At PooranLaw, we are committed to serving charities, not-for-profits and other organizations with a social purpose. We have assisted organizations at every stage of their development: from incorporation to charitable registration, corporate restructuring, and ongoing compliance. We provide tailored guidance to help these organizations grow and thrive.
PooranLaw has acted for organizations in a variety of sectors including developmental services, health, education, child care and charitable sectors, and provides a wide range of corporate services for charities and not-for-profits. We are familiar with working with organizations that serve vulnerable and marginalized communities.
Our corporate services include:
- Start-Up & Incorporation
- Charitable Registration
- Corporate Restructuring for Efficiency & Collaboration
- Shared Services
- Social Enterprise
- Not-For-Profit & Charity Compliance
- Contracts: Get It In Writing
- General Corporate Counsel: Get Quality Advice & Contract Documentation
Start-Up & Incorporation
At PooranLaw, we encourage organizations to establish a strong foundation from inception. We do not just assist with incorporation – we also provide strategic advice on the most suitable corporate structure to support your organization’s mission and long-term goals. As part of our incorporation package, we provide a comprehensive by-law that establishes the organization’s governance framework, and we facilitate the initial organizational meetings of directors and members. We want to ensure that your organization is set up for success from the start.
Interested in establishing your own not-for-profit or charity? Check out our PooranLaw On Demand (“POD”) series on starting a not-for-profit corporation.
Charitable Registration
Charitable registration may be beneficial for your not-for-profit organization if you receive a majority of funding from private donations or are seeking grants that are only applicable to registered charities. Applying for charitable status can be challenging – we would highly recommend that organizations seek professional assistance in preparing their applications for charitable registration. PooranLaw is well-experienced with the charitable registration process through the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”), and can also help to ensure that your organization meets compliance requirements once it obtains charitable status.
Corporate Restructuring for Efficiency & Collaboration
In the current climate, organizations are seeking to streamline and restructure their operations in order to generate greater efficiencies and strengthen their positions. PooranLaw can help your organization achieve scale through a merger or amalgamation, while ensuring that your mission remains in sharp focus. We provide a full complement of services related to restructuring – from corporate and taxation analysis and incorporation services, to labour analysis and strategic negotiations with unions and employees.
Shared Services
Organizations may be interested in collaborating with like-minded organizations in order to increase efficiency and drive down costs. PooranLaw can assist in setting up simple to more complex shared services structures which would allow organizations to share back-office or other services.
Social Enterprise
Charities may be interested in establishing a social enterprise in order to diversify and generate additional revenue for their organizations. This revenue could then fund social services and/or create employment opportunities for targeted communities (for example, for people with disabilities.) PooranLaw can assist charities with identifying the appropriate legal structure and governance framework based on its goals and current operating status.
Not-For-Profit & Charity Compliance
PooranLaw has been tracking the implementation of the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (“ONCA”) since it was introduced in 2010, and has helped hundreds of Ontario not-for-profits and charities transition their organizations over to ONCA. The enactment of ONCA is a valuable opportunity to undertake a thorough review of your by-laws, policies and governance practices to ensure they are up-to-date and reflective of best practices in the not-for-profit sector.
PooranLaw is also well-versed with the Canada Not-For-Profit Corporations Act (“CNCA”) for federal not-for-profits.
In addition, PooranLaw has assisted registered charities in ensuring that they are compliant with the Income Tax Act, CRA guidelines, and relevant legislation.
Contracts: Get It In Writing
PooranLaw can draft and review contracts with your funders, the people and families you support, partners, vendors and suppliers to ensure that you maximize your funding, protect your organization and have a clear framework for your operations and relationships in the community. We also provide operations and contract supports services.
General Corporate Counsel: Get Quality Advice & Contract Documentation
Acting as your organization’s general counsel, PooranLaw offers access to a broad range of services and support. Committed to being your partner through every stage of your organization’s lifecycle, our lawyers can provide guidance in the event legal challenges arise. We can also assist you in drafting all relevant corporate documents, including shared services agreement, MOUs, partnership agreements, employment contracts, by-laws and policies.
Contact us to find out more about how PooranLaw can assist your organization with corporate governance.