we recently saw in Haiti.

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Court Certifies Class Action Lawsuit over Banyan Tree Leveraged Charitable Donation Program

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.  Here is the Scarfone Hawkins LLP press release dated Jan 21 2010.  Here is a copy of the Reasons for Decision of Justice Lax dated January 19 2010

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January 19, 2010

CRA to work weekends to help public with Haiti relief

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 donations toward earthquake relief in Haiti. The telephone service is now extended to weekends, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.”  This is an excellent idea and will be helpful to many Canadians.  http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/whtsnw/tms/rthqk-haiti-eng.html

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Section 168 of the Income Tax Act (Canada) - revoking registration of a registered charity or RCAAA

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.

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