"Not-for-Profit (or Nonprofit) organization" as a term is often used universally to describe those organizations whose primary focus is more on solving social issues, or supporting a group or a cause rather than earning a profit. In Canada the term "Nonprofit" often means organizations of one of three broad groups: registered charities, foundations and not-for-profit corporations. Not-for-profit organizations are different from registered charities for various reasons including: general activities, structural model, and audience served. In other cases, some organizations are founded as not-for-profits and then move into becoming registered charities where Canada Revenue Agency has outlined those requirements. A foundation is also regulated and registered with the CRA, though their main activity usually involves providing funding or resources operational charities. For more on starting a registered charity see our site Charity Tax Tools and the page on "To be a charity or not".

This guide has resources that explain aspects of starting up a not-for-profit and incorporation. Below you will see resources that help explain the necessary steps for establishing an NPO, as well as links to the specific pieces of legislation governing NPOs provincially and nationally.

Charities in Canada must be registered through the Canada Revenue Agency and its Charities Directorate that maintains information and regulations pertaining to charitable status.  This includes public charities, and public & private foundations.

Search charities by name, status or other features through the CRA database of registered charities.  Note that many, but not all Canadian "foundations" are registered charities. 

View our list of the best online resources on starting a charity

Nonprofit organizations are regulated differently and usually incorporated.  The  regulations for incorporating vary from province to province. For information on setting up a business, please see Industry Canada's Business Gateway.

Thinking about starting a charity? Imagine Canada's Charity Tax Tools website's  'To be a charity or not' page outlines the process of registering, the benefits, and the responsbilities involved. Also see additional webinars on the topic presented by legal experts in the field.

View our list of the best online resources on starting a non-profit

Starting out a Non-profit: Planning & Strategy

“Alternatives to Becoming a Charity” on Charity Tax Tools website page.

Alternatives to becoming a charity : video webinar from the Charity Tax Tools webinar series, presented by Terry Carter, Carters Professional Corporation, on March 9 2010.

Creating a non-profit legal person : guide  (Registraire des entreprises, 2004)  [available online]

Create / maintain a not-for-profit organization (Corporations Canada)  [available online]

Organizational Development

Should we incorporate? (Dalhousie University, Non-Profit Sector Leadership Program, 2001)  [available online]

Drafting & revising bylaws for not-for-profit organizations in Alberta : a guidebook (Muttart Foundation, 2009)  [available online]

How to form a co-operative  (Gamble, 2002)  [available online]

The Non-Profit Corporations Act, 1995 : incorporation kit  (PDF) (Saskatchewan Justice, Corporations Branch, 2006)  [available online]

How to incorporate a nonprofit organization (Information Services Corporation) [available online]

We suggest that you seek the advice of a lawyer or an accountant familiar with the charitable sector. For help seeking a lawyer, see the Canadian Bar Association Legal Aid directory. For a chartered accountant, please visit the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants.