Not sure if all not-for-profit corporations are the same? Read on to find everything you need to create and operate a not-for-profit corporation, or incorporate now.
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Incorporate your not-for-profit
Benefits of incorporating
Find out the advantages of being federally incorporated.
Create a not-for-profit
Create a not-for-profit under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act by filing an application with Corporations Canada.
Name a corporation
There are important things to keep in mind when naming your federal not-for-profit corporation. Consult this guide to learn more.
Steps after submitting your application
Learn about our application process and what you can do after your filling.
Next steps following incorporation
Find out how to establish the internal organization of your corporation.
Register a federal corporation in a province or territory
Federally incorporated not-for-profit corporations must also be registered in a province or territory.
Create not-for-profit by-laws
By-laws set out the rules for governing and operating your corporation.
Find out more about our services, fees and processing times
Maintain your not-for-profit
Keep your corporation in good shape
Update these 5 simple things to keep your incorporation status.
Annual return
Every not-for-profit must file an annual return with Corporations Canada every year.
The members
Know the rights and responsibilities of your corporation's members.
The directors
Know the roles and responsibilities of your corporation's directors.
Corporate records and filing obligations
Find out about your corporate records and filing obligations.
By-laws and financial statements
All not-for-profits need to file by-laws within 12 months of being confirmed by members.
Financial statements and review
Not-for-profits must prepare financial statements each year that comply with the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act.
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Make changes to your not-for-profit
Change the structure or nature of the corporation
All you need to know to make changes to a not-for-profit corporation.
Amend the articles of a corporation
Amend the articles of a corporation under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act by filing an application.
Correct articles or certificates
Find out how to apply to correct articles or a certificate issued under the Canada Not-for-profit CorporationsAct.
Change by-laws
Amend your corporation’s by-laws requiring ordinary or special resolutions of the members.
Amalgamate corporations
Request to merge two or more not-for-profit corporations and carry on as one.
Continuance (exportation) to a cooperative
Find out more on how to continue (export) a not-for-profit corporation to the Canada Cooperatives Act.
Continuance (exportation) – Pre-approved legislation
Pre-approved legislation that Corporations Canada recognizes for the continuance from the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act.
Close your not-for-profit
Follow these steps to prepare a request to dissolve a not-for-profit corporation.
Related information
Links to guides, forms, policies, models and legislation.

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