Where is a charity's registration number?

On its official receipts, usually in its website footer, on the CRA List of Charities, and at the top of its Charity Compass profile.

Can Charity Compass tell me if a charity is currently registered?

No. Our data is the CRA's F2024 open dataset, which does not reliably carry current status. Every profile links to the CRA listing for that.

What does RR0001 mean?

The last six characters of a registration number identify the account type and branch. RR marks a registered charity; 0001 is the first account. A second account for the same organization would end in RR0002.

How do I check if a charity is registered in Canada?

Search the Canada Revenue Agency's List of Charities by name or by the 15-character registration number, which ends in RR0001 or similar. A charity that appears with a status of "Registered" can issue official donation receipts; one shown as revoked, annulled or suspended cannot.

Three ways to check

First, the CRA List of Charities, which is the source of truth and shows current status. Second, the charity's own website, which should display its registration number. Third, a Charity Compass profile, which shows the number, the filing, and a direct link to the CRA listing. Charity Compass data comes from the F2024 open dataset, so always confirm current status on the CRA page before giving.

What registered means

Registration means the CRA has accepted the organization as a charity under the Income Tax Act. It must file a T3010 return each year, spend on charitable purposes, and can issue receipts donors use on their tax returns. It does not mean the CRA has audited its programs or vouched for their quality.

What registered does not mean

Registration is not a rating. Roughly 83,761 organizations are registered, and only 819 have been reviewed by Charity Intelligence's analysts. A registered charity can be small, new, inactive, or simply not the one you meant: many names are similar, so match the registration number.

Not registered is not the same as not legitimate

Non-profits, community groups, mutual-aid networks and crowdfunding campaigns can do real good without being registered charities. They cannot issue official donation receipts, and their finances are not public the way a T3010 is. Give to them with that understood.

Common questions

Where is a charity's registration number?: On its official receipts, usually in its website footer, on the CRA List of Charities, and at the top of its Charity Compass profile.
Can Charity Compass tell me if a charity is currently registered?: No. Our data is the CRA's F2024 open dataset, which does not reliably carry current status. Every profile links to the CRA listing for that.
What does RR0001 mean?: The last six characters of a registration number identify the account type and branch. RR marks a registered charity; 0001 is the first account. A second account for the same organization would end in RR0002.

Look up a charity by name or number

Figures: CRA List of Charities open data, F2024 release, computed across 72,356 operating charities where the lines exist · self-reported by each charity · last reviewed 2026-09-15. Charity Compass is not affiliated with the CRA or Charity Intelligence.