Sample Bylaws for Not-for-Profits and Charities in Canada
We are often asked by not-for-profits for a sample of bylaws that they can use for their Not-for-Profit and Charity.
Below is a bylaw template which can be used by Not-for-Profits incorporated specifically in Ontario. It was drafted with the pending ONCA legislation, which is likely to come into force in the coming year (2022/2023)
Please see our sister post with sample bylaws which can be used specifically by Not-for-Profits incorporated federally, under the Not-for-Profits Act (Canada).
Note that:
1. Bylaws have unlimited possibilities which can have a very real impact on the long-term viability of a not-for-profit, so it is recommended that your bylaws should be carefully reviewed by a lawyer who specializes in charity and not-for-profit law, to ensure that all governance risks are addressed.
2. The bylaws sample below is specifically for single class membership nonprofits. We typically recommend dual membership classes for greater control to our non-for-profit and charity clients. For a sample of dual membership class bylaws, please contact our office at the number below.
BYLAW NO. 1
A bylaw relating generally to the transaction of the business and affairs of __________________ (the “Corporation”).
- General
- Definitions
- “Act” means the Corporations Act (Ontario) until such time as the Ontario
Not-for-profit Corporations Act, 2010, (“ONCA”) is proclaimed in force, and thereafter shall mean the ONCA, together with the Regulations as from time to time is amended and every statute and Regulation that may be substituted therefore and, in the case of such substitution, any reference in these bylaws to provisions of the Act shall be read as references to the substituted provisions in the new statutes or Regulations;
- “AGM” means the Annual General Meeting;
- “Board” means the board of directors of the Corporation;
- “Director” means an individual occupying the position of director of the Corporation by whatever name he or she is called;
- “Member” means a member of the Corporation;
- “Members” means all classes of membership in the Club as set out in Article 8; and
- “Meeting of the Members” means any meetings of the classes of membership.
- Interpretation
Other than as specified in Section 1.01, all terms contained in this By-law that are defined in the Act shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Act. Words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa, and words importing one gender include all genders.
- Severability and Precedence
The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this By-law shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this By-law. If any of the provisions contained in the by-laws are inconsistent with those contained in the Articles or the Act, the provisions contained in the Articles or the Act, as the case may be, shall prevail.
- Seal
The seal of the Corporation, if any, shall be in the form determined by the Board.
- Execution of Contracts
Deeds, transfers, assignments, contracts, obligations and other instruments in writing requiring execution by the Corporation may be signed by any two of its Officers or Directors. In addition, the Board may from time to time direct the manner in which and the person by whom a particular document or type of document shall be executed. Any Director or Officer may certify a copy of any instrument, resolution, by-law or other document of the Corporation to be a true copy thereof.
- Election and Term
- Directors
The Directors shall be elected by the Members. The term of office of the Directors (subject to the provisions, if any, of the articles) shall be from the date of the meeting at which they are elected or appointed until the next annual meeting or until their successors are elected or appointed. At the end of their respective term each Director may stand for re-election.
- Vacancies
The office of a Director shall be vacated immediately:
- if the Director resigns office by written notice to the Corporation, which resignation shall be effective at the time it is received by the Corporation or at the time specified in the notice, whichever is later;
- if the Director dies;
- if the Director becomes bankrupt;
- if the Director is found to be incapable of managing property by a court or under Ontario law; or
- if, at a meeting of the Members, a resolution is passed by at least a majority of the votes cast by the Members removing the Director before the expiration of the Director’s term of office.
- Filling Vacancies
A vacancy on the Board shall be filled only by a vote of the Members.
- Committees
Committees may be established by the Board as follows:
- The Board may appoint from their number a managing Director or a committee of Directors and may delegate to the managing Director or committee any of the powers of the Directors excepting those powers set out in the Act that are not permitted to be delegated; and
- Subject to the limitations on delegation set out in the Act, the Board may establish any committee it determines necessary for the execution of the Board’s responsibilities. The Board shall determine the composition and terms of reference for any such committee. The Board may dissolve any committee by resolution at any time.
- Remuneration of Directors
No Director shall directly or indirectly receive any profit from occupying the position of Director or from providing services to the Corporation in another capacity. However, Directors may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses that they incur in either of those capacities.
- Calling of Meetings
- Board Meetings
Meetings of the Directors may be called by the Chair, president or any two Directors at any time and any place on notice as required by this by-law
- Regular Meetings
The Board may fix the place and time of regular Board meetings and send a copy of the resolution fixing the place and time of such meetings to each Director, and no other notice shall be required for any such meetings.
- Notice
Notice of the time and place for the holding of a meeting of the Board shall be given in the manner provided in Section 10 of this by-law to every Director of the Corporation not less than seven days before the date that the meeting is to be held. Notice of a meeting is not necessary if all of the Directors are present, and none objects to the holding of the meeting, or if those absent have waived notice or have otherwise signified their consent to the holding of such meeting. If a quorum of Directors is present, each newly elected or appointed Board may, without notice, hold its first meeting immediately following the annual meeting of the Corporation.
- Chair
The Chair shall preside at Board meetings. In the absence of the Chair, the Directors present shall choose one of their number to act as the Chair.
- Voting
Each Director has one vote. Questions arising at any Board meeting shall be decided by a majority of votes. In case of an equality of votes, the Chair shall have a second vote or casting vote.
- Participation by Telephone or Other Communications Facilities
If all of the Directors of the Corporation consent, a Director may participate in a meeting of the Board or of a committee of Directors by telephonic or electronic means that permit all participants to communicate adequately with each other during the meeting. A Director participating by such means is deemed to be present at that meeting.
- Banking
- Financial
The Board shall by resolution from time to time designate the bank in which the money, bonds or other securities of the Corporation shall be placed for safekeeping.
- Financial Year
The financial year of the Corporation ends on December 31 in each year or on such other date as the Board may from time to time by resolution determine.
- Officers
- Officers
The Board shall appoint from among the Directors a Chair and may appoint any other person to be president, treasurer and secretary at its first meeting following the annual meeting of the Corporation. The office of treasurer and secretary may be held by the same person and may be known as the secretary-treasurer. The office of Chair and president may also be held by the same person. The Board may appoint such other Officers and agents as it deems necessary, and who shall have such authority and shall perform such duties as the Board may prescribe from time to time.
- Office Held at Board’s Discretion
Any Officer shall cease to hold office upon resolution of the Board.
- Duties
Officers shall be responsible for the duties assigned to them and they may delegate to others the performance of any or all of such duties.
- Duties of the Chair
The Chair shall perform the duties described in sections 3.04 and 9.05 and such other duties as may be required by law or as the Board may determine from time to time.
- Duties of the President
The president shall perform the duties described in Schedule A and such other duties as may be required by law or as the Board may determine from time to time
- Duties of the Treasurer
The treasurer shall perform the duties described in Schedule B and such other duties as may be required by law or as the Board may determine from time to time.
- Duties of the Secretary
The secretary shall perform the duties described in Schedule C and such other duties as may be required by law or as the Board may determine from time to time.
- Protection of Directors and Others
- Protection of Directors and Officers
No Director, Officer or committee member of the Corporation is be liable for the acts, neglects or defaults of any other Director, Officer, committee member or employee of the Corporation or for joining in any receipt or for any loss, damage or expense happening to the Corporation through the insufficiency or deficiency of title to any property acquired by resolution of the Board or for or on behalf of the Corporation or for the insufficiency or deficiency of any security in or upon which any of the money of or belonging to the Corporation shall be placed out or invested or for any loss or damage arising from the bankruptcy, insolvency or tortious act of any person, firm or Corporation with whom or which any moneys, securities or effects shall be lodged or deposited or for any other loss, damage or misfortune whatever which may happen in the execution of the duties of his or her respective office or trust provided that they have:
- complied with the Act and the Corporation’s articles and By-laws; and
- exercised their powers and discharged their duties in accordance with the Act.
- Conflict of Interest
- Conflict of Interest
A Director who is in any way directly or indirectly interested in a contract or transaction, or proposed contract or transaction, with the Corporation shall make the disclosure required by the Act. Except as provided by the Act, no such Director shall attend any part of a meeting of Directors or vote on any resolution to approve any such contract or transaction.
- Members
- Members
The Board may, by resolution, approve the admission of the Members of the Corporation. Members may also be admitted in such other manner as may be prescribed by the Board by resolution. The following conditions of Membership shall apply:
Members shall be individuals who have applied and been accepted for Membership in the Corporation. The term of Membership shall be one year, subject to renewal in accordance with the policies of the Corporation.
Subject to the Act and the Letters Patent, each Member is entitled to receive notice of, attend, and vote at all meetings of Members, and each Member shall be entitled to one (1) vote at such meetings.
- Membership
A Membership in the Corporation is not transferable and automatically terminates if the Member resigns or such Membership is otherwise terminated in accordance with the Act.
- Disciplinary Act or Termination of Membership for Cause
- Upon 15 days’ written notice to a Member, the Board may pass a resolution authorizing disciplinary action or the termination of Membership for violating any provision of the articles or By-laws.
- The notice shall set out the reasons for the disciplinary action or termination of Membership. The Member receiving the notice shall be entitled to give the Board a written submission opposing the disciplinary action or termination not less than 5 days before the end of the 15-day period. The Board shall consider the written submission of the Member before making a final decision regarding disciplinary action or termination of Membership.
- Annual Meeting
- Members’ Meetings
The annual meeting shall be held on a day and at a place within Ontario fixed by the Board. Any Member, upon request, shall be provided, not less than 21 days before the annual meeting, with a copy of the approved financial statements, auditor’s report or review engagement report and other financial information required by the By-laws or articles. The business transacted at the annual meeting shall include:
- receipt of the agenda;
- receipt of the minutes of the previous annual and subsequent special meetings;
- consideration of the financial statements;
- report of the auditor or person who has been appointed to conduct a review engagement;
- reappointment or new appointment of the auditor or a person to conduct a review engagement for the coming year;
- election of Directors; and
- such other or special business as may be set out in the notice of meeting.
No other item of business shall be included on the agenda for annual meeting unless a Member’s proposal has been given to the secretary prior to the giving of notice of the annual meeting in accordance with the Act, so that such item of new business can be included in the notice of annual meeting.
- Special Meetings
The Directors may call a special meeting of the Members. The Board shall convene a special meeting on written requisition of not less than onetenth of the Members for any purpose connected with the affairs of the Corporation that does not fall within the exceptions listed in the Act or is otherwise inconsistent with the Act, within 21 days from the date of the deposit of the requisition
- Notice
Subject to the Act, not less than 10 and not more than 50 days written notice of any annual or special Members’ meeting shall be given in the manner specified in the Act to each Member and to the auditor or person appointed to conduct a review engagement (Section 55(1)(a) & (c)).
Notice of any meeting where special business will be transacted must contain sufficient information to permit the Members to form a reasoned judgment on the decision to be taken (Section 55(8)(a)). Notice of each meeting must remind the Member of the right to vote by proxy (Section 65).
- Quorum
A quorum for the transaction of business at a Members’ meeting is a majority of the Members entitled to vote at the meeting, whether present in person or by proxy (Section 64(1)). If a quorum is present at the opening of a meeting of the Members, the Members present may proceed with the business of the meeting, even if a quorum is not present throughout the meeting.
- Chair of the Meeting
The Chair shall be the chair of the Members’ meeting; in the Chair’s absence, the Members present at any Members’ meeting shall choose another Director as chair and if no Director is present or if all of the Directors present decline to act as chair, the Members present shall choose one of their number to chair the meeting.
- Voting of Members
Business arising at any Members’ meeting shall be decided by a majority of votes unless otherwise required by the Act or the By-law provided that:
- each Member shall be entitled to one vote at any meeting;
- votes shall be taken by a show of hands among all Members present and the chair of the meeting, if a Member, shall have a vote;
- an abstention shall not be considered a vote cast;
- before or after a show of hands has been taken on any question, the chair of the meeting may require, or any Member may demand, a written ballot. A written ballot so required or demanded shall be taken in such manner as the chair of the meeting shall direct;
- if there is a tie vote, the chair of the meeting shall require a written ballot, and shall not have a second or casting vote. If there is a tie vote upon written ballot, the motion is lost; and
- whenever a vote by show of hands is taken on a question, unless a written ballot is required or demanded, a declaration by the chair of the meeting that a resolution has been carried or lost and an entry to that effect in the minutes shall be conclusive evidence of the fact without proof of the number or proportion of votes recorded in favour of or against the motion.
- Adjournments
The Chair may, with the majority consent of any Members’ meeting, adjourn the same from time to time and no notice of such adjournment need be given to the Members, unless the meeting is adjourned by one or more adjournments for an aggregate of 30 days of more. Any business may be brought before or dealt with at any adjourned meeting which might have been brought before or dealt with at the original meeting in accordance with the notice calling the same.
- Persons Entitled to be Present
The only persons entitledto attend a Members’ meeting are the Members, the Directors, the auditors of the Corporation (or the person who has been appointed to conduct a review engagement, if any) and others who are entitled or required under any provision of the Act or the articles to be present at the meeting. Any other person may be admitted only if invited by the Chair of the meeting or with the majority consent of the Members present at the meeting.
- Services
- Notices
Any notice required to be sent to any Member or Director or to the auditor or person who has been appointed to conduct a review engagement shall be provided by telephone, delivered personally (Section 196), or sent by prepaid mail, facsimile, email or other electronic means to any such Member or Director at their latest address as shown in the records of the Corporation and to the auditor or the person who has been appointed to conduct a review engagement at its business address, or if no address be given then to the last address of such Member or Director known to the secretary; provided always that notice may be waived or the time for the notice may be waived or abridged at any time with the consent in writing of the person entitled thereto.
- Computation of Time
Where a given number of days’ notice or notice extending over any period is required to be given, the day of service or posting of the notice shall not, unless it is otherwise provided, be counted in such number of days or other period.
- Error or Omission in Giving Notice
No error or accidental omission in giving notice of any Board meeting or any Members’ meeting shall invalidate the meeting or make void any proceedings taken at the meetings
- Adoption and Amendment of By-laws
11.1. Amendments to By-laws
The Members may from time to time amend this By-law by a majority of the votes cast. The Board may from time to time in accordance with the Act pass or amend this By-law other than a provision respecting the transfer of a Membership or to change the method of voting by Members not in attendance at a meeting of Members.
Enacted by the Board on the day of , 20 .
Schedule A Position Description of the President Role Statement
The president provides leadership to the Board, ensures the integrity of the Board’s process and represents the Board to outside parties. The president co-ordinates Board activities in fulfilling its governance responsibilities and facilitates co-operative relationships among Directors and between the Board and senior management, if any, of the Corporation. The president ensures the Board discusses all matters relating to the Board’s mandate.
Responsibilities
Agendas. Establish agendas aligned with annual Board goals and preside over Board meetings if also holding the office of Chair. Ensure meetings are effective and efficient for the performance of governance work. Ensure that a schedule of Board meetings is prepared annually.
Direction. Serve as the Board’s central point of communication with the senior management, if any, of the Corporation; provide guidance to senior management, if any, regarding the Board’s expectations and concerns. In collaboration with senior management, develop standards for Board decision-support packages that include formats for reporting to the Board and level of detail to be provided to ensure that management strategies and planning and performance information are appropriately presented to the Board.
Performance Appraisal. Lead the Board in monitoring and evaluating the performance of senior management, if any, through an annual process.
Work Plan. Ensure that a Board work plan is developed and implemented that includes annual goals for the Board and embraces continuous improvement.
Representation. Serve as the Board’s primary contact with the public.
Reporting. Report regularly to the Board on issues relevant to its governance responsibilities.
Board Conduct. Set a high standard for Board conduct and enforce policies and By-laws concerning Directors’ conduct.
Mentorship. Serve as a mentor to other Directors. Ensure that all Directors contribute fully. Address issues associated with underperformance of individual Directors.
Succession Planning. Ensure succession planning occurs for senior management, if any, and Board. Committee Membership. Serve as Member on all Board committees.
Schedule B Position Description of the Treasurer Role Statement
The treasurer works collaboratively with the president and senior management, if any, to support the Board in achieving its fiduciary responsibilities.
Responsibilities
Custody of Funds. The treasurer shall have the custody of the funds and securities of the Corporation and shall keep full and accurate accounts of all assets, liabilities, receipts and disbursements of the Corporation in the books belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all monies, securities and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such chartered bank or trust company, or, in the case of securities, in such registered dealer in securities as may be designated by the Board from time to time. The treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be directed by proper authority taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the Chair and Directors at the regular meeting of the Board, or whenever they may require it, an accounting of all the transactions and a statement of the financial position, of the Corporation. The treasurer shall also perform such other duties as may from time to time be directed by the Board.
Board Conduct. Maintain a high standard for Board conduct and uphold policies and Bylaws regarding Directors’ conduct, with particular emphasis on fiduciary responsibilities.
Mentorship. Serve as a mentor to other Directors.
Financial Statement. Present to the Members at the annual meeting as part of the annual report, the financial statement of the Corporation approved by the Board together with the report of the auditor or of the person who has conducted the review engagement, as the case may be.
Schedule C Position Description of the Secretary Role Statement
The secretary works collaboratively with the president to support the Board in fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities.
Responsibilities
Board Conduct. Support the president in maintaining a high standard for Board conduct and uphold policies and the By-laws regarding Directors’ conduct, with particular emphasis on fiduciary responsibilities.
Document Management. Keep a roll of the names and addresses of the Members. Ensure the proper recording and maintenance of minutes of all meetings of the Corporation, the Board and Board committees. Attend to correspondence on behalf of the Board. Have custody of all minute books, documents, registers and the seal of the Corporation and ensure that they are maintained as required by law. Ensure that all reports are prepared and filed as required by law or requested by the Board.
Meetings. Give such notice as required by the By-laws of all meetings of the Corporation, the Board and Board committees. Attend all meetings of the Corporation, the Board and Board committees.