How Much Does It Cost to Start a Not-for-Profit in Canada?
- Natalie Paquette
- Apr 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 28
Starting a not-for-profit can feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to understanding the real costs. If you’re researching not for profit registration Ontario, you’ve probably noticed that most resources are vague, outdated, or missing key details.
The base cost for an Ontario Not for Profit registration is $155 government fee, but there are additional costs that can sometimes be overlooked. This guide breaks down every cost involved in starting a not-for-profit in Ontario and across Canada, including government fees, hidden expenses, and optional services—so you can budget confidently and avoid surprises.
Quick Answer: Cost to Start a Not-for-Profit in Canada
Starting a not-for-profit in Canada typically costs $155 to $600+ in government fees, depending on whether you incorporate provincially or federally. Total startup costs can range from $300 to $2,500+ when including name searches, legal help, and operational setup.
Depending on whether you DIY the registration, get a lawyer to help or get a service like Launch a Business to do it for you, the total startup costs for a Not for Profit registration will be different.
Breakdown: Not-for-Profit Registration Ontario Costs
1. Government Filing Fees (Ontario)
If you’re incorporating provincially in Ontario:
Ontario Not-for-Profit Incorporation Fee: $155 (as of 2026)
This is filed through the Ontario Business Registry.
2. NUANS Name Search Report
An Ontario Not for Profit must register using a name, so a NUANS name search is always required.
Cost: $13–$60
Required to reserve your name and ensure it’s unique.
A name search alone isn’t enough - you need an actual NUANS report with a reservation number.
3. Federal Incorporation (Alternative Option)
You can also incorporate under Corporations Canada:
Federal incorporation fee: $200 (as of 2026)
NUANS report: ~$13
4. NUANS Name Search Report
A Federal Not for Profit has the option to register a name or as a number (ex. 123456 Canada Center). Before you decide which one to do, think about whether you’re going to be operating the organization using a name or whether a number will be sufficient.
Cost: $13–$60
Required to reserve your name and ensure it’s unique.
When federal makes sense:
You operate across multiple provinces
You want national name protection
Ontario vs Federal Cost Comparison
Cost Category | Ontario NFP | Federal NFP |
Filing Fee | $155 | $200 |
NUANS Report | $13–$60 | $13-$60 (if needed) |
Name Protection | Ontario | Canada-wide |
Extra Provincial Filing | Not needed | Required if operating in Ontario |
Hidden Costs Most People Miss
Initial Setup Costs
These are not mandatory—but highly recommended:
Corporate minute book: $50–$150
By-laws drafting: $0 (DIY) to $500+ (professional)
Registered office address (if needed): $50–$200/year
Professional Services (Optional but Common)
Lawyer: $500–$2,000+
Incorporation service providers (like Launch a Business): typically $100–$400
Insight: Most small not-for-profits skip lawyers initially and use services or templates.
CRA & Tax-Related Costs
Registering with the CRA is free, but there can be other related costs:
Accounting setup: $0–$500+
Bookkeeping software: $10–$50/month
Ongoing Compliance Costs
Don’t let these costs sneak up on you unexpectedly:
Annual Requirements:
Annual return filing (Ontario): No government fee, but service providers will have fees
Accounting/bookkeeping: $0–$1,000+
Legal updates (if needed): varies
Step-by-Step: How to Register a Not-for-Profit in Ontario
Step 1: Choose Your Name
Must be unique and compliant
Needs to reflect what your organization is doing
Order NUANS report
Step 2: Prepare Incorporation Documents
Articles of Incorporation
Registered office address
Director information
Object clauses/purpose of organization
Step 3: File with Ontario
Submit through Ontario Business Registry
Pay $155 government fee
Step 4: Create By-laws
Required for internal governance
Step 5: Set Up CRA Accounts
Business Number (BN)
Consider charitable status (optional)
Ontario vs Canada: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Ontario if:
You operate locally
Lower cost and simpler setup
Choose Federal if:
You want nationwide recognition
You plan to expand
Important: Not-for-Profit vs Charity
Not all not-for-profits are charities. To issue tax receipts, you must apply separately to the CRA for charitable status, which has stricter requirements.
There are essentially two types of Not-for-Profits - charitable and non-charitable. How do you know which category you fit into? It all depends on what you’re doing! If what you’re doing is considered charitable (ie. relief of poverty), then you would be considered a charitable not-for-profit. If what you’re doing is considered non-charitable (ie. photography or soccer club), then you would be considered a non-charitable not-for-profit.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking into not for profit registration Canada or Ontario, the biggest mistake is underestimating the total cost—not just the filing fee.
By understanding all expenses upfront, you can launch your not-for-profit confidently, stay compliant, and focus on what actually matters: your mission.
If you still have questions before you get started, we're here to answer them! Reach out or set up a free consult today!
