Kevin Seguin
Head of Administration
What's Inside:
Welcome to Summer! It's the time of year when ministries slow down to give volunteers a rest, and leaders take time to pause and reflect on the year ahead. At CCCC, we're also slowing our pace to do these good things. This two-month edition of the Bulletin gives our team a bit of space to take vacations and clean up our task lists. So, we encourage you to grab your tablet and sit in the shade as you refresh your soul with John Pellowe's blog series, "Faithful Strategy Development." It blends Christian faith with strategic planning and challenges leaders to align their ministry's plans with divine purposes. Gain insights into the importance of integrating spiritual discernment into leadership strategy.
We've also included updated resources to help charities think through their organization's charitable purposes. They explain the legal landscape for charitable activities and the four traditional categories of charitable purposes. They offer guidance on articulating your mission in compliance with CRA standards, ensuring readiness for CRA review.
This year, democratic elections are happening around the world, from India to the USA. Politics seems to be top of mind. Some Christians are seeking ways to raise awareness of critical issues, and others want to shape public policy that advances Christian objectives. This Bulletin introduces new resources on public policy dialogue and development activities that help guide leaders through the rules and regulations that govern Canadian charities.
Enjoy the summer! But, as always, should you have a question, you can access expert support from CCCC's accountants, HR professionals, and charity sector specialists. Our office is open all summer, and our team is here to assist with operational topics and provide prompt responses and resources throughout the summer months.
Faithful Strategy Development
"Faithful Strategy Development" is a comprehensive blog series by John Pellowe that explores the intersection of Christian faith and strategic planning. Each post offers a blend of theological principles, practical wisdom, and inspiring examples that guide you into developing effective strategies deeply rooted in faith. Whether you want to align your ministry's plans with divine purposes, integrate spiritual discernment into your leadership, or create impactful mission statements, this series has something for everyone. Join the journey of discovery and explore how strategic planning can be a cooperative spiritual endeavour.
Read moreLobbying and Political Activities for Christian Charities in Canada
Engaging in public dialogue on political issues allows Christians to express God's love as they advocate for priorities and funding that align with His work in Canada. Through lobbying, charities can advocate for beneficial policies, raise awareness on critical issues, and influence decision-makers, thereby playing a pivotal role in shaping public policy and advancing Christian objectives. This newly updated guide details the basics of lobbying, legal requirements, and practical tips for registration and reporting. It helps charities comply with the federal Lobbying Act and keep on side of the additional requirements of various provincial and municipal lobbying regulations.
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What are Charitable Purposes?
Most new ministries begin and grow within an existing church or charity. However, there are times when God moves in a new way, and the new work is best carried out through a new charitable organization. In these cases, ministry leaders must learn how to state the new charity's purposes in a way that meets predetermined CRA guidelines. These are called charitable purposes. Writing charitable purposes is usually done by a lawyer. But it's good for leaders to know what is happening and why. This updated resource explains the four traditional categories of charitable purposes and provides detailed instructions for articulating your organization's mission in a way that aligns with CRA standards. Whether drafting new charitable purposes or refining existing ones, this guidance will help you assess whether your charity's purposes are ready for CRA review.
Trusted Guidance And Information From Our Member Support Team
As a Christian charity, you have a unique mission and need the best information available to run your ministry. Though ministry is rewarding, it's also complex and there are times when a guide would be helpful. Members of CCCC have access to our team of accountants, HR professionals, and credentialed specialists. We're ready to support you by phone or email with the information you need about operating a charity well!
Each year CCCC's Member Service (MST) team answers thousands of questions on a range of operational topics such as board governance, fundraising, finance and taxes, HR and staffing. Whenever possible, we refer our members to helpful resources and customizable templates in our Knowledge Base. We can typically help you right away or within one business day. The MST is available to all staff and key volunteers of verified CCCC member organizations. Our team can also answer questions about the services and benefits of CCCC membership, and assist Account Administrators with keeping your CCCC account information up to date.
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Select Federal Budget 2024 Proposals Now in Force
With the passage of Bill C-69, Budget Implementation Act, 2024 No. 1 select parts of the Federal Budget 2024 are now in force, including changes to the Alternative Minimum Tax and enhancing CRA powers. For more on Budget 2024 proposals, check out our blog on Budget 2024 Highlights for Charities.
Quick Picks
CCCC staff are constantly reading news, reports, and other resources to stay on top of developments in the charitable sector. We think you'll find these picks helpful!
- Risky Business: Understanding Waivers of Liability (podcast)
- You Are the Company You Keep: Managing Third Party Privacy Risk
- New Quarterly Updates from CRA Charities Directorate
- Filing Your T3010? Ensure it is the Correct Version!
Events
Lobbying Information Session with Bob McCormick of the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada
September 25, 2024 | 2:00 pm ET
Join our upcoming webinar featuring Bob McCormick from the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada. This information session will give you valuable insights into federal lobbying regulations and compliance. Whether you have already engaged with the Federal government or might not in the future, this session is a must! Register now to stay informed about lobbying within the rules to enhance your organization's advocacy efforts.
Other Notable Upcoming Events
October 23, 2024 | AI Part 2: Practical Demonstrations
Keep an eye out for more information on part two of our webinar series on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Christian charities. We'll address questions from the previous session and provide practical examples to enhance your organization's use of AI. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your knowledge and impact.
Congratulations to Our Accredited Members!
Congratulations to the following Accredited Member who has recently participated in an Accreditation Review and demonstrated their ongoing commitment to CCCC Accreditation standards: Lighthouse Harbour Ministries! We are proud to have you as part of our Accredited Member community!
To learn more about CCCC Accreditation and our Accredited members, visit giveconfidently.ca.
Recent Blog Posts
Gift Cards For Future Purchases
Charities like to use gift cards for volunteer recognition and other ministry-related acknowledgements. This Green topic poses the question about using gift cards for future purchases, especially when ministry leaders haven't used up their budgets for the year. Feel free to weigh-in with how you use gift cards and read about what other charity leaders are doing. Chat about whether your approach works with CRA expectations.
Read moreChurch Lockdowns
Green users discuss policy and protocols around potential lockdowns in the church context. Does your church have emergency procedures in place including provision for lockdown scenarios? Find out how insurance companies, local schools and local police agencies may have resources and staff that can exist in this type of emergency preparedness.
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Do You Have A Payroll Software That You Love?
Discuss different software solutions that accommodate Christian charity needs, such as the clergy residence deduction. Chime in and either share what's working in your ministry context or discover what others are using and consider making a change.
Read moreServices
A Pro When You Need One
The professionals listed in our Professional Associates Directory provide services to charities and practice in four general areas: law, accounting, insurance, and consulting.
Contact Details
Canadian Centre for Christian Charities
1 - 43 Howard Ave
Elmira, ON N3B 2C9
(519) 669-5137
View driving directions