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 . . .

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. 

All registered charities in Canada have a “disbursement quota.” This is a term defined in the Income Tax Act, that generally refers to the minimum amount that registered charities are required to spend on their charitable activities on an annual basis. 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.

Now that we are returning to a more normal way of operating, it may be a good time for Alberta nonprofits to think through the best way to plan for their Annual General Meetings. Should you hold a virtual or an in-person meeting? Are you allowed to hold a virtual meeting? What about hybrid meetings where some people are in the room and some people are attending virtually? How should voting happen?

If it is passed in its current form by the Canadian House of Commons and becomes law, Bill S-216 would amend stringent provisions of the Income Tax Act that deal with the permitted use of resources of a registered charity.

A new Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act for Alberta takes effect on Dec. 1, 2021. Although the definition of worker will still include “a person who performs or supplies services for no monetary compensation for an organization,”  i.e. a volunteer . . .

“All change begins in conversation." Before we strategize, we talk. Now, perhaps more than ever, it is time for nonprofit leaders and leadership teams to make time for a variety of conversations about areas of critical importance to ongoing sustainability.

The Freedom to Care Act came into effect on September 1, 2021. The Act protects volunteers of nonprofit organizations and allows nonprofit organizations to apply for one-time, short-term exemptions from regulations.

Did you know that Alberta Corporate Registry is now allowing nonprofits to file some documents by email? If it is time for your society to start preparing and filing its required annual return or if your organization has to file a Notice of Appointment of Agent for Service, Alberta Corporate Registry is now allowing email filing.