Michael Dickhout wrote:
For statement of purpose, it may be possible to relate it to education -- i.e. such as a federally incorporated non-profit organization promoting "participatory" education / knowledge creation through the wiki concept. I think including the promotion of the concept to public schools would strengthen chances for approval as a non-profit. (The School Partners Foundation has been incorporated federally along similar lines).
While WMC's purpose and activities are indeed very educational, Revenue Canada has consistently over a very long period of time interpreted "Education" in a very narrow and traditional manner. Something akin to what was used by the Vancouver Regional FreeNet Association has a better chance of being successful under other charitable purposes.
The problem has less to do with being accepted as a non-profit by Industry Canada, than being accepted as a charitable organization by Revenue Canada. Getting the purposes wrong at the incorporation stage could just make things more difficult at the later charitable recognition.
Does SPF have charitable status so that it can give official receipts for tax purposes?
Ray