Articles & Cases
Blumbergs Canadian Charity Law List - February 2008 Edition
February 02, 2008
1) Terrorism and Canadian charities and Non Profit organizations
In this article I provide 16 practical steps for Canadian charities and non-profits to avoid involvement with terrorism and money laundering.
2) Imagine Canada's new Code of Ethics: Imagining a More Ethical Sector
Imagine has revised its Code of Ethics and in this article I review the changes and provide a critique of the strengths and weaknesses of the Imagine Canada Code of Ethics.
3) Ten most frequently required legal services for non-profits and charities in Canada
Here is a description of some of the legal services that non-profits and charities frequently require.
4) Good intentions not enough with global philanthropy
Well meaning philanthropists find that international charitable activities can be more daunting than running a major multi-national corporation. Before embarking head first it may be best to learn from others mistakes.
5) Top Ten Compliance Issues - a powerpoint presentation by Terry de March, Director General of the Charities Directorate
A very good Powerpoint presentation from the new Director General of the Charities Directorate on the most common compliance issues that the Canadian registered charities need to be aware of.
6) 2008 Handouts by Blumbergs at CAGP Toronto Resource Fair Here are some recent planned giving articles that I distributed recently:
Leaving a Bequest to Charity - Avoiding Common Legal Problems
Planned Giving and Professional Advisors
Starting a Basic Planned Giving Program for a Canadian Charity
What is Planned Giving - an article that sets out the different planned giving vehicles
7) Review of Making a Difference in Africa - Advice from Experienced Grantmakers
In this review of the book Making a Difference in Africa - Advice from Experienced Grantmakers I highlight some really good advice with respect to charities wanting to support projects in Africa.
8) Ethics and Canadian Charities that operate outside of Canada -some good links
Most good charities are not looking to be only legally compliant and to meet minimum legal expectations. Higher standards and ethics are particularly important for non-profits and charities. Here are a large number of links to resources dealing with ethics for Canadian charities that operate outside of Canada.
CRA Documents
CRA just added to their website two documents that may be of interest:
Consultation on proposed Guidelines for Research as a Charitable Activity
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/charities/consultations/research_guidelines-e.html
Charitable Work and Ethnocultural Groups - Information on registering as a charity http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/charities/policy/ethno-e.html
Upcoming presentations
Preventing Problems Arising From Bequests (CAGP GTA ROUNDTABLE )
Thursday, February 21, 2008 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. www.cagptoronto.org
Planned Giving in a Global World, Vancouver. Friday April 25, 2008 Time: 2:00-3:15 p.m. In this session, we will discuss basic information that a planned giving officer needs to know to allow for planned gifts in support of charitable activities outside of Canada. Topics will include the legal requirements and restrictions for Canadian charities operating abroad; examples of charities losing their status for non-compliance with CRA requirements; different organizational models for charities operating abroad; common mistakes and concerns with charities operating outside of Canada; and an overview of recent developments and flexibility in charities operating abroad.
Personal Notes:
Here are some reflections on a weekend I spent with the Board of Canadian Crossroads International.
http://www.globalphilanthropy.ca/index.php/blog/canadian_crossroads_international_board_meeting_some_personal_thoughts/
My Canadian Global Philanthropy Website www.globalphilanthropy.ca was successfully launched and I have received some very positive feedback. If any charities are interested in contributing material to globalphilanthropy.ca on legal, ethical or practical issues facing Canadian charities operating outside of Canada then let me know.
I have recently joined the Ethics Review Committee of the Canadian Council for International Cooperation (CCIC) and I will assist them with their work.
If you require legal advice with respect to non-profits or charities please contact me at mark@blumbergs.ca or at 416-361-1982 x. 237
For further information on legal resources for Canadian Non-Profits and Charities please visit the Blumbergs Canadian Non-Profits and Charities page or www.globalphilanthropy.ca.
Hope that you found the above material helpful and please feel free to forward to anyone who you think may be interested. They can also sign up to the BLUMBERGS non-profit and charities law newsletter, among other newsletters, at Blumbergs' Newsletter Page
Mark Blumberg
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Mark Blumberg, B.A., LL.B., LL.M., TEP
Blumberg Segal LLP
Barristers & Solicitors
390 Bay Street, Suite 1202
Toronto, Ontario, M5H-2Y2
Tel. (416) 361-1982 ext. 237
Fax. (416) 363-8451
Email: mark@blumbergs.ca
URL: http://www.blumbergs.ca/
URL: http://www.globalphilanthropy.ca/
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