Non-Profit Incorporation
Incorporate your non-profit or society.
Charities, clubs, associations and community organizations need a formal legal structure before they can open a bank account, sign a lease, or apply for charitable status. We incorporate non-profits, societies and associations federally and in every Canadian province, matched to each jurisdiction’s specific rules.
- Bylaws drafted to match your jurisdiction's rules
- Name search & clearance included
- Ready for your charitable status application afterward
Incorporate your non-profit anywhere in Canada.
Every province governs non-profits and societies under its own act, with its own naming rules, member requirements, and filing fees. Federal incorporation suits organizations operating across provinces. We’ll help you choose, then file it directly.
Ontario Non-Profit Corporation
Alberta Society / Non-Profit Organization
Federal Non-Profit Corporation
BC Society Incorporation
Register a society under the BC Societies Act, British Columbia’s framework for non-profits and associations.
Saskatchewan Non-Profit Corporation
Incorporate through Information Services Corporation under Saskatchewan’s Non-profit Corporations Act.
Nova Scotia Non-Profit Corporation
Incorporate as a society through the Registry of Joint Stock Companies.
Quebec Non-Profit Organization
New Brunswick Non-Profit Corporation
Bilingual non-profit incorporation for organizations serving Atlantic Canada.
Manitoba Non-Profit Corporation
A budget-friendly registry filing for Manitoba-based non-profits and associations.
P.E.I. Non-Profit Corporation
A compact, low-cost registry filing well suited to smaller Island organizations.
Newfoundland Non-Profit Corporation
Incorporation through the Registry of Companies for Newfoundland and Labrador organizations.
From mission statement to registered organization.
Define your purpose
Name search & clearance
A name search confirms your organization’s name is available and compliant.
Bylaws & articles filed
Articles of incorporation and initial bylaws drafted and filed with the correct registry.
Certificate delivered
Your certificate of incorporation is sent, ready to open a bank account or apply for charitable status.
An unincorporated group can't own property, sign contracts, or protect its members.
Incorporation protects your directors and members from being personally liable for the organization’s debts and legal obligations.
The CRA requires an organization to be incorporated before it can apply for registered charity status and issue tax receipts.
Grant eligibility
Bank account ready
Banks require incorporation documents before opening an account in your organization’s name.
Every jurisdiction
Incorporating a non-profit, explained.
What’s the difference between a non-profit corporation and a society?
They’re largely the same concept under different names — “society” is the term used in provinces like Alberta and British Columbia, while “non-profit corporation” is used federally, in Ontario, and elsewhere. Both are member-governed organizations without shareholders.
Do we need to incorporate before applying for charitable status?
Yes. The Canada Revenue Agency requires an organization to be incorporated (or otherwise have a governing legal document) before it can apply for registered charity status and start issuing donation tax receipts.
How many directors or members do we need to incorporate?
Requirements vary by jurisdiction, but most provinces require at least three directors and a minimum number of members to incorporate. We’ll confirm the exact requirement for your chosen jurisdiction.
Should our non-profit incorporate federally or provincially?
Federal incorporation suits organizations with members, chapters or activities across multiple provinces. Provincial or society incorporation is usually simpler and sufficient for an organization operating within one province.
Can a non-profit corporation earn revenue?
Yes. A non-profit can generate revenue through memberships, events, or services, but that revenue must go back into supporting the organization’s purpose rather than being distributed to members or directors as profit.
How long does non-profit incorporation take?
Most provincial and federal non-profit incorporations are approved within 3-10 business days, depending on the jurisdiction and whether the registry reviews your bylaws before issuing a certificate.