Summary Policy

Date
June 9, 2003

Reference Number
CSP - L04

Key Words
Lottery - Objects (broad) - Business - Fundraising

A registered charity can conduct a lottery as a means of raising funds for its charitable purposes. However, where the operation of a lottery ceases to be a means of raising funds but becomes an end in itself (i.e., a business), the organization cannot be registered as a charity.

• Business, CSP - B02.
• Fundraising, CSP - F06.
• Objects (broad and vague), CSP - O02.
• Objects (charitable), CSP - O01.
• Earth Fund v. Canada (Minister of National Revenue) (2002 FCA 498), 2002-12-16 (http://www.fca-caf.gc.ca/index_e.shtml).
• Criminal Code, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46, par. 207(1)(b).