Building a new not-for-profit organization: What to expect from your board of directors

This is the second in a series of articles focusing on key steps in building a solid organization. Click here to view the first article, which suggests how to create the plans for the organization. This article focuses on what...

How the GST affects charities

After last month's podcast you should be armed with a good understanding of just what the GST is. This month, we discuss the unique effect that the GST has on charities, the importance for the organization and its directors to...

Governance Q&A: Developing an ethics program

Our membership has requested that our organization develop an ethics program. Where do we start? Congratulations to your membership for recognizing the value of a good ethics program. Your members and community can greatly benefit from ensuring that the chosen...

Introduction to the Goods and Services Tax

Understanding how the Goods and Services Tax (GST) works is important to all Canadians. In this podcast, find out exactly what the GST is and how it works, whether it is similar to PST in some provinces, as well as...

Governance Q&A: Reimbursing volunteer expenses

The charity volunteering I do involves a lot of driving. The organization can afford to pay for gas, but the volunteer coordinator refuses to accept claims. Should they reimburse us? Or should we have a stipend from which to pay...

CRA disbursement quotas: Part 2

In this podcast, we continue the discussion of disbursement quotas that began in Part 1 and explore such topics as how to calculate your disbursement quota, whether or not an accountant is necessary, how foundations amass large endowments, and the...

CRA disbursement quotas: Part 1

The Income Tax Act requires charities, as nontaxable entities, to spend a certain percentage of their income each year on charitable activities. In this podcast, find out more about these disbursement quotas, what happens when a charity doesn't comply with...

Governance Q&A: Are staff layoffs an ethical option?

Given the economic downturn, it looks as if our fundraising will fall short. My board wants me to be proactive and start letting staff go. Our services are important to the community, so we want to survive. Are staff layoffs...

Governance Q&A: Removing board members

Is it appropriate for the board of directors to get rid of the president without coming to the members first? We held an annual general meeting to dissolve that board, and as a result the bank will not recognize the...

Providing third-party information to the CRA

When audited by the Canada Revenue Agency, charities may find themselves being asked to provide third-party information. Third-parties can be as varied as the charity's donors or employees, and when the CRA requests information, a charity has little choice but...