Grants and student awards

HCF charitable sponsorship requirements

Agency relationships

At the present time, Hamilton Community Foundation (HCF) distributes funding only to registered charitable organizations. 

An organization that is not a registered charity wishing to apply for funding from Hamilton Community Foundation may consider the following:

  1. make formal application to CCRA to become a registered charity, or
  2. establish a partnership or agency relationship with a registered charity (RC) who would act as a ‘charitable sponsor’ for the organization and the proposed project.
    • the relationship must be a formal arrangement set out in writing between the boards of the directors of the RC and the organization
    • the terms of the agreement should include:
      • a full description of the project
      • providing responsibility to the RC for ensuring the project is completed by the organization as described
      • that the RC has responsibility for distribution of funds to the organizations as work progresses
      • that the RC has responsibility/accountability to HCF for performance of the organization
    • the relationship must be an appropriate link, not simply one of convenience

Guidelines for a registered charity acting as a principal or partner are attached on Schedule 1.

An example of a contract provided by CRA is attached as Schedule 2.

Better together guide is another helpful resource in understanding charitable sponsorships.

For further information on becoming a registered charity or on establishing an agency relationship, please contact:

Charities Directorate
Canada Customs & Revenue Agency

1-800-267-2384