We have just prepared a new course on Canadian Charities Working with Non-Charities in Canada.  Here is information on the new course and how to register.

I was quite disappointed that certain organizations have misrepresented the ability of Canadian charities to work with non-charities in Canada during the COVID-19 crisis.  Therefore we have prepared this course and we are offering it until May 17, 2020 at no cost using this code:

INCREASINGIMPACT149

Canadian charities don’t have to work with intermediaries or non-charities when carrying out their work.  Some charities would prefer to use their own volunteers or staff or make gifts to other qualified donees.   But for some charities working with intermediaries such as individuals, for-profits, and non-profits in Canada can make perfect sense.

It is a little ironic that the word “innovation” has been used so much over the last decade in the Canadian charity sector that it is almost becoming one of those annoying words.  I have seen more innovation in the last 2 months in the charity sector than I have seen over the last 10 years.   Out of a particularly grim situation with COVID-19 it is good to see some Canadian charities rising to the occasion and adapting as best they can.  For some, that innovation is working with non-qualified donees to deliver programs that the charity may never have delivered before, or has delivered before but not in a different region of Canada or simply wanting to increase exponentially the delivery of a program.

Working with non-qualified donees is just one of many ways that a Canadian registered charity can have more impact.  Charities can also think about whether their structure is up-to-date and appropriate.  If you want maximum flexibility rarely is a registered charity going to be the right choice.  Sometimes having a charity working side by side with a non-profit or for-profit or both can increase flexibility and impact.   Some charities should be looking at changing their objects to maintain relevance as the world is changing. Some charities under provincial jurisdiction such as Ontario should think about moving to Federal jurisdiction under the CNCA.  I have clients who we encouraged to move to Federal and now if they want to change their objects it can be done in about 1 day.  On the other hand, I have other clients who we have discussed moving to Federal who have not done so and if they want to change their objects it will take 4-6 months.  Many groups had said to me in the past “we only change our corporate documents every 10 or 20 years so it does not matter if it takes 6 months.”  That is absolutely correct in many circumstances but in a pandemic and a number of other situations, it can really hamper the effectiveness of a charity.

Most importantly in these difficult times get help from professional advisors who really understand the complexity of charities.

If your registered charity is thinking of working with non-charities in Canada or is working with them now, then sign up and take the course.  It is free for the next week if you use the coupon above.  If you insist you can also pay – it helps us to develop new content – both free and paid!   Most importantly don’t believe everything you read on the internet and stay safe.