COCo Publications

In running a non-profit organization it can be difficult to know what is demanded of you by various regulatory bodies. This info-sheet provides a checklist of the main forms and obligations a non-profit organization in Quebec must complete to maintain their incorporated or charitable status. Click here to download

In theory, we know that our organizations can't and shouldn't live forever. But in practice, we tend to operate with the assumption that our primary goal is to keep our organizations alive and that when they die we have failed. Accepting that dissolution is a natural part of an organizations' life cycle is important. At the same time, we should not ignore the larger societal and systemic trends that are leading to nonprofit closures. Click here to download

This info-sheet describes the different types of co-operatives, explains the difference between co-ops and other organizational structures, and provides information for registration and funding options should you decide that a co-op is right for your organization. Click here to download

Dealing
 with 
conflicts
 of 
interest
 can 
be
tricky!
 Healthy 
practices 
include 
having 
a 
democratically‐run organizaton 
where 
people 
from 
the 
community 
are 
involved
 at 
all
 levels
 (including 
the
 board).
 This means
 that 
the 
roles people 
play 
in 
the 
organization often overlap.
But 
just 
because
 conflicts 
of interest 
can 
be 
challenging 
doesn't 
mean 
you 
can't 
participate 
in 
the 
organizations 
you 
care 
about.
 Click here to download

By-laws are the guiding rules that govern how we work as an organization. While the law creates an organization, the details of how the organization will function is left to us. We have to create the guidelines and rules that we want to follow, and those rules are called the by-laws. These by-laws must respect the limits that the law places on community organizations and the founding objectives laid out in the letters patent. Click here to download

This info-sheet provides information about Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and Special General Meetings (SGMs). We review some of the legal requirements for AGMs and SGMs, and highlight how general meetings can play an important role in engaging our members and maintaining the health of our organizations. Click here to download

At COCo, we often receive requests for information on the rights and responsibilities of both employers and employees. Like all other employers in Quebec, community organizations must respect the legal rights of employees and meet certain obligations. By knowing the basic duties and rights outlined by the law, organizations and their employees can avoid conflicts, rest assured that they are in good legal standing, and generally promote a healthy work atmosphere. Click here to download

Incorporation can provide advantages for some organizations. It provides a legal structure that stays in place even as the active members change over the years. An incorporated non-profit can enter into contracts and have its own bank account. If you think this might be your organization, review this infosheet which outlines the steps required to incorporate in Quebec. Click here to download

This info-sheet provides an introduction to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) policy on political activities. It also guides you towards resources which build on the criticisms raised by the policy. Please feel free to contact COCo for more detailed information or for references to lawyers with experience working with charitable organizations. Click here to download

Check out these nifty non-profit accounting tips, compiled by Frances Ravensbergen with the assistance of Manoj Chandarana, from Bookkeeping basics: What every nonprofit bookkeeper needs to know. Click here to download