Paul Wolfe, BRE, MA, PGCert, Editor of the CCCC Bulletin
Head of Knowledge and Publications
What's Inside:
Giving takes many forms in Christian ministry—some offer financial support, while others contribute their time and talents. These gifts are genuinely valued and fulfill the call in 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV): “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.” We’re grateful for the countless ways Canadian Christians support each other in faith.
This month’s CCCC Bulletin centers on the theme of giving, featuring resources to help you create restricted funds to manage gifts, a new way to share your expertise with the CCCC community, and a sector update exploring shifts in funding as foundations and government partners grow. Our new member resources include guidance on establishing restricted funds and creating intentional HR policies. We’re also introducing an Expression of Interest form for professionals who feel called to share their expertise. These tools equip ministries with practical support in financial stewardship, HR management, and community building, helping each organization thrive in its mission.
The charitable sector is evolving, and we have three highlights to share. In response to a proposal for a mandatory social sector grant, our CEO, John Pellowe, advocates for fostering generosity over legislating donations and encouraging pro-social attitudes to strengthen giving. The Advisory Committee on the Charitable Sector’s fourth report suggests updating the Income Tax Act to include new charitable purposes and calls for improved CRA support and transparency. Lastly, a recent Ontario Human Rights Tribunal case upheld an organization’s dress code, emphasizing the need for consistent policy application to prevent discrimination claims. Also, don’t miss our Quick Picks for recent articles on various other charitable topics.
In The Green, charities are exploring innovative ways to recruit board members, foster remote team connections, and celebrate work milestones while adhering to CRA guidelines. Join the discussion to share ideas, gain insights, and discover strategies you can apply to your own community.
As we celebrate the varied ways ministries contribute, may these resources inspire and equip you to continue serving with faith and purpose. Thank you for the ways you give to your community and for being a member of CCCC.
Defining the Purpose of Your Charity's Restricted Funds
Sometimes, CCCC members may wish to raise funds for projects outside their General Funds. For larger projects or ones spanning multiple years, the usual process is to establish a restricted fund for the specific mission, such as a building or scholarship fund. This resource helps charity leaders understand the steps of defining the new fund's purpose, setting a guiding policy, and including variation clauses to enable long-term flexibility. Restricted funds, formally known as Special Purpose Charitable Trusts, gain legal recognition when they comply with CRA and ITA standards. Review this new resource to learn how to establish purposeful restricted funds for your charity's unique objectives.
Read moreFormal vs. Informal HR Policies: Which Is Best?
Each CCCC member is unique in size, complexity, tone, and structure, and their policies should reflect these differences. To help members make the most of our HR policy samples, CCCC now includes both formal and informal examples. Formal policies offer structured guidance on high-stakes areas like confidentiality and financial practices, which are essential for legal compliance. Informal policies, however, provide a conversational tone ideal for fostering community and openness. Integrating these policy styles helps Christian charities create a supportive, mission-centered workplace. Follow the link to see five examples of both formal and informal HR policies.
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Call for Peer Reviewers, Contributors, and Presenters
Help make a lasting impact on Christian charities across Canada! CCCC is looking for dedicated professionals to help shape and enhance our resources through peer reviews, content contributions, presentations, and sponsorships. Share your expertise and help guide ministries in charity governance, financial management, operations, fundraising, communications, and human resources. By filling out this expression of interest, you’ll join the list of professional members and experts who receive special communications about CCCC's knowledge and publications opportunities.
What's New in the Knowledge Base?
Keep up to date with the evolving features and content of the CCCC Knowledge Base. Here, we highlight the most significant changes and new resources we've introduced. This page also serves as a record of our ongoing enhancements in technology, remote work, collaboration, and information sharing. Not sure if you've missed something? Click through CCCC Knowledge Base Development History to view a chronological history of the newest information and tools.
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The Solution to Declining Donations is to Develop and Activate Pro-Social Attitudes and Behaviours
What is the solution to promote more charitable giving in Canada? In a recent article, the Philanthropist outlines a proposal that would create a mandatory social sector grant, paid by each grantmaking foundation to provide a funding pool for capacity building in the charitable sector. In response, CCCC CEO John Pellowe recognizes that strengthening the charitable sector is a noble goal, but the solution is not to turn voluntary giving into a legislative requirement. Instead, "the real solution is to develop and activate pro-social attitudes and behaviours . . . that improve public civility and result in high levels of generosity and volunteerism that benefit charities and individual Canadians."
Advisory Committee on the Charitable Sector Releases Fourth Report
In its fourth report, the Advisory Committee on the Charitable Sector (ACCS) makes many recommendations to the Minister of National Finance.
The charitable purposes working group recommends amending the Income Tax Act to include charitable objects such as "prevention of poverty" and "advancing amateur sport", and holding consultations on creating a "home in government" meaning "an independent charities regulator" or other body that will "modernize charity law."
The risk assessment group urged Charter compliance for the anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing guidance, that risk assessment include gender-based analysis plus, and a new advisory body to review policy decisions.
The data working group recommends tracking tools for disbursement quota and grants to non-qualified donees that is publicly accessible, for CRA to use AI to analyze T1441 data, and to provide enhanced T3010 training for the sector.
The ACCS also recommended a wide variety of changes to enhance CRA's relationship with the sector, including: streamline online processes, revise registration procedures, improve educational support, facilitate access and communication, and more community engagement.
The ACCS recommendations are not binding. The government has full discretion whether to implement some, none, or all. The weight or priority given to the report and recommendations is therefore uncertain. Charities should be aware of these reports as they can have an impact on the direction of charity policy, whether now or in the future. Read the full report on the ACCS webpage.
Can A Dress Code Be Discriminatory?
The Ontario Human Rights Tribunal recently answered this question in the context of a volunteer who was asked to remove a rainbow sticker they had placed on their name tag. In short, the Tribunal held that no, the individual did not experience a prohibited form of discrimination. The organization's dress code applied equally and fairly to all staff and volunteers, and there was no evidence that anyone had ever been allowed to alter their name tag - whether or not to promote a particular group or cause. Organizations looking to protect themselves from similar claims should strive to follow their policies in every instance and apply them evenly.
Read moreQuick 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!
- Helpful Q&A with CRA on qualifying disbursements
- Reminder: Four provinces (SK, MB, PEI, ON) increased minimum wage on October 1, 2024
- Heightened privacy obligations for organizations in Alberta: changes may be on the horizon
- Foundational cyber security actions for small organizations - ITSAP.10.300
- Disability rights group launches Charter challenge against MAID
Congratulations to Our Accredited Members!
Congratulations to the following Accredited Members who have recently participated in an Accreditation Review and demonstrated their ongoing commitment to CCCC Accreditation standards: Global Disciples Canada, ImpactHope, Jews for Jesus, and Tyndale University. We are proud to have you as part of our Accredited Member community!
To find out more about CCCC Accreditation and our Accredited members, visit giveconfidently.ca.
Recruiting Board Members
Charities are looking for board members in different and innovative ways. This discussion features shared insights into job descriptions for board members, what to look for and where to find them . . . creatively. Join the discussion and share your best ideas or feel free to take a few ideas to try!
Read moreHaving Fun At Work
With so many charity teams working remotely either part time or full time, having fun and connecting with each other definitely takes some new thinking and creativity! Join with Green users and share your ideas and maybe get a few new ones!
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Recognizing Employee Milestones
Ministries share the different ways they recognize and reward work milestones and get reminders about how to 'colour within the lines' when comparing CRA guidelines with a desire to honour employees. Join the discussion and share your ideas, learn a little about the rules to protect your own rewards program or ask any questions you might have.
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
PO Box 335, STN Waterloo
Waterloo, ON N2J 4A4
(519) 669-5137
