IntegralOrg Blog

What should happen when a nonprofit intentionally makes the difficult decision that it is time to close its doors for good? Can it simply stop with annual corporate maintenance and allow itself to be struck from the Register (a list of incorporated entities in Alberta)?

All nonprofits begin with a dream. Whether an organization has been around for decades or is just starting out, the journey of becoming a nonprofit begins with a small group of people deciding they want to do something to improve community. What does not get talked about very often is the work at the end of the journey.

The Freedom to Care Act came into force in Alberta in September 2021. The Act makes it easier for nonprofit organizations to identify existing exemptions to regulations and apply for one-time exemptions. The Act also provides individual volunteers with liability protections.

There is little doubt that storm winds are blowing these days in the nonprofit sector and that we are in turbulent waters. There are two questions we need to ask as we head into 2025 will help us decide whether facing the storm directly or changing direction is the wise choice . . . .

All registered charities in Canada have a “disbursement quota.” Effective for taxation years that begin on or after January 1, 2023, the disbursement quota amount was increased from 3.5% to 5% on the portion of property exceeding $1 million.

Can your nonprofit hold a virtual annual general meeting? What about hybrid meetings where some people are in the room and some people are attending virtually? How should voting happen?

“For one it’s the change of seasons, for another, it’s the season of change.”   The early days of fall are, to me, the most poignant time...

The selection of a legal structure for a social enterprise should be informed by vision, mission, business strategy, and other management considerations.

For those wishing to embark on social enterprise, there is a lot to consider. There is no designated legal structure for a social enterprise and the structural options and set up costs for all entities vary from province to province.

“If I were to go out and create a nonprofit organization today, I would make sure that social enterprise was baked in – it’s a missed opportunity if you don’t. "

Nonprofit organizations may decide that they want to seek out other organizations to “get together with” to maximize impact on the communities they serve and the resources that are available.