Charities & Not-for-ProfitsLawyer referralPartners, grants and activities

Counter-terrorism financing and sanctions compliance for charities abroad

Policies and due diligence for a charity sending funds or working in high-risk countries.

Timing depends on the agreement or structure; ideally the review is done before the activity or funding starts. Ontario Done by an Ontario lawyer, by referral

What is included

  • Reviews the activity against CRA's rules for charities
  • Drafts intermediary, grant, affiliate and fiscal sponsorship agreements
  • Sets up direction, control and record-keeping for work carried out through others
  • Advises on public policy activities, sanctions and anti-terrorism rules
  • Structures a social enterprise or related business

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

  • Charities working with partners in Canada or abroad
  • Charities granting to organizations that are not qualified donees
  • Organizations receiving government funding

Information to have ready

  1. 1Program descriptions and partner details
  2. 2Draft agreements and funding terms
  3. 3Budgets and reporting requirements
  4. 4Current policies on partners and activities

How a referral works

  1. 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.
  2. 2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
  3. 3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
  4. 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 $2,000–$7,000, plus HST. The lawyer quotes the actual fee before any work starts. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.

Can a charity fund an organization that is not a registered charity?

Sometimes. Charities can make grants to non-qualified donees if they meet CRA's accountability requirements, or carry out activities through intermediaries under proper agreements.

Can a charity speak out on public policy?

Generally yes, if the activity furthers its charitable purposes. Charities still cannot support or oppose a political party or candidate.

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
Law Society of Ontario — Barreau de l'Ontario
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