Broad or Specific? Choosing Your Charity's Purpose in Canada

When registering a charity in Canada, one of the key considerations is defining the organization’s charitable purposes. This step is crucial because it determines whether the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will approve your application. But what works better—broad charitable purposes or specific ones? Let’s explore how this choice can impact your charity registration journey.

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What Are Charitable Purposes?

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Charitable purposes are the objectives your organization aims to achieve. According to Canadian law, they must fall under one or more of the following categories:

• Relief of poverty
• Advancement of education
• Advancement of religion
• Other purposes beneficial to the community

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These purposes must also provide a public benefit, meaning they cannot serve private interests or benefit only a small group of people.

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The Case for Broad Charitable Purposes

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Broad charitable purposes outline general objectives without focusing on specific activities or methods. For example:

Broad Purpose: "To advance education by supporting literacy programs in British Columbia."

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Advantages of Broad Purposes

1. Flexibility in Operations
   Broad purposes allow your charity to adapt its activities over time. For instance, a charity focused on advancing education could switch from running literacy programs to offering scholarships without needing to revise its governing documents.
2. Appeal to a Wider Audience
   Broad purposes can attract a larger pool of donors and volunteers since they resonate with diverse interests.
3. Simpler Future Planning
   Your charity can easily expand or modify its programs without risking non-compliance with its original purpose.

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Challenges of Broad Purposes

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1. CRA Scrutiny
   The CRA might view overly broad purposes as vague or lacking a clear public benefit. For example, "to improve community well-being" may not be specific enough for approval.
2. Risk of Mission Drift
   A lack of focus can lead to mission drift, where your charity strays from its original intent and confuses stakeholders.

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The Case for Specific Charitable Purposes

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Specific charitable purposes clearly define your organization’s goals and methods. For example:

Specific Purpose: "To advance education by providing free weekly tutoring sessions for high school students in low-income neighborhoods in Toronto."

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Advantages of Specific Purposes

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1. High Chances for CRA Approval
   Specific purposes demonstrate a clear and measurable public benefit, making it easier for the CRA to approve your application.
2. Targeted Impact
   By focusing on specific objectives, your charity can develop expertise and deliver more meaningful results within its niche.
3. Transparency for Donors
   Specific purposes make it easier to communicate your goals, building trust with donors and stakeholders.

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Challenges of Specific Purposes

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1. Limited Flexibility
   If your charity wants to expand its activities, it might need to amend its governing documents, which can be time-consuming and costly.
2. Narrow Donor Base
   Specific purposes may appeal to a smaller audience, potentially limiting fundraising opportunities.

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What Does the CRA Prefer?

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The CRA requires a balance between clarity and flexibility. Here’s what works best:

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• Be Clear but Flexible
  Instead of overly broad purposes like "improving education," include some detail, such as "advancing education by providing resources and training for educators in rural Alberta communities."
• Avoid Over-Specification
  While clarity is important, being overly specific can restrict your organization. For instance, instead of specifying "providing free tutoring every Saturday," say "providing tutoring programs for students."
• Demonstrate Public Benefit
  Ensure that your purposes clearly show how your charity will provide a public benefit.

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Examples of Balanced Charitable Purposes

• Broad Yet Clear Purpose:
  "To relieve poverty by supporting food banks and meal programs in underserved communities in Toronto and across Ontario."
• Specific Yet Flexible Purpose:
  "To advance education by offering scholarships, mentoring, and training for youth in low-income areas in Calgary."
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Both examples strike a balance by being clear enough for CRA approval while leaving room for future growth.

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How to Decide What Works Best for Your Charity

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1. Assess Your Vision
   What is your charity’s long-term goal? If you foresee evolving needs, broad purposes may suit you better.
2. Research CRA Guidelines
   Review CRA’s guidelines for drafting charitable purposes. These resources provide examples of acceptable wording and highlight common pitfalls.
3. Consult an Experienced Charity Lawyer
   A legal expert can help you strike the right balance, ensuring your purposes meet CRA standards while aligning with your mission.

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The decision between broad and specific charitable purposes can significantly impact your charity’s success. Broad purposes offer flexibility and a wider appeal, while specific purposes provide clarity and targeted impact. The key is finding a balance that satisfies CRA requirements while reflecting your organization’s vision.

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If you’re unsure how to craft charitable purposes that work for your organization, consider consulting the experienced charity lawyers at B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation. Our guidance can help you navigate the registration process with confidence.

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By thoughtfully defining your charitable purposes, you can set a strong foundation for your organization to make a lasting impact in Canada.

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