Table of contents
Introduction
Not-for-profit incorporation
Managing the books
Charitable status
Taxation
Financing
Other resources
Introduction
Not-for-profit corporations are organizations that provide products or services to improve or benefit a community. Money made by a not-for-profit goes back into the organization to further its aims and projects instead of profiting its directors, members or officers. For example, a social club may hold an art sale or craft fair in order to raise money for the services it provides to the community.
There are several kinds of not-for-profit organizations such as:
- social, recreational, or hobby groups (bridge clubs, curling clubs, and golf clubs)
- certain amateur sports organizations (hockey associations, baseball leagues, and soccer leagues)
- certain festival organizations (parades and seasonal celebrations)
This guide provides information on not-for-profit corporations. If you want to start a not-for-profit without incorporating, speak with a lawyer to understand what is involved. You can search for a lawyer through the Law Society of Ontario's Lawyer Referral Service
If you are interested in information on setting up a cooperative, please refer to our Starting a co-operative guide.
Not-for-profit incorporation
You can structure your not-for-profit organization as a federal or provincial corporation. The process and requirements for setting up your corporation will vary based on the option you choose. Federal incorporation may be a good option if you need nation-wide business name protection or if you will be operating internationally. If you plan to be located in only one province, you may wish to incorporate provincially. You may wish to consult a lawyer when choosing the best option for your organization.
Federal incorporation
For information on creating a federal not-for-profit corporation, you can contact Corporations Canada or refer to their website.
Read online:
Creating a not-for-profit corporation
Naming a corporation – How to get a name
To set up a federal not-for-profit corporation, you can file online or, if you cannot, you will need to make a request for the paper forms, obtain a corporation key (required for all paper transactions) and then submit the following documents to Corporations Canada. Note that the NUANS report is now also available as part of the online filing process.
- Articles of Incorporation- Form 4001
- Initial Registered Office Address and First Board of Directors – Form 4002
- A Canada-wide NUANS name search report that is not older than 90 days
- The filing fee
Contact Corporations Canada:
1-866-333-5556
You can also learn more about the specific rules for operating a federal not-for-profit corporation on the Corporations Canada website.
Read online:
Not-for-profit corporations
Provincial incorporation
If you would like more information about the requirements for setting up and operating a provincial not-for-profit corporation in Ontario, refer to the not-for-profit incorporator's handbook.
Read online:
Not-for-profit incorporator's handbook
To set up a provincial not-for-profit corporation, you will need to submit the following to the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery:
- Your completed and signed Articles of Incorporation under the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010 (ONCA)
- The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) primary activity code that best fits your activities
- An Ontario-biased NUANS Name Search Report
- A fee of $155
- Supporting documents, if required
- A contact name, address and telephone number
Contact the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery:
1-844-286-8404
Create a new business entity or not-for-profit corporation
There are specific rules for incorporating and operating Ontario not-for-profits. Find out how your not-for-profit corporation may be affected by these laws.
Read online:
Rules for not-for-profit and charitable corporations
Managing the books
Once you’ve incorporated your not-for-profit, you will have ongoing responsibilities that are specific to not-for-profit corporations, including:
- Maintaining records and making them available to directors
- Proper filing and income reporting
- Making sure that any changes to the structure of the corporation conform to the articles of incorporation
Federal
You can find out more about the financial record-keeping and reporting obligations of a federal not-for-profit from Corporations Canada.
Contact Corporations Canada:
1-866-333-5556
Financial Statements and review
Provincial
You can find out more about the financial record-keeping and reporting obligations of a provincial not-for-profit from the Ministry of the Attorney General.
Read online:
Guide to the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010
Charitable status
You may want charitable status for your not-for-profit corporation in order to issue tax receipts or be eligible for specific tax incentives. Although many not-for-profit corporations are registered as charities, charitable status is not automatically obtained when you set up a not-for-profit. Refer to our document on charitable status for more information.
Taxation
If you sell goods and services in Ontario and make $50 000 or more within any 12-month period, you must register for a business number to charge, collect and remit the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).
Read online:
GST/HST Information for Non-Profit Organizations
GST/HST Information for Charities
As a not-for-profit organization, you are generally exempt from paying income tax but may be required to file a T1044 - Non-Profit Organization (NPO) Information Return with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The information return is filed annually and, depending on your organization’s activities, you may also need to file additional forms. Speak with CRA for more information.
Contact CRA:
1-800-959-5525
Financing
The Trillium Foundation
The Trillium Foundation offers a variety of funding programs in support of organizations that give back to the community. Charitable or not-for-profit businesses are eligible for funding.
Contact the Trillium Foundation:
1-800-263-2887
Ontario Trillium Foundation
Business Benefits Finder
Business Benefits Finder
Get a tailored list of government programs and services for your business in less than 2 minutes.
Other resources
Associations
Industry-specific links