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ARTICLE · 30 JULY 2025

Parallel Foundations: When Charitable Partnerships Go Wrong And How To Get Them Right

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It is common to find Canadian registered charities paired with "parallel" foundations.

CanadaCorporate/Commercial Law
Miller Thomson LLP
Miller Thomson LLP
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It is common to find Canadian registered charities paired with "parallel" foundations. A parallel foundation is a separate, but closely connected, organization designed to amplify and complement the operating charity's mission. These parallel foundations, themselves registered charities and usually designated as public foundations, exist solely to support their partner charity by raising funds, managing investments, and holding endowments. By separating day-to-day operations from fundraising and financial stewardship, this structure can provide greater flexibility, transparency, and long-term stability. It is common to see this model in action with hospitals and their foundations, or universities and their fundraising arms, these are powerful partnerships that can help fuel essential services, research, and innovation.

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