• Standard D7 Explained

    Why is it important to give a letter of employment to all individuals who are offered a position? Although many organizations prefer to extend offers of employment in person or over the phone,1 a formal letter of employment allows an organization to clearly communicate its expectations to new...

  • Standard C10 Explained

    Definition: Finder’s Fees1 A fee paid to a third party for bringing together two or more people or companies in a business transaction, as in the borrowing or lending of money. In the fundraising context, a finder’s fee refers to the payment of a fee to a third party that is contingent upon...

  • Standard B13 Explained

    What are considered fundraising activities? The CRA considers any activity that involves asking for support to be fundraising, unless it satisfies The Substantially All Test.1 The Substantially All Test: If substantially all (90% or more) of an activity is not asking for support, the CRA...

  • Standard A16 Explained

    Why is it important for nonprofit and charitable organizations to hold at least two meetings with an unrestricted agenda? Board meetings are the most significant venue in which board members are made aware of and assess the activities of a charity or nonprofit.1 This standard recognizes that in...

  • Donations directed to specific individuals, families, or non-qualified donees

    A donor cannot specify the ultimate beneficiary of a gift, and the gift generally cannot benefit the donor or anyone who is not at arm’s length from the donor. That is, there can be no private benefit. If either of these conditions apply to the gift, CRA does not allow the charity to issue a tax...

  • Use of property

    When a donor gives the use of property (for example, provides the use of one's cottage or car) to a charity, this is not a transfer of property and is therefore not a gift. No tax receipt may be issued. When a charity gives the use of property in return for a gift, however (for example, use of a...

  • Standard D8 Explained

    Why is it essential for employees to be provided with appropriate orientation and training? Orientation improves an employee’s performance, strengthens their commitment to their organization,1 and can promote staff retention.2 An effective orientation process not only conveys the practical...

  • Standard C11 Explained

    Why is it important that anyone seeking or receiving funds on behalf of the organization: a. act with fairness, integrity, and in accordance with all applicable laws – Volunteers, employees, and contracted third parties engaged in fundraising should conform to all standards in Section C of Imagine...

  • Mission Statement - Standard A1 Explained

    What is a mission statement and why is it important? A mission statement is a short, written statement that describes the core purpose of the organization including what it does, for whom and why. The mission statement should be sufficient to guide the strategies and actions of an organization,...

  • Board Terms of Reference - Standard A17 Explained

    Definition: Board Terms of Reference1A document approved by the board that specifies the stewardship responsibilities of the board of directors and their accountabilities to the organization’s members and stakeholders. Why are terms of reference important? Board and committee terms of reference...

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