As we have reported in previous email bulletins, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has proposed new guidelines for fundraising by charities. These guidelines could have serious implications for all charities, in particular, small and mid-size charities.

Organizations have until August 31st to provide feedback to CRA. Some of the ways the guidelines may affect your organization include: impacting your ability to raise funds from the general public; imposing a significant additional administrative burden and associated costs; and impacting your ability to earn income.

The following resources will help you understand the policy and help determine if and how you would like to respond to CRA: The Ontario Nonprofit Network’s detailed briefing note outlining the implications for small and medium sized organizations, Charity Law Update’s article, "Be Careful What You Ask For", and the full guidelines issued by CRA.

Submissions should be sent to CRA by August 31st to: consultation-policypolitique@cra-arc.gc.ca.