Does Charity Compass issue receipts?

No. Charity Compass never handles donations. The Give link opens a CanadaHelps search for the charity; the charity or CanadaHelps issues the receipt.

Do I need a receipt for a small donation?

You need one for any amount you claim. Charities are not required to issue receipts for very small gifts, so ask before giving if you plan to claim it.

Do I get a tax receipt for donating to a charity in Canada?

Yes, if the recipient is a registered charity or another qualified donee and the gift qualifies. The charity issues an official donation receipt showing its registration number, and you claim the amount on your tax return for a non-refundable federal credit plus a provincial one.

Who can issue one

Registered charities, registered Canadian amateur athletic associations, municipalities, and a short list of other qualified donees. A GoFundMe for an individual, a non-profit that is not registered, or a foreign charity outside the CRA's list cannot. Check the recipient on the CRA List of Charities first.

What the receipt must show

The CRA requires the charity's name and registration number, the donor's name, the date and amount, the eligible amount after any benefit received, a serial number, and the CRA's website address. Many charities issue receipts once a year for recurring gifts.

How much comes back

The federal credit is 15% on the first $200 of donations in a year and 29% above that, rising to 33% for donors in the top federal bracket. Provinces add their own credit. Combined, most donors recover somewhere between roughly 20% and 50% of amounts above $200, depending on province and income. Rates change; confirm the current year on the CRA site.

Gifts that do not qualify

Payments for goods, services, raffle or lottery tickets, most event tickets beyond the gift portion, and volunteer time are not gifts. Donated securities can qualify and often carry a further capital-gains advantage.

Common questions

Does Charity Compass issue receipts?: No. Charity Compass never handles donations. The Give link opens a CanadaHelps search for the charity; the charity or CanadaHelps issues the receipt.
Do I need a receipt for a small donation?: You need one for any amount you claim. Charities are not required to issue receipts for very small gifts, so ask before giving if you plan to claim it.

Find a registered charity to give to

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.