Question 1

What’s the difference between a not-for-profit and a charity?

Accepted Answer

A not-for-profit operates to serve a community or cause but cannot issue charitable tax receipts. A charity has a recognized charitable purpose and can issue tax receipts to donors. Charities must register with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Question 2

What’s the difference between Ontario and federal not for profit registration?

Accepted Answer

Ontario Not for Profit incorporation gives your organization legal status within Ontario and protects your name provincially.

Federal registration allows your organization to operate and protect its name across all of Canada.
If you plan to work nationally, fundraise across provinces, or expand beyond Ontario, federal registration may be the better choice.

Question 3

Can I operate outside Ontario if I incorporate my not for profit or charity provincially?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but your legal protection and name rights apply only in Ontario. You may need extra filings in other provinces to operate legally. Federal registration provides Canada-wide name protection and flexibility.

Question 4

How do I register a not-for-profit or charity?

Accepted Answer

Ontario: File incorporation documents through the Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services.

Federal: Filed through Corporations Canada.

Launch A Business can help register either for you!

Charities also need CRA approval for charitable status regardless of federal or provincial incorporation (we can't help with this part).

Question 5

How many directors are required?

Accepted Answer

Both Ontario and federal not-for-profits require at least three directors. Directors oversee governance, not day-to-day operations.

Question 6

What are the benefits of incorporating a not for profit or charity in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

• Legal recognition within Ontario
 • Limited liability protection for directors
 • Credibility with local funders and partners
 • Access to provincial grants, bank accounts, and programs
 • Clear governance framework

Question 7

What are the benefits of federal registration for my not for profit or charity?

Accepted Answer

• Legal recognition across Canada
 • Nationwide name protection
 • Flexibility to expand programs outside Ontario
 • Easier fundraising or partnerships across provinces

Question 8

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Government fees for Ontario Not for Profit/Charity registration are $155.

Federal government fees for incorporation are $200.
There would be additional service fees to have the registrations completed for you.

Question 9

Which should I choose: Ontario or federal registration?

Accepted Answer

Choose Ontario if you’ll operate mainly within the province and want simpler compliance.

Choose federal if you plan to expand nationally, fundraise across provinces, or need Canada-wide name protection.

Question 10

Can a not-for-profit become a charity later?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many organizations start as not-for-profits and apply to the CRA for charitable status once their mission and programs are established.

You may need to amend your Not for Profit Articles of Incorporation to make sure your name and purposes align with the CRA rules for charities.

Question 11

What ongoing obligations are required?

Accepted Answer

Ontario organizations: File an annual return with the province and maintain proper records.

Federal organizations: File federal annual returns and maintain corporate records.

Charities: Must submit annual CRA charity returns in addition to corporate filings.

Question 12

Do I need a separate bank account?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Both Ontario and federal organizations should maintain a separate bank account to manage funds, grants, and donations transparently.

Question 13

How do I choose a name?

Accepted Answer

Names must be unique and comply with Ontario or federal rules.

Typically, your name should reflect your purpose and should clearly indicate what you're setting out to do. For example, Thunder Bay Snowmobile Club clearly states what the organization's focus is.

Ontario incorporation protects your name within the province, while federal registration protects it nationwide.

Federal not for profits are also able to use a Numbered name, if you don’t need a custom name.

Question 14

How long does registration take?

Accepted Answer

Ontario and Federal not for profit registrations typically take 2-5 business days.

If you're also applying for Charitable status with the CRA, it's done after your organization is registered. The timeline for this would depend on how many applications the CRA is processing.

Question 15

What support is available for first-time founders?

Accepted Answer

Services like Launch a Business guide you through name searches, provincial or federal incorporation, and compliance requirements, so you can focus on your mission instead of paperwork.

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