From Registration to Ongoing Compliance, Our Charity Lawyers Will Empower Your Charity's Success

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"Dov and his team were truly amazing. They supported us every step of the way in getting our charity number. I only wish I had hired him sooner. Retain Dov and his firm and rest easy as he will take care of everything." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Cindy Stradling, Founder, Courage in Action, Charity Reg. #: 711664482 RR 0001
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Our charity lawyers have helped thousands of people like you take their idea and turn it into a fully functioning organization that is poised for real success. A small sampling of our happy clients include:

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Testimonial Videos

“We had our Charity Registration within 6 months. Thank you Dov for helping us help over 2,500 families…”

Gillian Cullen, Founder/CEO Birth Mark [Charity Registration # 743972515 RR0001]

“B.I.G. Charity Law guided us every step of the way… They are very quick and prompt to respond.”

Sheryl Over, Businesswoman (Overstock), President Achieve Housing Charity [Charity Registration # 755797131 RR 0001]

“They immediately responded to our emails, questions and phone calls… They helped us navigate the charity registration so that we could focus on the big picture.”

Angela Hill, MBA CFO MedFit Inc. [Charity Registration # 746197714 RR0001]

“I knew nothing about the process. Dov held our hands though to charity registration.”

Dr. Leon Steiner, Psychotherapist/President TMS Clinics of Canada [Charity Registration # 749376133 RR0001]

“The quality is definitely and completely 100%. I am very thankful and completely satisfied.”

Mike Epp, founder of Rev the Nations, a registered Canadian Charity based out of Vancouver, B.C. (Charity Registration #: 770844330 RR 0001)

“I love their message and I love their philosophy. They've been kind, patient, and understanding.. I highly recommend.”

Kylah Harrington, the Executive Director of a Registered Charity located in Toronto, Ontario "Parent Education Network (PEN)" Charity Registration # 133336511 RR 0001.

Our Services

Charity Counsel
(Governance & Compliance)

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Strategic advice to Directors, Officers and Members on all aspects of charity operations, including charity governance, CRA audits, dissolutions, subsidiaries, real estate transfers, charitable gifts, Trusts, promotions, and board disputes.

Not-For-Profit Incorporation

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We incorporate hundreds of Not-for-profits across Canada every year. Registration includes Nuans search/reservation, Certificate and Articles of Incorporation, single/multi-class membership bylaws, resolutions, consents, AGM minutes, and Minute book.

Charity Registration

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Register your charity without dealing with complicated legal forms. Our client Google reviews consistently cite the ease, streamlined service, and speed of our registration service. 87% of our charities are registered within 5-7 months

What Our Clients Say

Ken Anthony

Reviews

5

BIG Charity Law Group took a very cumbersome, intimidating and sometimes confusing process and made it simple and smooth! Thanks for a job well done!

They were so helpful! Daisy is the sweetest :)

Reviews

5

Thank you for helping us. We really appreciate it. May you continue assisting others so they can continue doing the work they do in helping others.

Reviews

5

We are as satisfied, as one can be, with the help and support of B.I.G. Charity Law Group's handling of our application for Charitable Status. Their service guarantee was very re-assuring in our decision to choose them to represent us, and the execution was flawless. Thank You.

Richard oli

Reviews

5

Excellent service. experience lawyers who are in to help you achieve your vision.

Aida

Reviews

5

We have great experience working with BIG charity law Group! BIG charity law group provided a very responsive professional services to help us register our charity with CRA. Their expertise in helping us get our charity status was very valuable. I highly recommend their services!

jaza relief

Reviews

5

Jaza Relief received very professional services for charity registration from B.I.G Charity law group. Customer service was very good and outstanding.

Reviews

5

They were incredibly friendly and helpful when it came to registering our charity for starting up a church. They were quick in responding to emails, answering phone calls, even after hours. I would highly recommend this law firm, and you can't beat the fixed rate price!

Reviews

5

So happy we engaged B.I.G charity law group. Their service, their professionalism, their attention to detail is second to none. We were so surprised when we are getting emails from them after hours and on Saturdays. I would highly recommend this law group to anybody who is looking to form a charity or a not-for-profit.

658+ 5.0 Star Google Reviews Across Two Locations

Our Process

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Schedule a FREE Consultation
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We send the engagement letter and collect the payment
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Complete our Intake Questionnaire (5-10 minutes)
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Look Forward to your Charity (or NFP) Registration!

Reasons why clients choose B.I.G. Charity Law Group

Book A Free Call Now

1 Day

Average of 1 Day to incorporate Not-For-Profit

3778+

Charity & NFP Founders Who Have Successfully Registered Their Charity and/or Not-for-Profit Without Dealing With Complicated Legal Forms

658+

5.0 Star Google Reviews across two locations

1 - 2 Weeks

Average of 1 - 2 Weeks to submit a Charity Application

Only 1

Only B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation exclusively practice Charity Law in Canada

5-6 months

Average 5-6 months for our clients to get their charities registered

Charity Governance and Compliance

Running a Charity is like any other business – full of paperwork! You’re doing this because you love The Work not the legal paperwork. But, with great programming comes great responsibility – to make sure deals get done well.

Disputes & regulatory reviews

DISPUTES & REGULATORY REVIEWS Includes following:

  • Contract Disputes

  • Membership and governance

  • Regulatory, negligence and liability issues

  • Contract and service disputes

  • Regulatory and administrative disputes

  • And negligence (defense of actual or threatened proceedings)

Governance

We provide strategic and practical advice to Directors of Charities and Not-for-Profits on:

  • Compliance and risk management, including governance structures

  • Modernizing Membership Structures

  • Governance Duties

  • Revising Bylaws

  • Appointment and termination of directors

  • Board Policies

  • Due Diligence

  • Privacy Issues

  • Failures and breaches of duties by directors or officers

Charitable trusts

Providing services related to the effective creation, organization and administration of trusts, including:

  • Advising in relation to bequests to charities

  • Amendments to Trust deeds

  • Advising in relation to charitable trust purposes

  • Cypres and other trust variation schemes

  • And advising in relation to charitable trust proceedings in court.

  • Advertising and marketing law, including advice regarding branding and marketing strategies

Brand, information & reputation protection

Advising On:

  • Intellectual property use and protection

  • Privacy laws

  • Copyrights

  • Trademarks

  • Confidentiality

  • General commercial law including terms and conditions

  • Contract review and preparation

Workplace and people issues

Advice for all employment laws and advise and develop appropriate contracts and policies for all types of working arrangements, including:

  • Employements

  • Independent Contracts

  • Volunteers

  • Dispute Resolutions

  • Risk and Safety

  • Misconduct Investigation

  • Human Resource Consulting

  • HR issues related to mergers/acquisitions/divestments

Gifts, charitable fundraising & promotions

Advising on all legal and tax aspects associated with raising funds as a charity and Not-for-Profit, including:

  • Advising on gift deductibility

  • Reviewing Promotional Material

  • Advising charities, philanthropists and corporate foundations on sponsorships

  • Reviewing Receipts

  • Intellectual property licensing for promotional purposes

  • Advertising and marketing law, including advice regarding branding and marketing strategies.

Our Story

Imagine running your Charity or Not-for-Profit with total peace of mind, confidence, and freedom.

With the help of B.I.G. Charity Law Group, that dream can easily become your reality.

Most organizations call a lawyer when something has gone wrong – they find themselves in legal trouble, they get rejected by the CRA, they’re facing complex issues with their governing boards, or they hit a roadblock they can’t possibly hope to face alone.

And while we happily go to bat for our clients in times of trouble, our hope is that you’ll contact us long before things start going south. At B.I.G. Charity Law Group, we’re passionate about setting up your charity or Not-for-Profit organization on a strong, stable and legal footing right from the beginning, so you can operate with complete confidence.

Your non-profit or charity is like a house. If it doesn’t have a solid foundation, you’re sure to run into problems down the line. Rather than waiting for the pipes to start leaking or the roof to start caving in, we want to help you create a sturdy, reliable structure that supports your mission for years to come.

While charity law may not be the flashiest or most glamorous area of law, we find it to be some of the most fulfilling work one could possibly do. It gives us the opportunity to help you build something that creates positive, lasting change in the world.

As a practice fueled by mission and purpose, it’s our delight and privilege to exclusively help charities and Not-for-Profit organizations across Canada with all of their legal needs, from charity registration and compliance to Not-for-Profit incorporation and governance.

You started your Not-for-Profit organization with an important purpose in mind. Your charity is more than a business for you; it’s a way to create positive change in the world. As experienced charity lawyers, our goal is to help bring your worthy cause to fruition by making sure all your legal bases are covered. We’re delighted to come alongside you and support you as you make your mission and vision a reality.

As Canada’s only law firm that exclusively practices Charity and Not-for-Profit Law, our depth of knowledge and experience in Non-profit and Charity law is unique. Unlike legal generalists and law firms who dabble in multiple practice areas, we know the ins and outs of charity law like the backs of our hands.

You Have a Vision. We Want to Help.

Our All-Star Team

Dov Goldberg

DOV GOLDBERG, J.D.

dov.goldberg@charitylawgroup.ca
416-488-5888


DOV GOLDBERG, J.D.
When Mr. Goldberg takes on a Charity Registration file, his clients reap the benefit of his considerable knowledge, experience and intense personal investment. Mr. Goldberg has been practicing Charity Law for over a decade, and now concentrates his practice exclusively on Charity and Not-for-Profit Law.

dov.goldberg@charitylawgroup.ca
416-488-5888

suzanne rose, l.c.

SUZANNE ROSE, L.C.

suzanne.rose@charitylawgroup.ca
416-488-5888

SUZANNE ROSE,L.C.
Suzanne is a woman of many talents.  Not only is she a fabulous Law Clerk, she is also a gaming addict, flutist superstar and seamstress extraordinaire. She is warm and inviting, always willing to listen to her clients and respect those around her.

suzanne.rose@charitylawgroup.ca416-488-5888

Bruce Turner BIG Law Group

BRUCE TURNER, B.A.

416-488-5888

BRUCE TURNER, B.A.
If Bruce looks familiar to you, it might be because of his 25-year long film and television career as an actor and television host.  His most notable would be hosting the award-winning international hit Style By Jury. He has an extensive background in working with charities, having worked with The March of Dimes and The Aga Khan Foundation to name a few.

416-488-5888

Daisy Francisco BIG Law Group

DAISY FRANCISCO, L.C.

dfrancisco@charitylawgroup.ca
289-819-1177

DAISY FRANCISCO, L.C.
Daisy is a charity law genius, devoted mom, and tech whiz. Okay, she doesn’t do all of these things at the same time (usually), but she is certainly multitalented. She’s easygoing and definitely a people person, but she’s also detail-oriented – a great combination for a law clerk extraordinaire.

dfrancisco@charitylawgroup.ca289-819-1177

linda

LINDA TRAVERO

accounts@charitylawgroup.ca
(289) 277-5788

LINDA TRAVERO
Linda is an accountant and our go-to person for all things numbers-related. She’s highly dependable and always ready to help. A coffee lover, she’s probably enjoying her coffee if she’s not looking at financial data.

accounts@charitylawgroup.ca(289) 277-5788

benjamin

BENJAMIN MILLER LL.B.

benjamin.miller@charitylawgroup.ca
(289) 272-8870

BENJAMIN MILLER LL.B.
Benjamin Miller is of counsel at B.I.G. Charity Law Group. Benjamin's depth of charity law knowledge and experience is unique. After organizing the Charity Law Interest Group at the University of Toronto, he articled as a policy analyst with the Charities Directorate of the CRA. Benjamin is also an analyst with the prestigious Ontario Nonprofit Network and the Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO).

benjamin.miller@charitylawgroup.ca(289) 272-8870

Gerome

GEROME MONTEALEGRE

gerome.montealegre@charitylawgroup.ca
(289) 277-5788

GEROME MONTEALEGRE
Gerome is the firm's Operations Manager, and he ensures that everything is in order so that we can give high-quality services. He is the person we turn to when we need to automate or optimize a process at the organization. Gerome enjoys spending time with his family and playing with his children when he is not working on his computer.

gerome.montealegre@charitylawgroup.ca(289) 277-5788

Hoyt Crouch

HOYT CROUCH

hoyt.crouch@charitylawgroup.ca
(289) 274-5888

HOYT CROUCH
Hoyt loves people and hearing their stories. If you have a story to tell, he wants to hear it! When he is not helping others start charities, he is enjoying carpentry, the outdoors, and spending time with his wife and daughter.

hoyt.crouch@charitylawgroup.ca(289) 274-5888

Rachael baber

RACHAEL BABER

Rachael.baber@charitylawgroup.ca
(289) 204-7788

RACHAEL BABER
As an Account Executive at B.I.G., Rachael is likely one of the first people you will connect with. She is here to listen attentively to your vision and needs, provide both clarity and answers to your questions, and guide you into the right decision. Your peace of mind and confidence are her main focus. Rachael is organized, detail oriented, and passionate about serving others - as a wife, homemaker and entrepreneur herself. Some days, that looks like helping you set up a charity. And other days, it looks like whipping up some homemade cinnamon rolls.

Rachael.baber@charitylawgroup.ca(289) 204-7788

Mitch

Mitch Jaramillo

mitchelljaramillo@charitylawgroup.ca (289) 809-7078

Mitch Jaramillo
Mitchell has an abundance of curiosity that makes him excited to hear about your vision and to help you bring it to life. You can count on him to be attentive and compassionate with all the positive energy you can hope for. Mitchell is also an actor and a creative, and when he’s not working, he’s a social butterfly, an avid adventure-seeker, and a proud Leafs fan.

mitchelljaramillo@charitylawgroup.ca (289) 809-7078

Mitch

Ryan Mosoff

ryan.mosoff@charitylawgroup.ca
(289) 301-7775

Ryan Mosoff
Ryan Mosoff is a dedicated and forward-thinking lawyer who seamlessly merges a passion for legal technology with a commitment to the practice of charity law. With a unique blend of legal expertise and a deep appreciation for the ever-evolving world of technology, Ryan delivers innovative and effective solutions to our clients. Outside the office, you'll find him playing in the park with his four-legged friend, Sadie.

ryan.mosoff@charitylawgroup.ca(289) 301-7775

Mitch

Mathew Mah

mathew.mah@charitylawgroup.ca
(289) 278-8857

Mathew Mah
Mathew is committed to understanding and resolving your unique challenges through value-oriented solutions. His approach is rooted in empathetic problem-solving and effective communication. Outside the office, Mathew is a travel enthusiast having been to 44 countries, while at home his joys come from spending time with his mini Golden-Doodle, Cali.

mathew.mah@charitylawgroup.ca(289) 278-8857

Mitch

Yisrael Sherman

yisrael.sherman@charitylawgroup.ca

Yisrael Sherman
At BIG Charity Law Group, Yisrael Sherman will guide you in establishing charities and non-profits. His expertise supports you through formation and operational process. His goal is to help you realize your vision for your organization.

yisrael.sherman@charitylawgroup.ca

Mitch

Casriel Silver

casriel.silver@charitylawgroup.ca
(289) 312-8353

Casriel Silver
Casriel is a dynamic team member with a wide variety of experience. He has a solid track record supporting the growth and development of existing organizations as well as spearheading new initiatives with ultimate accountability. Willing to go the extra mile and always seeking to be of help.Casriel has lived in four countries globally, providing him with a rich, multicultural perspective. While he once embraced skydiving and bungee jumping, he now prefers keeping his feet on the ground, reflecting a shift towards a balanced and grounded approach to life.

casriel.silver@charitylawgroup.ca(289) 312-8353

A Sampling of Our Clients

We work with charities of all shapes and sizes, including Private and Corporate foundations, Philanthropic individuals, Arts and other cultural institutions, Private schools, Medical and Scientific research, overseas and local aid providers, Faith-based organizations, and Environmental NGOs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to register a charity in Canada?

1. For a standard charity, the registration can be as quickly as 6 months, if it's drafted properly and the CRA doesn't have questions. If the application does not provide sufficient information, the turnaround time is usually 8-10 months, though this varies depending on the CRA backlog.  

2. Foundations are generally registered within about 3-4 months. 

3. International charities are usually registered within 8-10 months, on average, if prepared by a competent charity lawyer. If filed by an individual not proficient in Charity law, the process can be expected to take longer than a year.

How much does it cost to register a Charity in Canada? Do you charge hourly? What is the typical price - and can you give me a high and low range?

Most charity lawyers charge hourly fees at various price points - with no predictability of the final cost. We've heard anecdotally of charity lawyers in Toronto and elsewhere in Canada giving a range of "$5,000-$7,500.00" to register a charity, with the client getting a final bill of well over $15,000.00. We were even told by a current client about a prominent Toronto law firm which charged them over $42,000.00 (!) to register their charity, which took 4+ years... This can be due to carve-outs, add ons, or not including all the legal work in the original quoted fees.  

We recommend asking your charity lawyer for a guaranteed fixed fee, including taxes and disbursements, as well as what is included in the said fee (i.e., just the application? Is correspondence with the CRA included?). Additionally, with the CRA rejecting about 65% of all charity applications it receives on an annual basis, we recommend requesting a 100% money-back guarantee of charity registration from the charity lawyer you work with (this may not always be possible, but an experienced charity lawyer should be able to advise the likelihood of registration).

We would also recommend you watch our video, on the top 3 questions to ask before retaining a charity lawyer, here.

What is/are the benefit(s) of incorporating our Non-profit, and how would we go about incorporating if we decide that is the preferred option?

There are 4 primary benefits of incorporating a Non-profit, especially federally:
1. limited liability for the directors and officers;
2. better access to government and private grants;
3. Continuity of the corporation, regardless of the original trustees ability to serve the non-profit; and
4. protection of the non-profit's name across Canada (if incorporated federally).

What are the common issues which trigger a CRA refusal letter to a charity application?

The CRA actually provides such a list, and it could be accessed at the following link: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/charities-giving/charities/registering-charitable-qualified-donee-status/apply-become-registered-charity/deciding/factors-that-will-prevent-organization-being-registered-a-charity.html 
To simplify the list, the 7 most common reasons for a CRA rejection are: 
a. the applicant has for-profit purposes or intent;
b. the applicant's purposes include political purposes which would further the interest of a given political candidate or party;
c. gifting to organizations which are not registered charities in Canada;
d. providing a private benefit;
e. the purposes are a mix of both charitable and non-charitable activities;
f. the applicant is not a resident of Canada;
g. the Applicant's activities are illegal or contrary to public policy;

What considerations should we take into account when deciding whether to move forward with applying for charitable status?

We suggest to consider the following 5 things: 

1. Vision and Mission: Could you answer what your mission is in 50 words or less? Do you know exactly what your organization is coming to fix? 

2. Is it practical - Do you have the logistics to pull it off? 

3. Compliance: Like a for-profit, your charity will be accountable to the CRA, as well as provincial oversight. Be prepared to be transparent, with strict controls of operations to ensure you are operating within the confines of the relevant legislative acts. 

4. Viable: Can the organization survive and thrive through full financial cycles?  

5. Directors and Officers: Do you have other individuals who share your vision and will do everything to make it work? Donors will be a lot more willing to donate to a charity with a team of passionate leaders. 

I want to start a charity. However, it appears that despite putting in buckets of time, sweat and effort, the founder has no ownership rights. Does that mean that the board can fire the founder at any time? Is there any way to protect myself as a founder from being fired? 

It’s true that you cannot own a charity or not-for-profit. However, you can create a multiple classes member structure, where the founder is the sole Class A member. A similar bylaw structure, called "Founder's Bylaws" would have just one class of membership, but would give you the same control. In that capacity, you elect and terminate the board members at your sole discretion. This structure provides protection to you, as a social entrepreneur, who takes on so much risk for zero ownership. We can help you put together such a structure in your Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and relevant resolutions. We, as well as other experienced charity lawyers across Canada and the US, believe that giving founders long term control gives a stronger impetus to the founders to invest time, effort and money into growing their charity to its greatest potential.

Must the members of our Not-for-Profit be Canadian residents or Canadian citizens?

There is no Canadian residency requirement for members of a Not-for-Profit. In fact, neither the directors or officers need to be Canadian residents or citizens. All members, directors and officers of a Canadian not-for-profit may be foreign nationals. Their addresses may be outside Canada as well. However, if the Not-for-Profit registers as a charity, it must have its head office in Canada.

What is the difference between a Not-for-Profit and a Charity?

While most charities are incorporated as Not-for-Profits, NFPs are not necessarily registered charities.

The two are defined differently under the Income Tax Act, as follows:

1. Tax Receipts: Charities may issue official donation receipts for income tax purposes; Not-for-Profits may not issue tax receipts.
2. Tax Exempt: Registered charities are tax exempt. Nonprofits are exempt from paying income tax, but may be taxable on property income and capital gains.
3. Tax Return: Charities must file form T3010 with 6 months of their fiscal period end. Not-for-Profits however must file a T2 return, also within 6 months of their fiscal year end.
4. Registration: Charities must apply to the CRA-Charities Directorate to be approved for registration as a charity. There is no registration process for Income Tax purposes for Not-for-Profits.
5. Purposes: Charities must be established exclusively for charitable purposes (i.e., relief of poverty, advancement of education, religion, or other purposes beneficial to the community. Not-for-Profits however can operate for civic improvement, recreation, sport, social welfare, or any other purpose except for profit.

Meet Dov Goldberg, J.D.

Hi, I’m Dov Goldberg. As a Lawyer working exclusively with Charities and Not-for-Profits, I help founders and directors register their charity and/or not-for-profit without dealing with complicated legal forms, by taking care of all the paperwork so that you can successfully register your charity/NPO, have more freedom, peace of mind, and spend more time doing what you love. In 2015, after working for several years in a boutique firm focused on corporate, business, and charity law, I took the leap to start a Law Firm dedicated exclusively to Charities and Not-for-Profit Corporations, so that I could help Charity Founders, Directors and Not-for-Profit Entrepreneurs register and operate their organizations on a solid and stable legal footing and so that I could work in a legal field where I am inspired daily by our amazing clients (…one of the best decisions I’ve ever made).

Since then, I’ve assisted 3,785+ Charity Founders, Directors, Officers, and NPO Entrepreneurs successfully register and govern their Canadian Charity/NPO and I’m the only charity lawyer with more than 658+  5.0 Star Google Reviews(across our 2 locations) from clients who love my professional, quick and streamlined charity services.

I now manage and operate a passionate team of 8 at B.I.G. Charity Law Group who help my clients start, launch, and operate their Charity and/or Not-for-Profit corporation.

Join over 3,785+ Charity Founders, Directors, and NPO entrepreneurs who have trusted me with registering their charity and NFP Corporation.

–  
Dov Goldberg, J.D.

Dov Golderg