Social Enterprise

 

CRA Guidance on Community Economic Development – CG-014

Community economic development (CED) activities can be charitable when they further a charitable purpose.

Organizations that carry out CED activities may be eligible for charitable registration under the Income Tax Act if all their activities further charitable purposes. Generally, CED activities involve improving economic opportunities and social conditions of an identified community.

Canada Revenue Agency

Particular focus in the Guidance is “program related investments”.  PRIs, broadly speaking, are investments (as opposed to outright grants or expenditures) that directly further an organization’s charitable purpose. While a PRI may involve a financial return to the investor charity, the purpose of the investment is not to earn a financial return but to further a charitable goal.

Examples of program-related investments that include:

For more information check out the Guidance – CG-014.  Note: This guidance replaces Guide RC4143, Registered Charities: Community Economic Development Programs, issued on December 23, 1999.

For more information see also:

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Alberta Board Development Program

This program helps non-profit organizations improve the governance of their board through training, consultation and resources. Community Development facilitators can assist your organization with a broad range of services related to fundraising and fiscal management, including social enterprise. To contact a facilitator see: https://www.alberta.ca/community-development-unit.aspx

Edmonton Community FoundationSocial Enterprise Fund

The fund offers patient debt financing to those working to deliver public benefit missions across Alberta.