Different group structures

This page explains some, but not all, of the ways you can structure your group in Ontario and how the different structures relate to each other. It is important to understand the differences between these structures because each has unique advantages and disadvantages.

Some group structures

This section defines some of the most common ways to structure your group and explains how they relate to each other. There are other kinds of structures that have been left out, like trusts and co-operative corporations.

If you do not incorporate, then you can be an unincorporated association.

• An unincorporated association is a collection of individuals acting together.

If you do incorporate, you can incorporate as either a for-profit or not-for-profit corporation.

• A for-profit corporation is an independent legal entity whose purpose is to benefit its shareholders. It is also known as a “company” or “corporation with share capital”.
• A not-for-profit corporation is an independent legal entity whose goals do not include gain or profit for its members, although in some cases members can benefit (for example, a golf club). A not-for-profit corporation is also known as a “corporation without share capital”. A not-for-profit corporation can do anything, as long as:
  • the activity helps achieve the goals in its articles, and
  • the activity is not prohibited in any law or in your articles or bylaws.

Whether or not you incorporate, you may apply to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to become a registered charity. However, if you are trying to incorporate at the same time, the CRA will not look at your governing documents (for example, articles) until they are approved.

• A registered charity is an association or corporation that must use its resources for charitable activities and have exclusively charitable purposes. Charitable purposes include: advancing religion, advancing education, relieving poverty, and other purposes that benefit the community.

Whether or not you incorporate, when you file your taxes the CRA must decide if you are a nonprofit organization.

• A nonprofit organization is an association or corporation that is not a charity and is organized for any purpose except profit.

Attention! People sometimes talk about charities as a special kind of nonprofit. While it is true that some nonprofit corporations are charities, the Income Tax Act defines nonprofit organizations and charities as two completely different things that can never overlap.

Some practical differences between the structures

For guidance on how to choose between structures, see Establishing a Canadian Non-Profit or Charity – Avoiding practical, legal and ethical problems.