Fundraising Partnership Agreement Template for Canada

A Fundraising Partnership Agreement is a legally binding contract that governs collaborative fundraising efforts between two or more organizations in Canada. This document establishes the terms, responsibilities, and expectations for each party while ensuring compliance with federal and provincial regulations governing charitable activities and fundraising operations.

When do you need this document?

You need a Fundraising Partnership Agreement when your organization plans to collaborate with other entities on fundraising campaigns or initiatives. This includes joint fundraising events, shared donor cultivation programs, or coordinated capital campaigns between charitable organizations and corporate foundations. Educational institutions partnering with alumni associations for scholarship funds, community foundations working with local non-profits on grant programs, or social enterprises collaborating with established charities for cause-related marketing campaigns all require this agreement. The document is also essential when sharing donor databases, co-hosting fundraising events, or when multiple organizations approach the same potential donors for related causes.

Key legal considerations

The agreement must clearly define revenue sharing arrangements, including how donations will be allocated, processed, and reported to ensure proper tax receipt issuance under the Income Tax Act. Donor information protection is critical, requiring compliance with PIPEDA and provincial privacy laws when sharing or accessing donor databases. The agreement should specify which organization has the authority to issue charitable tax receipts and how this responsibility aligns with Canada Revenue Agency requirements. Brand usage guidelines must be established to protect each organization's reputation and intellectual property rights. Clear termination clauses are essential to address how shared resources, ongoing commitments, and donor relationships will be handled if the partnership ends. The agreement must also address liability allocation, indemnification provisions, and compliance with provincial charitable fundraising licensing requirements where applicable.

Legal requirements in Canada

Under Canadian law, organizations must comply with federal Income Tax Act provisions governing charitable activities, including proper documentation and reporting of partnership arrangements to maintain charitable status. Provincial Charitable Fundraising Acts require compliance with licensing, disclosure, and donor protection measures, which vary by province but generally mandate transparency in fundraising partnerships. PIPEDA governs the collection, use, and disclosure of donor personal information, requiring explicit consent for information sharing between partner organizations. Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) regulates electronic communications, requiring proper consent for joint email campaigns and donor solicitations. Partnership arrangements must also comply with provincial Partnership Acts, which define the legal framework for collaborative business relationships. Organizations must ensure that partnership activities align with their stated charitable purposes and do not jeopardize their charitable status with the Canada Revenue Agency.