How to apply for charitable registration

Step 1. Make an informed decision

Before applying for registration as a charity, make sure you have made an informed decision. To be sure, read the information under Is registration right for you? and answer the questions under “Should I apply for registration?”.

Step 2. Create an application document checklist

Once you have made the decision to set up a charity and apply for registration, create a personal checklist of all the documents you need to send with your application. The checklist will help make sure your application is not returned to you because it is incomplete. It will also include important information that may apply to your organization.

Create an application document checklist

Step 3. Apply for charitable registration

After creating your checklist and gathering all your documents, you are ready to apply for charitable registration.

Complete Form T2050, Application to Register a charity Under the Income Tax Act. Follow the instructions in Guide T4063, Registering a Charity for Income Tax Purposes and consult your personal document checklist.

Mail your completed application to:

Charities Directorate
Canada Revenue Agency
Ottawa ON K1A 0L5

Related topics

Create an application document checklist

Based on your answers to the following questions, we will provide you with a personal checklist of all the documents you need to submit with your Form T2050, Application to Register a Charity Under the Income Tax Act. This checklist will also include important messages about activities your organization plans to carry on.

Is your organization an internal division of another registered charity?

Yes

Is your organization incorporated?

Yes

Select the region in which your organization is incorporated:

Select your Act:

Which type of document governs your organization?

Constitution

Trust

Will

Other

Can you describe all the activities (programs) your organization will do to achieve each of the purposes stated in your governing documents in enough detail for the Charities Directorate to determine if they are charitable?

Yes

Will your organization carry out its activities with any other organizations, partners, or intermediaries?

Yes

Does your organization carry on or plan to carry on activities outside Canada?

Yes

Which of the following activities will your organization use to receive funds or generate income? (Check all that apply)

sales of goods and services

use of assets (such as rental property, investment income)

lotteries and games of chance (such as bingos, Nevada tickets)

organized events (such as galas, dinners, auctions, concerts)

sporting tournaments/races

direct solicitations (such as telephone, door-to-door, letter campaigns)

non-cash gifts (such as used goods, art work, securities)

other income generating activities (such as membership fees, selling advertising, crowdfunding)

none of the above

Has your organization hired or does it plan to hire a fundraising company or third party from outside your organization?

Yes

Does your organization currently own or plan to own real property (land or buildings)?

Yes

Has your organization been in operation for more than one year?

Yes

Is your organization re-applying after losing its charitable registration?

Yes

Will your organization have authorized representatives (other than the officials, representative, and contact person already listed on the application form) making changes or contacting the Charities Directorate on behalf of your organization?

Yes

Important notice

This information is for reference only and no decision will be made based upon your answers if you choose to set up a charity and apply for registration.

Date modified:: 2017-03-10

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How to apply for charitable registration

Create an application document checklist

Important notice