Not-for-profit & Charity Lawyer

practice areas Not-for-profit & Charity Lawyer

Experienced Lawyers for Not-for-Profit & Charity Organizations

Charities and nonprofit organizations face a complex legal environment. From incorporation to ongoing operations, every step involves regulations, verification requirements, and expectations from donors. Our lawyers have guided organizations across a wide range of sectors, including religion, education, the arts, healthcare, and philanthropy.

We know that legal practice in this space is not only about articles of incorporation. It is about understanding how real people, committees, and volunteers come together with limited funds and big ambitions. Every organization deserves practical legal advice that truly respects their mission and makes it easier for them to access resources without worrying about compliance. This hands-on experience enables us to create tailored solutions for each client, whether they’re just beginning or handling intricate operations.

Our Expertise in Not-for-profit & Charity Law

Our team has extensive experience working with Canadian registered charities, private foundations, and family offices across Canada. We understand that every nonprofit has its unique story and faces its own challenges, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. That’s why our focus is never one-size-fits-all. Instead, we concentrate on risk management, transparency, and building structures that boards and members can trust to last.

Our lawyers help organizations:

• Secure incorporation and charitable status applications with confidence
• Conduct governance and compliance reviews that stand up to scrutiny
• Structure boards, committees, and bylaws for clarity and accountability
• Design risk management strategies to prevent disputes before they arise
• Advise on donors, endowments, and charitable gifts to protect intent and ensure long-term stability

The result is practical guidance that enables charities and nonprofits not only to meet legal obligations but also to operate effectively, inspiring trust among donors, volunteers, and the public.

Formation & Registration of Canadian Registered Charities

The process to obtain charitable status is rather rigorous. Applicants must submit detailed incorporation documents, respond to requests for verification, and show that their initiatives meet the legal definition of “charitable.” Our lawyers assist through every stage.

Steps often include:

1. Drafting and filing incorporation articles.
2. Advising on bylaws that balance flexibility with governance.
3. Preparing submissions to the Canada Revenue Agency for charitable status.
4. Responding to follow-up questions from regulators.

For reference, the CRA provides detailed resources for applicants: Canada Revenue Agency – Charities and Giving.

Governance & Compliance in the Charitable Sector

It goes without saying that strong governance is the backbone of any nonprofit. Board members and committees require clear roles, ethical obligations, and practical guidance on how to address issues related to conflicts, finances, or accountability.

We advise boards on:

• Drafting governance manuals
• Structuring committees effectively
• Managing conflicts of interest
• Setting up internal verification and audit processes
• Responding to regulations in Alberta, Ontario, and across Canada

Good governance is about more than avoiding mistakes. It’s about building confidence. Donors, regulators, and community members need evidence that an organization is run with integrity and vision. Our lawyers help boards move past basic compliance toward long-term strength and trust.

For detailed federal guidance on maintaining obligations as a registered charity, see the Canada Revenue Agency’s “Operating a Registered Charity” page.

Operational Legal Support for Canadian Charities & Non Profits

Day-to-day operations bring challenges that are less glamorous than fundraising dinners but just as important. Our team assists with:

• Drafting contracts for volunteers, staff, and service providers.
• Advising on intellectual property concerns, from branding to ownership of educational materials.
• Addressing issues relating to employment law, safety, and accessibility.
• Creating policies that allow organizations to operate smoothly and respond quickly when problems arise.

This operational support will enable nonprofits to focus on initiatives instead of legal obstacles. Once the daily operations are under control, the next challenge is financial stability. Nonprofits cannot thrive without reliable funding, and the legal structures around donations, endowments, and charitable gifts are every bit as important as governance. That’s where our support with financial and fundraising matters becomes essential.

Financial & Fundraising Support for Private Foundations & Canadian Family Offices

Money is always a sensitive topic in philanthropy. Whether dealing with endowments, charitable gifts, or grants, nonprofits need structures that protect both donors and recipients. We guide foundations and Canadian family offices in designing strategies that balance ambition with compliance.

Areas of advice include:

• Drafting donation agreements with clear accountability measures.
• Structuring endowments to operate across multiple provinces.
• Advising on how to accept and manage large funds while respecting the Income Tax Act.
• Educating board members and committees on ethical fundraising practices.

Of course, not every contribution is straightforward. The rules governing recipients are strict, and even well-intentioned gifts can create problems if they are sent to ineligible organizations. To safeguard charitable status and protect donor intent, careful attention to compliance with non qualified donee rules is critical.

Managing Gifts to Non Qualified Donees & Other Compliance Risks

Not all recipients qualify as recognized donees under Canadian regulations. Sending funds to non-qualified donees can put an organization’s charitable status at risk. We help charities and nonprofit organizations navigate these rules by offering:

• Risk management strategies.
• Practical checklists for verification.
• Guidance on dealing with cross-border initiatives.
• Advice on responding to CRA inquiries.

Dispute Resolution & Litigation for Charitable Organizations

Conflicts can arise even with the best intentions. Disputes between board members, committees, or volunteers can stall operations. Issues with donors may escalate into litigation if agreements are unclear.

When conflicts occur, our lawyers provide representation in negotiations, mediation, or litigation. For larger disputes, we work closely with our commercial Litigation team to protect your organization’s reputation while defending its rights.

Restructuring, Mergers, and the Largest Grants in the Charitable Sector

Some nonprofits grow beyond their initial scope. Others seek to merge with like-minded organizations. These changes often involve restructuring, large grants, or the acquisition of assets.

We provide legal advice on:

• Restructuring boards and governance systems.
• Drafting agreements for mergers and acquisitions.
• Ensuring compliance with the Income Tax Act during major transitions.
• Protecting funds and donor intent during change.

Why Charities and Non Profits Choose Our Law Firm

Organizations choose us because we combine corporate law knowledge with a sensitivity to the charitable sector. Our lawyers work across business, corporate, and intellectual property law to deliver holistic solutions.

Our clients rely on us to guide them through all kinds of projects, big and small. We’re dedicated to providing friendly and practical advice, supported by a knowledgeable team with real-world experience. Plus, we offer a wide range of legal services all in one convenient place, making it easier for you to get the support you need.

Who We Serve

Our clients include:

• Canadian registered charities
• Private foundations
• Canadian family offices
• Arts organizations
• Religious and educational nonprofits
• Health and social service groups
• Boards, committees, and volunteers supporting philanthropic causes

Our Approach As The #1 Non Profit Lawyers in the Region

Our approach blends professionalism with accessibility. We believe legal advice should never be out of reach. Whether we are helping a small applicant submit their first incorporation documents or advising a national charity on multimillion-dollar endowments, our team delivers guidance that is practical and ethical.

We don’t believe in boilerplate solutions. Each organization is unique. Each person leading an initiative has a story, often rooted in philanthropy or a deep connection to community. Our role is to provide clarity, reduce risk, and help organizations operate with confidence.

Contact Our Charitable and Not-for-Profit Lawyers

Here at Taurus Law, we understand the pressures that charities and nonprofits face every day. Governance challenges, fundraising hurdles, and compliance concerns can feel overwhelming, especially when your focus is on serving the community. Our knowledgeable team is ready to step in with clear advice and practical solutions. Whether you need help with incorporation, restructuring, or responding to regulatory questions, we can guide you through each step with confidence.

Contact Taurus Law today to schedule a consultation and protect the mission you’ve worked so hard to build.