Are you ready to take the next bold step and become a registered charity? Applying for charitable status is a vital move that can open doors to new funding streams, tax advantages, and public trust—but the process can be complex, time-consuming, and costly.
This full-day working session is designed to demystify the charitable registration process and provide hands-on support to get your application done right—the first time.
Why Attend?
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Step-by-step support through the CRA’s charity application—walk away with your documents ready to submit.
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Make informed decisions about registering under Ontario’s Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) vs. the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (CNCA).
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Learn what it really takes to qualify as a charity—and how to maintain your status once approved.
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Understand key legal intersections—like fundraising rules, employment law, and board governance—all from a nonprofit perspective.
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Save thousands in legal fees. A simple Charity Registration will likely cost $4-6000 and a med. to complex $12,000.
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Collaborate and network with other changemakers going through the same process.
Important Session Details
Full-Day Working Session (8 hrs):
This is a hands-on session where you’ll actively complete applications and forms using your organization's information.
Preparation:
Before the workshop, we’ll reach out with a list of the specific organizational details you’ll need to have on hand to make the most of your time.
Important Registration Details:
Each organization should register only one primary participant through the form. Once registered, you’ll receive a follow-up email asking for the name of a second in-person attendee from your organization. In addition to the two in-person spots, you are welcome to invite other team members (e.g., finance staff or board members) to join the session via Zoom to support your learning and implementation efforts.
Meals:
Lunch is not included. However, the Sidetrack Café will be open onsite, offering lunch, coffee, and snacks for purchase.
Facilitator Experience:
Staff Lawyer and Policy Advisor at the Ontario Nonprofit Network, Benjamin Miller brings extensive expertise and a dynamic facilitation style to this session, making complex legal processes accessible and engaging.
Session Format
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Full-day immersive workshop (8 hours including breaks and lunch)
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Designed for rich discussion and hands-on application building
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Group participation encouraged—send two in-person, or a mix of in-person and online attendees (where applicable)
By the end of this session, you will:
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Understand the differences between ONCA and CNCA and choose the right path for your organization
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Know the CRA’s charitable requirements—and how to frame your mission, programs, and public benefit
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Work through a 60+ page workbook which ensures you have all the information at your fingertips as you fill in the online registration forms.
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Gain insight into how governance, finance, and legal obligations shift once you’re a registered charity
Session Outline
In this guided working session, an ONN lawyer will walk you through:
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Guides participants through process of selecting between Ontario’s Not-for-Profit Corporations Act and the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act
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Provides an overview of requirements to qualify and expectations to maintain charitable status
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Guides participants step-by-step through filling in the charity application forms
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Provides practical tips and highlights other areas of law that intersect with charitable governance and operations
Ample time is provided for Q&A, peer sharing, and supported drafting.
Walk Out With:
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A nearly finalized charitable application—ready for review and submission
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A legal roadmap for charitable compliance
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Confidence in your governance setup and eligibility
Join us in London this July and set your nonprofit up for long-term charitable success—without the legal headaches or hidden costs.
These sessions are made possible through the collaborative support of the London Funders Collaborative, including the Miggsie Fund - Lawson Foundation and Westminster College Foundation. They build on the eight-session Grassroots to Charitable learning series funded by the London Community Foundation, another member of the London Funders Collaborative. Together, these investments provide a continuum of support for grassroots organizations and nonprofits—first helping them determine whether incorporation or charitable registration is the right next step, and now equipping those who are ready with the practical guidance to move forward. We are grateful for the shared commitment of these funders to strengthening London's nonprofit sector and helping emerging organizations grow their impact.
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