A charity is a very organic entity. After a charity has been established, it is not uncommon to find that its focus, mission, objectives, and programs have gradually evolved. “Mission drift” often refers to the gradual diversion of a charity’s activities from its stated purposes. It does not refer to a deliberate and strategic change…
Author: Theresa L.M. Man
Introduction Advocacy has been defined as the act of speaking or of disseminating information intended to influence individual behaviour or opinion, corporate conduct, or public policy and law.2 Many people believe that the act of advocacy as a form of free speech is an essential part of democracy.3 While many registered charities in Canada believe…
Introduction The disbursement quota is a prescribed amount that registered charities must disburse each year in order to maintain their charitable registration. The purpose of the disbursement quota is “to ensure that most of a charity’s funds are used to further its charitable purposes and activities; to discourage charities from accumulating excessive funds; and to…
Introduction This article provides an overview of the differences between charitable organizations, public foundations, and private foundations and their requirements under the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Act”).1 As a result of recent proposed amendments concerning the definitions of charitable organizations and public foundations, as well as the recently amended disbursement quota rules that apply…