BOYNECLARKE's Foundations, Societies and Non-Profit Organizations Team acts for more foundations, societies and non-profits than any other law firm in the province.

We act for the foundations of the largest hospitals in Nova Scotia, small individual foundations, and a wide range of non-profit organizations including golf clubs, yacht clubs, athletic and cultural organizations, health, conservation, and community organizations.

In this sector, the individuals who serve voluntarily on boards often do not have the specialized knowledge that is customary among members of corporate boards of directors. Therefore, a key service we perform is providing advice to members and directors.

We provide advice and legal services on a variety of issues including:

• The structure of the organization
  
• Incorporating and registering as a charity with Canada Revenue Agency
  
• Ensuring that Bylaws reflect the particular requirements of the organization
  
• Governance
  
• Accountability to the public
  
• Compliance regarding the handling of funds
  
• Compliance with income tax, GST/HST and municipal tax requirements
  
• Tax planning with respect to receiving donations and other income, significant purchases and sales and disbursement of fundraising revenues. For more information please refer to our Tax Team.
  
• Other documentation
  
• Agreements including employment contracts and contracts for services
  

BOYNECLARKE has participated in drafting legislation that has been used in the creation of many societies and non-profit organizations in this Province. We are intimately familiar with the laws that govern activity in this sector. We apply our knowledge in order to help our clients achieve their public purpose.

Many of the lawyers at the firm serve, or have served, on the boards of charitable and non-profit organizations including: Dartmouth General Hospital, Izaak Walton Killam Children’s Hospital, IWK Foundation, Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia International Tattoo Society, QEII Health Services Centre Foundation, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada (Atlantic), Dartmouth Literacy Network, Metro United Way Fundraising Campaign, St. Mary’s University, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty (Nova Scotia), Metro Food Bank, Metro Community Housing Association, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Youth Project, Victorian Order of Nurses of Greater Halifax, and the Canadian parks and Wilderness Society - Nova Scotia chapter.

Our strong commitment to the community benefits our clients in this sector. Participation on boards affords us first-hand knowledge of the functioning of these types of organizations, as well as many of the issues that board members face on an ongoing basis.