#CRA registered charity

[pennyappealca]

Embracing the Spirit of Giving: Ramadan Charity and Donations in 2024

Introduction:

Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam, is not only a time for fasting and prayer but also a time for reflection and giving back to those in need. During this month, Muslims around the world are encouraged to increase their acts of charity and generosity, known as Zakat and Sadaqah. In 2024, as Ramadan approaches, the call for charity and donations becomes even more significant, especially in light of the ongoing global challenges. This blog explores the importance of charity during Ramadan 2024, highlighting the various ways individuals and communities can make a difference through their donations.

Ramadan Charity and Its Significance:

Ramadan is often referred to as the "month of mercy and blessings," and one of the key aspects of this month is charity. The act of giving during Ramadan is deeply rooted in Islamic teachings and is considered a way to purify one's wealth and earn spiritual rewards. The Quran encourages Muslims to give generously to those in need, stating, "Those who spend their wealth [in Allah's way] by night and by day, secretly and publicly - they will have their reward with their Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve" (2:274).

Ramadan Donation Appeals in 2024:

In 2024, as the world continues to grapple with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global crises, the need for charity and donations during Ramadan is more pressing than ever. Many organizations and charities launch special Ramadan donation appeals to support vulnerable communities around the world. These appeals often focus on providing food, clean water, healthcare, and other essential services to those in need, both locally and internationally.

Ways to Donate During Ramadan 2024:

There are several ways individuals and communities can contribute to charity during Ramadan 2024:

1. Zakat: Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and is a mandatory form of charity for those who are able to pay it. Muslims are required to donate a portion of their wealth, typically 2.5%, to help those in need.

2. Sadaqah: Sadaqah refers to voluntary charitable giving and is highly encouraged during Ramadan. This can include donating money, food, clothing, or other necessities to those in need.

3. Ramadan Charity Appeals: Many organizations and charities launch special Ramadan charity appeals, where individuals can donate money or goods to support various causes. These appeals often focus on providing iftar meals, Ramadan food packages, and other essential services to those in need.

4. Online Donations: With the rise of digital technology, donating online has become easier than ever. Many charities and organizations have online platforms where individuals can donate securely and conveniently.

5. Local Community Initiatives: Supporting local community initiatives, such as food drives, fundraisers, and volunteer programs, is another impactful way to contribute to charity during Ramadan.

Impact of Charity During Ramadan:

The impact of charity during Ramadan extends far beyond providing material support. It also fosters a sense of solidarity and compassion within communities, strengthens social bonds, and promotes a culture of giving that lasts beyond the holy month. Additionally, the act of giving during Ramadan is believed to bring spiritual benefits, as it is seen as a way to seek forgiveness and earn the pleasure of Allah.

Conclusion:

As Ramadan 2024 approaches, the spirit of giving and charity becomes more important than ever. By embracing the teachings of Islam and reaching out to those in need, individuals and communities can make a positive impact and bring hope to those who are less fortunate. Whether through Zakat, Sadaqah, or other forms of charitable giving, the act of giving during Ramadan is a powerful way to embody the values of compassion, generosity, and empathy.

[pennyappealcanada]

We’ve just begun our Winter Emergency Response!

 Thousands of men, women and children in displaced communities around the world are facing harsh winters. Join Penny Appeal Canada in providing relief to individuals and families in need and save lives.

Donate now: https://www.pennyappeal.ca/program/emergency-response/

[the-garbanzo-annex-jr]

CRA notifies Jewish National Fund it will revoke Canadian charitable status

Story by Ari David Blaff

The Canada Revenue Agency has notified the century-old Jewish National Fund that it plans to revoke the group’s charitable status in Canada over support for military infrastructure in Israel, a decision the JNF says it will challenge in the courts.

The CRA did not respond to a request in time for publication. JNF CEO Lance Davis directed the Post to the organization’s public statement and contemporaneous newsletter to its supporters.

They added that their appeal intends to show the CRA’s findings are flawed, that the federal body’s procedures are unfair and that there “is a reasonable apprehension of bias in the audit.”

JNF had an earlier run-in with the CRA following a financial audit showing that donations from the organization were used to build military infrastructure for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). The CRA said the move ran afoul of Canada’s Tax Code concerning supporting foreign militaries.

The CRA has cracked down on other Canadian Jewish charities in recent years, citing similar concerns. In 2019, Beth Oloth Charitable Organization had its charitable status removed for distributing funds aiding the Israeli military.

“Canadian charities are not allowed to fund foreign militaries,” Mark Blumberg, an attorney specializing in Canadian charity law, told the Post by email. “Clearly, there were previously some compliance issues,” Blumberg, creator of CharityData.ca – the largest national database of Canadian registered charities – added. He cautioned that it is difficult to draw conclusions from JNF’s announcement “without reviewing the letters from (the) CRA combined with the letters from the charity to CRA.”

Disenhouse pledged that JNF Canada had worked, and remains committed, to addressing the CRA’s earlier concerns and has strived to avoid a revocation of its charitable status.

“Similar to other charities that support the needs of children, workers, and vulnerable communities we would expect CRA to work with, not against, our charity,” Disenhouse said.

In a statement on Thursday, Shimon Koffler Fogel, CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, said his group “is supportive of JNF.”

“CIJA remains hopeful that JNF and CRA will ultimately identify a constructive resolution, permitting JNF to continue its important work ranging from relief from poverty to environmental reclamation,” he added.

National Post

[allthecanadianpolitics]

One of Canada's intelligence review bodies has launched an investigation into the Canada Revenue Agency's work on charities in response to allegations of bias and Islamophobia.

On Tuesday, the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency (NSIRA) — the watchdog set up to monitor the activities of Canada's national security and intelligence bodies — released a letter it sent to Bob Hamilton, commissioner of the CRA, announcing its intention to probe the department's review and analysis wing.

That CRA division is tasked with making sure registered charities aren't being used to finance terrorism. It has been accused of unfairly targeting Muslim charities for audits based on questionable grounds.

NSIRA said the review will focus on the CRA program's "national security activities and decision-making relating to registered Canadian charities, to assess their reasonableness, necessity and compliance with the law." [...]

Continue Reading.

Tagging: @politicsofcanada

[companysetup01]

How to Register a Charity in Ireland: A Step-by-Step Guide

Setting up a charity in Ireland involves specific legal procedures to ensure your organization operates under the guidelines set by the Charities Regulatory Authority (CRA). Whether you’re planning to support a cause close to your heart or contribute to the community, registering a charity in Ireland is a structured yet rewarding process. In this blog, we will walk you through the necessary steps and considerations to make this process smoother for your organization.

Understanding the Requirements for Registering a Charity in Ireland

Before starting the registration process, it’s important to understand the key requirements. The primary step is determining whether your organization qualifies as a charity under the Charities Act 2009. To be classified as a charity, your organization must exist exclusively for charitable purposes, such as the relief of poverty, advancement of education, religion, or other community benefits.

After confirming that your organization qualifies, the next step in registering a charity in Ireland is to ensure that your governing documents, such as your constitution or trust deed, clearly state these charitable objectives. The Charities Regulatory Authority will review your application to ensure that your goals align with the legal definitions of charity.

Steps to Registering a Charity in Ireland

Establish a Governing Body: Before registering a charity in Ireland, it’s essential to form a board of trustees or governing body. These individuals will be responsible for managing the charity’s activities and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

Prepare the Necessary Documentation: Your charity will need several key documents, including a detailed governing document (constitution, trust deed, or memorandum of association), an application form, and a financial plan. These documents should outline your charity’s objectives, activities, and structure.

Submit Your Application to the CRA: Once all documents are ready, you can submit your application to the Charities Regulatory Authority. The CRA will review the application, verify that your organization’s activities are charitable, and ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Wait for Approval: After submitting your application for registering a charity in Ireland, the CRA will notify you of their decision. Once approved, your charity will be officially registered, and you’ll receive a registration number, allowing you to operate legally as a charity in the country.

Benefits of Registering a Charity in Ireland

Registering a charity brings several advantages, including tax exemptions, access to public funding, and enhanced credibility with donors. These benefits are crucial to the long-term sustainability of your charitable organization. Additionally, the CRA's oversight ensures that your charity operates transparently, maintaining trust with the public and stakeholders.

Charities vs. Owner-Managed Companies

While setting up a charity differs significantly from creating an owner-managed company, both require solid governance structures. An owner-managed company involves a business where the owners are also responsible for the day-to-day operations. In contrast, a charity must have a board of trustees or a governing body that manages the organization’s activities while adhering to strict legal guidelines.

Both entities have to file reports and meet compliance requirements, but their purposes and structures differ. Understanding the distinction between these two can help you choose the right path for your organization, whether you're aiming to start a for-profit business or a charitable entity.

Conclusion

Registering a charity in Ireland involves several steps, but with proper planning and adherence to legal requirements, it’s a manageable process. From forming a governing body to preparing essential documents, each stage plays a critical role in ensuring your charity operates successfully. Whether you’re setting up a charitable organization or comparing it to an owner-managed company, understanding the legal and operational frameworks is key to success.

[outsiderslaw]

How Long Does it Take to Register a Charity in Canada?

Learn the process of registering a charity in Canada with Outsiders Law. Discover the timeline and steps involved in becoming a registered charity, from preparing your application to receiving approval from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Our expert guidance provides clarity on the registration process, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience. Outsiders Law to navigate the complexities of registering a charity in Canada, so you can focus on making a positive impact in your community.

[discworldwitches]

Take a minute to support a formal complaint asking the Canada Revenue Agency to investigate whether the HESEG FOUNDATION and its main patron THE GERALD SCHWARTZ and HEATHER REISMAN FOUNDATION are violating rules for registered charities.

HESEG assists non-Israelis joining that country’s military even though CRA rules preclude assisting foreign militaries. As the genocide and destruction in Gaza caused by the Israeli military grows, it's imperative that Canadian taxpayers are not subsidizing that violence in violation of CRA laws.

The HESEG board has included a handful of top former Israeli military officials. This includes Chief Commander of the Israeli military in Gaza and the West Bank, Yitzhak Eitan, Head of Mossad, Shabtai Shavi, and Commander of the IDF's Southern Command, Doron Almog.

The Gerald Schwartz and Heather Reisman Foundation, a charitable foundation began by the founders of HESEG, has provided over $43 million to HESEG over the last five years, and according to a recent ATIP, the Schwartz and Reisman Foundation provided about $185 million to HESEG over the years.

Letter writing co-sponsored by:

The Canadian Foreign Policy Institute

Just Peace Advocates

Palestinian and Jewish Unity (PAJU)

Ontario Palestinian Rights Association (OPRA)

[weexploreanddiscover]



My father started Human Development Foundation (HDF) of Canada www.hdfcanada.org with a mission to help our ancestoral home in Pakistan. Yuliia and I help with the online side of things along with a partnership with Google Grants for Nonprofits.

There are approx 30,000 HDF partner families in 292 villages throughout Pakistan. All these families are poor. Out of these families, about 12,000 are ultra-poor and out these 12,000 ultra-poor families, about 4,640 are the Zakat Eligible families who are at greater risk of suffering devastating losses from COVID-19 particularly in lockdown situation.

With generous support of donors in Canada and USA, HDF has been able to play an active role in relief and rehabilitation works during times of national calamities and disasters. Now to fight this global calamity of COVID-19, most vulnerable families of our partnering communities in Pakistan are in need of resources to keep themselves alive. We have proposed a monthly food pack containing following essential items:

20 Kg Flour

5 Kg Ghee/Cooking Oil

5 Kg Rice

3 Kg Sugar

3 Kg Assorted Pulses

Pack of Chili and Salt

DONATE ONLINE @ WWW.HDFCANADA.ORG

Cost of one such food pack is CAD$ 41. We are looking to support 5,000 most vulnerable families. Please commit to a monthly food pack or one time donation for a food pack or any amount to help us feed the most vulnerable families in Pakistan.

It would also really help if you could share my fundraiser link with everyone you know. The more eyes this fundraiser, the faster we can meet our goal, especially with the urgency of the current situation.

We appreciate all of your support! We wouldn’t be able to accomplish helping to feed 5000 families without your help.

Donations are deductible, and 100% of the funds go to purchasing and distributing Food Packs to the families.

[adira5780]

*everything I'm saying here is based off my experience working in Canadian museums and my familiarity with and understanding of relevant Canadian rules and legislation. This information may not be applicable elsewhere. Different countries have different laws and standards.*

One of the most common questions I get asked at work is "oh, my grandfather donated such and such an item years ago but I want it back, how do I do that?"

And the answer is: you don't.

If it was obtained properly*, we are unable to return objects to individuals. There are a few reasons for this:

We're non-profits who issue tax receipts. If someone donates an object to us and we issue a tax receipt and then years later return the object, that throws a huge wrench into the tax issue. CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) forbids non-profits from returning donations. It's the same as if you donated $500 and then ten years later asked for it back.

Similarly, because you donated the object, it became property of the museum. To give it back to you would mean a non-profit is gifting something of value to a random citizen. The fact that someone in your family at one point owned it means nothing. Again, think of it like cash. ("The Income Tax Act requires a registered charity to devote its resources exclusively to its charitable purposes and activities, and prohibits it from making gifts to non-qualified donees. So, a registered charity that returns donated property could be regarded as making a gift to a non-qualified donee, or providing an undue benefit, which are contraventions of the Act and could result in sanctions that include revocation of registered status.")

Inheritance is a touchy subject. If your grandfather donated something and he has 12 grandkids who are all heirs, who are we to decide that YOU are the one who should get it? It would be a legal nightmare.

Museums aren't free storage lockers. Every item that comes into a collection, if handled properly, requires tens if not hundreds of hours of work just to bring it into the collection. On top of that there's the continued costs of housing and maintaining these objects. Even a small, simple brooch that comes into our museum would probably require a minimum of 20 hours of work to be accessioned. (All the paperwork, transporting the object, accessioning it, documenting its condition/description/history (history often involves extensive research or interviews with donors), conservation examining it and doing any treatments necessary to stabilize it, and building proper storage containers for it). We're putting thousands of dollars into caring for these items.

Museums have an obligation to keep objects in the "public trust". This means that even if we do decide that we shouldn't/can't keep an artifact any longer, we are (generally, excepting specific circumstances)* required to offer it to other museums first. If we can't find a museum interested in the object, we'll usually look at other relevant non-profits, if they exist. If no one will take it, objects go to public auction. This is the easiest way to ensure a fair price is received for the item. If you want something back and the museum has independently decided to deaccession it, the museum can tell you when/where the auction will be held (though even this is generally discouraged), but that is as far as we can go. Private sales are strongly discouraged (if not outright forbidden) in Canadian museums.

*There ARE circumstances when artifacts can be returned to people. Most notable is repatriation. If an object was obtained illegally or unethically, it is a completely different situation. If it was stolen, or taken by coercion, for example, it should be returned ASAP. Even if we have proper donation paperwork, if the person who donated it didn't have the right to give it to us, we need to get it back to the individual or community who it rightly belongs to immediately.

Many (most) Indigenous objects in museum collections were obtained unethically and those can and should be returned ASAP. Similar situations arise with art and objects looted during the Holocaust. Or like, the entirety of the British Museum's collection. Those are definitely situations where objects should be deaccessioned and returned.

Your grandmother's butter churn that was donated by her child when she died, does not fall under this category.

When people donate items to us we always encourage them to talk with their potential heirs first because once it's ours we cannot give it back. We tell them it's the same as a cash donation, once it's signed over to us we cannot return it.

Anyways I spent a lot of time yesterday getting yelled at about this so I thought I would share some in-depth explanations as to why this is the way it is.

(this is a hastily written tumblr post so please don't take this as like, unquestionable truth. I'm fairly confident that everything I've said here is correct but if I have any mistakes in here, please feel free to correct me!)

[pennyappealcanada]

The first ever #Fredsgiving with @fredvanvleet and @skcentre905 was a huge success!

In collaboration with @fredvanvleet of the @raptors and @skcentre905, we provided 100 families with warm meals, @fvvshop clothing, non-perishable food items and a turkey for Thanksgiving! A huge thank you to our amazing #TeamOrange volunteers who helped over two days assemble bags and distribute them to families!

Donate Now: https://pennyappeal.ca/

[evidence-based-activism]

Given the recent superstraight supergay thing and that you're very thoughtful and thorough, could you please investigate with other women and check if this is a scam? Supposedly it's for the Vancouver women's shelter coming from that movement: gofundme(.)com/f/4cvw5?qid=0d9377c5008d58e4d9d23ae2934d20db

Hi Anon!

So my short answer is: I believe the fundraiser is safe to donate to. (Link here). That being said, I’m not very familiar with GoFundMe, so if anyone notices something off about the fundraiser please mention it.

Also, if you for any reason don’t want to use that link (association with the “super thing”, dislike for/not being registered with GoFundMe, not trusting the fundraiser, etc.) I VERY much support donating directly through the Vancouver Rape Relief Shelter’s site directly. (Link here!!) They have multiple methods for donating and you can make your donation anonymous if that’s something you need/want to do.

Finally, the reasons I believe it’s safe:

The GoFundMe page indicates the fund type is for “Non-Profits & Charities” and the fundraising beneficiary is “Vancouver Rape Relief Society”

The CRA# for VRR for listed on the learn more popup is the same as VRR’s CRA# listed on their Canada Revenue Agency charity information page

The creator included links to VRR’s site about women only spaces and a news report about the harassment they were subjected to

The average donation size is about $30 and the average donation size excluding donations over $100 is about $20. In my opinion, that’s an indicator that there are real people making these donations, not just a couple shills setting up a scam.

Due to the size of GoFundMe’s platform they’ve issued a Guarantee that includes protection again deception. If “the organizer does not deliver funds to the Intended Beneficiary” then the donations will either be refunded to the donors or redirected to the “Intended Beneficiary”.

And thank you for the compliment! <3 <3

[allthecanadianpolitics]

The petition signers call upon the government of Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency to:

Revoke charitable tax status from all anti-choice groups

Not allow new anti-choice groups to become charities

Require that charities not work to oppose Charter and human rights, as per the similar requirement for the Canada Summer Jobs program [1]

The numbers: About 225 anti-abortion groups in Canada have charitable tax status – 71% of all anti-abortion groups. Of these 225 groups, 147 are “crisis pregnancy centres” that try to dissuade women from abortion, 73 are groups that advocate against abortion, and 5 are abstinence education or adoption promotion organizations. In comparison, only 3 of 26 pro-choice groups have charitable tax status. [2]

Anti-choice groups do not meet requirements for charitable tax status because:

They do not serve any public benefit, act to oppose human rights, and are harmful and discriminatory.

Abortion has been legal for over 30 years and has become a fundamental Charter right for women and transgender people [3] under Sections 7 and 15 (security of the person and equality). Yet anti-choice advocacy groups oppose these rights and ultimately want to re-criminalize abortion. Anti-human rights groups should not have charity status.

Crisis pregnancy centres” (CPCs) provide medical misinformation to their clients and the public [4,5], and thereby pose a threat to Canadians’ access to necessary healthcare and their right to unbiased, accurate information. CPCs create societal harm by reinforcing abortion stigma, and fostering feelings of guilt, fear, anxiety, and confusion in clients considering abortion.

The use of medical misinformation and ideological propaganda by anti-choice charities cannot have any public benefit[6] since it is not based on sound research or evidence [7], and fails the requirement that charities be “truthful, accurate, and not misleading.” [8] Further, the information provided does not allow for informed decision making or the weighing of competing viewpoints, thereby not meeting the definition of “education.” [9] And contrary to the definition of “healthcare,” [10] anti-choice CPCs do not provide any direct healthcare – only biased counselling by untrained peer counsellors. Instead of “preventing or relieving a mental or physical health condition” – i.e., unwanted pregnancy – they hope to dissuade clients from using contraception and having abortions.

Petition by Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada:  www.arcc-cdac.ca  •  info@arcc-cdac.ca

Sources:

Employment Standards and Development Canada, 2019. Funding: Canada Summer Jobs – Screening for eligibility

Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada (ARCC), 2019. Anti-choice and Pro-choice Groups in Canada – a Comparison

ARCC, 2018. Abortion is a Charter right

ARCC, 2016. Study: Review of "Crisis Pregnancy Centre" Websites in Canada

Journal of Ethics, 2018. Why Crisis Pregnancy Centers Are Legal but Unethical

CRA, 2006. Guidelines for registering a charity: Meeting the public benefit test

CRA, 2009. Research as a charitable activity

CRA, 2009. Public policy dialogue and development activities by charities

CRA, 2002. Advancement of Education

CRA, 2013. Promotion of health and charitable registration

--

SIGN THE PETITION HERE!

[volunteergp]

Did you know the Regional EMS Foundation has placed over 400 AEDs in our area! Learn more about this amazing organization in our new Member Spotlight at https://www.volunteergrandeprairie.com/blog/regional-ems-foundation.