Charitable purpose trust set-up
Creating a trust for charitable purposes, with the trust deed, trustees' powers and any registration.
What is included
- Advises on the right structure: corporation, trust, charity, foundation or other status
- Drafts purposes that fit CRA's requirements
- Incorporates the organization and prepares by-laws
- Prepares the CRA registration or designation application
- Answers CRA's questions during its review
What is not included
- Government filing fees and other disbursements
- Bookkeeping, audit or accounting services
- Court applications or appeals not covered by the lawyer's written retainer
- Advice on foreign law for activities outside Canada
Who this service is for
- Founders starting a charity, foundation or not-for-profit
- Community groups and places of worship formalizing their organization
- Amateur athletic and journalism organizations seeking qualified donee status
Information to have ready
- 1Names and addresses of the founding directors
- 2A description of your purposes, programs and who you will serve
- 3A proposed budget and funding sources
- 4Any existing governing documents
How a referral works
- 1Tell us in a few words what the matter is about, and who else is involved, so we can check for a conflict of interest.
- 2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
- 3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
- 4You pay the lawyer's fee to the lawyer. Any referral fee comes out of it, is disclosed to you in writing, and never increases what you pay.
NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm, not a law firm. Every step of a referral, and your rights
Frequently asked questions
What does the lawyer charge?
A typical Ontario fee for this service is $2,500–$8,000, plus HST. The lawyer quotes the actual fee before any work starts. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.
Should a new charity incorporate before applying for registration?
Often yes, because a corporation usually limits its members' personal liability, but trusts and unincorporated associations can also apply. The lawyer can help you choose.
Why do charitable purposes need careful wording?
CRA reviews purposes closely, and vague or overly broad purposes are a common reason for questions or refusal.
General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Important limitations
- No outcome can be guaranteed, including CRA registration or approval
- CRA and government processing times are outside the lawyer's control
- The board remains responsible for the organization's decisions and filings
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