CONP0065 – Application for a Fundraising Business Licence

Jurisdiction: Country: Canada | Province or State: Alberta

What is a CONP0065 – Application for a Fundraising Business Licence?

The CONP0065 is Alberta’s official application to license a fundraising business. In Alberta, a fundraising business is a for‑profit entity that solicits contributions on behalf of a charity for payment. The CONP0065 is how you request approval to operate that business legally in the province.

You use this form if your company plans to contact the public and ask for money, goods, or pledges for a charity. Typical methods include phone calls, door‑to‑door visits, email campaigns, online donation pages you manage for a charity, direct mail, or event‑based solicitations. If you are paid to do that work for a charity, you are likely a fundraising business and need a licence.

Who typically uses this form?

• Professional fundraising agencies, call centres that run telefundraising drives, door‑to‑door canvassing firms, event promoters who collect donations for charities, and digital marketing firms that manage donor acquisition for charities. Some third‑party fundraising platforms and “turnkey” campaign providers also fall into this category when they solicit on a charity’s behalf for a fee.

Why would you need this form?

• Because Alberta law requires fundraising businesses to be licensed before they solicit in the province. The licence helps protect the public by ensuring accountability, transparency, and proper handling of contributions. Charities also expect their vendors to be licensed. Many charities will not sign a contract unless you hold a current licence.

Typical usage scenarios

• Your call centre is launching a telefundraising campaign for an Alberta charity. You will phone Alberta residents to ask for donations. You need the licence before calling.
• You run door‑to‑door canvassing for multiple charities. You pay canvassers and charge fees to your charity clients. You need the licence to canvass in Alberta.
• Your marketing firm builds and manages donation landing pages for a charity and processes contributions for a fee. You need the licence if you are soliciting on their behalf.
• You are expanding operations into Alberta. You already hold similar approvals in other provinces. You still need the Alberta licence before you solicit in Alberta.

If your organization is a charity raising funds with your own employees or volunteers, this form usually does not apply to you. A charity’s internal fundraising is regulated differently. Also, a retail “sales promotion” (for example, “$1 from each sale goes to Charity X”) is regulated, but it may not require a fundraising business licence. It does bring its own notice and agreement requirements. If you are unsure where you fit, review how you solicit, who pays you, and whether you are asking the public to donate on a charity’s behalf.

In short, if you are a paid third party asking Albertans to donate to a charity, the CONP0065 is the gateway to operate lawfully.

When Would You Use a CONP0065 – Application for a Fundraising Business Licence?

Use the CONP0065 when you plan to start or expand paid fundraising activities in Alberta. File it before you solicit contributions from Alberta residents or businesses on behalf of a charity. If you wait until after a campaign starts, you risk enforcement action and damaged relationships with charity clients.

You should also file when your business structure changes in a way that affects your licence. For example, if you convert from a sole proprietorship to a corporation, you will need a new licence in the corporation’s legal name. If you merge with another firm, or a new owner takes control, you will need to update licensing details. Material changes often trigger a new filing or an amendment with supporting documents.

Consider timing when entering a new charity contract. Many charities include a clause requiring your licence number. They may ask to see the licence certificate before you start. Build licensing lead time into your sales and onboarding process.

Use the form again for annual renewals. Most licences run for a defined term and must be renewed before expiry. Plan the renewal well ahead of campaign launch dates or seasonal peaks. If your licence lapses, you must pause solicitations until you receive the renewed licence.

If you are a digital agency or platform, use the application before you run Alberta‑targeted ads or donation pages for a charity client. Geo‑targeting to Alberta residents counts as soliciting in the province. If your team is outside Alberta but you solicit Albertans, you still need the Alberta licence.

If you are an event promoter collecting donations at a ticketed show on behalf of a charity, file the CONP0065 before you advertise that charitable component. If your staff ask for donations at the venue or process charitable contributions linked to your event, licensing applies.

Situations that typically do not use this form include a charity using its own employees or volunteers to fundraise, or a one‑off sales promotion where the business is not soliciting donations but pledges a portion of sales to a charity. Even in those cases, other rules apply, such as written agreements and notice obligations. But that is separate from the fundraising business licence.

Legal Characteristics of the CONP0065 – Application for a Fundraising Business Licence

The CONP0065 is a statutory licensing application. When approved, it results in a provincial licence that authorizes your business to solicit charitable contributions in Alberta as a paid third party. The licence is not a private contract; it is a regulatory authorization issued under provincial consumer protection law.

Is it legally binding?

• Yes. Your declarations in the application are formal attestations. False or misleading statements can lead to refusal, suspension, cancellation, administrative penalties, or prosecution. The licence that results from the application carries enforceable conditions. You must follow the legislation, the regulations, and any conditions attached to your licence.

What ensures enforceability?

The licensing authority has powers to grant, refuse, impose conditions, suspend, or cancel a licence. The authority can review your records, investigate complaints, and require you to produce information. Operating without a licence when one is required can trigger fines and other enforcement. Advertising or soliciting while unlicensed can also expose your charity clients to risk, leading to contract termination and reputational harm.

Your contracts with charities must align with the law. Certain terms are expected in written agreements between fundraising businesses and charities. Contracts must be clear about fees, expenses, how and when funds are remitted, disclosures to donors, records access, and campaign details. If your contracts are non‑compliant, you risk enforcement and disputes. Donors must receive accurate, timely information about the charity, the purpose of the funds, and financial allocations. You must meet specific disclosure standards during solicitations.

You also have recordkeeping obligations. You must keep detailed records of solicitations, receipts, funds received, funds remitted, scripts, and campaign materials. You must be able to account to both the charity and the regulator. Failure to keep records or to remit funds on schedule can lead to enforcement.

In practice, the licence signals to charities and donors that you meet baseline standards. It supports enforceable charity contracts and proper donor disclosures. It also sets clear expectations about trust handling, remittance timelines, and complaint handling. The regulatory framework gives the public recourse if things go wrong.

How to Fill Out a CONP0065 – Application for a Fundraising Business Licence

Filling out the CONP0065 is straightforward if you prepare well. Follow these steps to complete the form and assemble required attachments.

1) Confirm you are a fundraising business

• Review your activities. If you solicit contributions from the public for a charity and you are paid, you are likely a fundraising business.
• Confirm that your charity clients expect you to conduct solicitations in Alberta. If yes, you need this licence before you start.

2) Gather core business information

• Legal name and structure. Use the exact legal name on your formation documents. If you are incorporated, include your corporate number. If you are extra‑provincially registered to carry on business in Alberta, have that registration ready.
• Trade names. List any trade styles or operating names you use in solicitations. The licence should capture the names the public will see.
• Business addresses and contacts. Provide your head office address, Alberta service address (if any), phone, and email. Include a primary contact for licensing matters.

3) Identify owners, partners, directors, and officers

• Sole proprietor: list your full legal name and residential address.
• Partnership: list all partners with home addresses and roles.
• Corporation: list all directors and officers. Be prepared to provide birthdates and positions. If you have a parent company, note the ownership chain if requested.
• Prepare government‑issued identification details if the form asks for them. Some applications require consent for background checks.

4) Disclose business history and compliance

• Prior names. Disclose any former legal or trade names.
• Prior licences. List licences held in Alberta or elsewhere for similar activities.
• Compliance events. Disclose suspensions, cancellations, fines, convictions, or ongoing investigations related to fundraising, consumer protection, or financial crimes. Provide details on separate sheets if needed. Be complete and factual.

5) Describe your fundraising activities

• Methods. Check or describe the methods you will use: telephone, door‑to‑door, online ads and landing pages, direct mail, events, or others.
• Campaign scope. Explain whether you fundraise year‑round for multiple charities or only for specific short campaigns.
• Geographies. Confirm Alberta is in scope, and note if you solicit in other provinces.
• Sub‑contractors. If you use sub‑vendors (for example, call centres, canvassing agencies), describe how you supervise and ensure compliance.

6) Attach sample solicitation materials

• Scripts and disclosures. Provide typical call scripts, door‑to‑door talking points, or online copy. Show how you will disclose required information: the charity’s name, your role as a paid fundraiser, the general use of funds, and financial details the law requires you to share.
• Receipts. Include a sample contribution receipt if you issue receipts on behalf of a charity. Confirm how you prevent issuing charitable tax receipts unless the charity authorizes it.
• Marketing pieces. Attach sample letters, emails, landing pages, and ads. Ensure your materials are truthful and not misleading.

7) Provide your standard charity agreement

• Parties and scope. Identify you and the charity, the campaign purpose, and the solicitation methods.
• Term and territory. State start and end dates, and that Alberta is in scope.
• Fees and expenses. Specify how you are paid (flat fee, percentage, per‑contact fee), which expenses you will charge, and any caps or approvals needed.
• Fund handling and remittance. Explain how you process contributions, where funds are deposited, and the remittance schedule to the charity. Confirm segregation of donor funds from operating funds.
• Records and access. Commit to keep detailed records and to provide reports and access for audit on request.
• Donor disclosures. Confirm your duty to make all required disclosures in each solicitation.
• Compliance and termination. Include a warranty of compliance with applicable law and a right for the charity to terminate for cause, including legal non‑compliance.
• Complaints and refunds. Outline how you handle donor complaints and refund requests.
• Privacy and data security. Set standards for handling donor personal information and payment data.
• Indemnity and insurance. Note any insurance you carry and your responsibility for your staff and agents.

Attach a signed sample agreement or a pro‑forma template. The licensing authority uses it to assess compliance with legal requirements.

8) Outline your financial controls

• Trust handling. Describe how you hold contributions, how you separate them from operating funds, and how you reconcile.
• Banking. Provide the financial institution and account arrangements you use for campaign funds.
• Controls. Explain approvals for expense charges to campaigns, dual controls for remittances, and fraud prevention steps.
• Refunds. Explain your process to reverse charges or return contributions when necessary.

9) Prepare your records and reporting plan

• Record types. List what you will keep: donor lists, call or canvass logs, contributions received, remittances, scripts, marketing materials, complaints, and training records.
• Retention. State your retention period and how you will store records securely. Confirm you can produce records quickly on request.
• Reporting cadence. Outline how often you will report to each charity during a campaign and after it ends.

10) Address sales promotions if applicable

• If you will run a sales promotion that advertises that a portion of the price of goods or services will go to a charity, prepare the separate charity agreement for that promotion. Ensure you can provide advance notice and the information required for such promotions. This is different from donation solicitations but falls under the same legislative framework. The licensing body may ask to see your promotion plan and disclosures.

11) Complete declarations and consents

• Read the attestations carefully. You must certify that the information is true and complete.
• Consent to background checks if requested. The form may authorize the regulator to verify criminal records, civil judgments, or past licensing actions.
• Signatures. Ensure the right person signs:
• Sole proprietor: you sign.
• Partnership: all partners or an authorized partner signs.
• Corporation: a director or authorized officer signs. Attach proof of signing authority if needed.

12) Pay the required fee and file

• Calculate the application fee and any licensing fee shown on the form. Fees are typically non‑refundable.
• Submit the application and all attachments as instructed on the form. Keep proof of delivery. Incomplete applications delay processing.

13) Respond to follow‑up

• The regulator may ask for clarifications, updated documents, or additional assurance. Respond quickly.
• You may be asked to adjust your scripts, agreements, or controls to meet legal standards.
• In some cases, conditions may be attached to your licence. Review them and update your procedures.

14) Receive and implement your licence

• When approved, you receive a licence number and certificate. Keep it current and accessible.
• Train your staff to use proper disclosures and to provide your licence details on request.
• Update your contracts and marketing to match any licensing conditions.
• Start fundraising only after you hold the licence.

15) Keep your licence in good standing

• Renew before expiry. Diarize renewal dates.
• Notify the regulator promptly of changes to your legal name, ownership, directors, business address, or methods of solicitation.
• Maintain records and cooperate with inspections or investigations.
• Remit contributions on the schedule in your contracts and keep reconciliation current.
• Manage sub‑contractors. Your compliance responsibility extends to agents who solicit on your behalf.

Real‑world examples

• A telefundraising firm submits the CONP0065 with robust scripts that open with the charity’s name, a clear statement that the caller is a paid fundraiser, and the general purpose for funds. The application includes a standard charity agreement with detailed remittance schedules and record access. Approval is routine and quick.
• A canvassing agency submits an application but omits details on how they handle cash contributions at the door. The regulator requests a written cash handling policy and proof of deposit controls. Once provided, the licence is issued with a reminder to avoid cash where possible and to offer secure electronic options.
• A digital platform plans to intake donations, deduct a fee, and remit the balance to charities. The reviewer asks for a trust account arrangement and a clear fee disclosure flow for donors. The platform updates its receipts and landing pages to show the charity’s name and fee structure. The licence proceeds.

Treat the application as the foundation for your compliance program. Your scripts, agreements, and controls should already reflect Alberta’s requirements. That preparation speeds approval and reduces compliance risk once you begin soliciting.

If you are unsure about a particular campaign format—such as mixed event ticketing with optional donations, or a retail promotion tied to a register ask—map the donor journey. Ask: Who is soliciting? Is a donation requested? Who processes the contribution? Who holds and remits the funds? Who is paid? Your answers will tell you whether the fundraising business licence applies, whether a sales promotion notice is needed, or both. When in doubt, align to the stricter standard in your disclosures and agreements and seek clarification before launch.

By completing the CONP0065 with accurate information and comprehensive attachments, you set clear expectations for charities, protect donors, and enable your team to operate confidently in Alberta.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

• Fundraising business. This is a for-profit business that raises money for a charity. You solicit donations, sell tickets, or run campaigns for a fee. The CONP0065 form asks you to confirm you are a fundraising business and describe your services.
• Charitable organization. This is the client you serve. It is an organization that raises money for a charitable purpose. The form often asks you to list charities you plan to work with and provide sample contracts.
• Solicitation. This means asking the public for money or contributions. It includes calls, emails, letters, door-to-door visits, and events. The form asks how you plan to solicit and what methods you will use.
• Paid canvasser. This is a person you employ or contract to ask for donations. Canvassers are not volunteers. The form may require you to list how many you use, how they are trained, and how you supervise them.
• Gross contributions. This is the total amount you collect from donors before deducting costs. The form may ask you to estimate expected gross contributions. It may also ask how you will track and report totals.
• Net proceeds. This is the amount left after expenses, fees, and taxes. It is the money a charity receives from a campaign. The form may ask how you will calculate net proceeds and when you remit funds.
• Trust account. This is a separate bank account you use to hold donor money. Keeping funds in trust helps protect donors and charities. The form may ask for trust account details and how you handle deposits and transfers.
• Disclosure. This is information you must tell a potential donor, such as who you are and that you are a paid fundraiser. The form may ask for sample scripts, receipts, or materials that show your disclosures.
• Contract for services. This is the written agreement between your business and a charity. It sets fees, timelines, deliverables, and reporting. The form may require copies of signed or draft contracts and a summary of terms.
• Material change. This is any important change to your business or its conduct. Examples include ownership changes, a new trade name, or new solicitation methods. The form warns that you must report material changes after licensing.

FAQs

Do you need a fundraising business licence if you only advise and do not solicit?

If you do not ask the public for funds and only provide advice, you may not need this licence. If you help plan solicitations, manage donor lists, or handle funds, you likely do. Use CONP0065 if your services include asking for money or running public appeals.

Do you need a licence for online campaigns or social media appeals?

Yes, if you run the campaign on behalf of a charity and you solicit funds from the public. It does not matter if you use emails, ads, or a donation page. If you ask for money as a business for a fee, complete CONP0065 before you solicit.

Can you start fundraising once you submit CONP0065?

No. You should not solicit before the licence is issued. Submitting the form does not authorize you to operate. Wait for written approval. Starting early can lead to a stop order or administrative penalties.

Do trade names need to be listed on the form?

Yes. List every trade name you will use in fundraising campaigns. If you use a new trade name later, report the change before you use it. Using an unlisted name can confuse donors and cause compliance issues.

Do you need a trust account for donor funds?

Yes, if you handle money. You should deposit contributions into a dedicated trust account. That account should be separate from your operating funds. The form asks how you manage deposits, transfers, and reconciliations.

Do subcontractors or affiliate marketers need to be disclosed?

Yes. Disclose any subcontractors who will solicit or handle donor data. You are responsible for their conduct. The form asks you to identify third parties and explain oversight and training.

What if your directors or officers change after you apply?

Report the change promptly. File an amendment with updated names, contact details, and background information. The licensing office can suspend or cancel a licence if you do not report changes.

How long is the licence valid and how do you renew?

Licences are typically time-limited. Track the expiry date as soon as you receive it. Submit a renewal package before expiry with updated information, fees, and any new attachments. Do not let your licence lapse while you are active.

Do you need to keep scripts and receipts on file?

Yes. Keep copies of scripts, training materials, donor receipts, and disclosure statements. Retain records of funds received, fees charged, and remittances to charities. The form and licence conditions expect organized records.

Can a non-profit fundraising arm use this form?

If the non-profit operates as a business for a fee to raise funds for a charity, it may need this licence. If it raises funds solely for its own charitable programs and does not charge fees, it may not. Review your activities and, when in doubt, apply.

Checklist: Before, During, and After the CONP0065 – Application for a Fundraising Business Licence

Before signing

• Confirm your business’s exact legal name, registration number, and formation date.
• List all trade names you will use in fundraising.
• Prepare the head office and mailing address, phone, and email.
• Collect names, positions, addresses, and birthdates for all directors and officers.
• Prepare government-issued ID details for the authorized signatory.
• Gather statements for any prior convictions, insolvencies, or regulatory actions.
• Prepare a current organizational chart showing control and ownership.
• Set up a trust account and obtain account details for deposits and remittances.
• Gather copies of proposed or signed contracts with charities.
• Prepare sample solicitation scripts, receipts, disclosures, and donor materials.
• Document your complaint-handling and refund processes.
• Document your canvasser training program and supervision method.
• Prepare a list of subcontractors and a description of their roles.
• Draft internal policies for cash handling, reconciliations, and record retention.
• Estimate expected gross contributions, fees, and net proceeds by campaign type.
• Prepare insurance details, if required under your contracts.
• Confirm you have consent to share personal information for background checks.
• Set aside the application fee and confirm accepted payment methods.
• Assign one responsible person to answer licensing questions after filing.

During signing

• Verify that every legal name matches your registration and bank records.
• Confirm all trade names are listed and spelled correctly.
• Check that addresses, phone numbers, and emails are current.
• Review disclosure of ownership, directors, and officers for completeness.
• Confirm your trust account details are accurate and in the business name.
• Ensure your solicitation methods are fully described, including online tools.
• Verify that contracts with charities clearly state fees and remittance schedules.
• Confirm that scripts include clear disclosures about your paid role.
• Review declarations about criminal history and regulatory actions for accuracy.
• Ensure you have answered all yes/no questions and provided explanations.
• Cross-check that all attachments are labeled and referenced in the form.
• Confirm the signing authority is correct and has evidence of authority.
• Date and sign in the required place. Initial any pages that request it.
• Make a clean scan or copy of the complete package for your records.

After signing

• File the form using the accepted delivery method and include the fee.
• Record the date filed and any confirmation number you receive.
• Do not solicit until you receive written approval.
• Track the review status and respond quickly to any follow-up requests.
• Create a compliance binder with your application, licence, and attachments.
• Communicate the licensing requirements to staff and subcontractors.
• Update scripts, receipts, and materials to include your licence details if required.
• Schedule periodic internal audits of trust account activity and disclosures.
• Create a change log for any future updates to directors, names, or methods.
• Calendar the renewal date and set reminders 120, 90, and 60 days ahead.
• Store records securely for the required retention period.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in CONP0065 – Application for a Fundraising Business Licence

Don’t forget to list every trade name you use.

• Missing a trade name can trigger donor confusion and a compliance breach. The licensing office can impose conditions, delay approval, or require re-filing.

Don’t skip trust account details if you handle funds.

• If you omit trust account information, the application will likely be delayed or refused. You may face closer scrutiny of your financial controls.

Don’t understate your solicitation methods.

• If you fail to disclose telemarketing, online ads, or third-party platforms, you risk penalties for incomplete disclosure. The licence can be suspended for misrepresentation.

Don’t ignore past compliance issues.

• If you hide prior convictions, bankruptcies, or regulatory actions, the office may deny or revoke your licence. Full disclosure with context is better than omission.

Don’t start fundraising before approval.

• Soliciting without a licence can lead to stop orders, fines, and reputational harm. Campaigns can be shut down, and donor funds may be frozen.

What to Do After Filling Out CONP0065 – Application for a Fundraising Business Licence

1. Submit the form and pay the fee. Keep proof of submission. Do not begin any campaign until you receive written approval.
2. Prepare for follow-up questions. The licensing office may request clarifications or extra documents. Respond within the requested timelines to avoid delays.
3. On approval, record your licence details. Note the licence number, effective date, and expiry date. Share these details with your team and subcontractors.
4. Update public-facing materials. Add any required disclosures to scripts, receipts, websites, and ads. Make sure canvassers can explain your role and compensation model.
5. Set up your financial controls. Use your trust account for deposits. Reconcile daily during campaigns. Remit funds to charities according to the contract schedule. Document every transfer.
6. Implement staff training. Train canvassers on disclosures, identity verification, and complaint handling. Train finance staff on cash handling and reconciliation procedures.
7. Launch only when all controls are active. Test your scripts, receipt systems, and donor data protections. Confirm your call center or field teams have current materials.
8. Monitor campaigns and keep records. Track gross contributions, fees, and net proceeds by campaign. Keep copies of contracts, scripts, receipts, and donor communications.
9. Manage changes proactively. If you add a trade name, change ownership, or adopt a new method, file an amendment. Do this before the change goes live.
10. Plan renewals early. Start your renewal process well before expiry. Update any estimates, attachments, and declarations. Keep your licence active to avoid service disruptions.
11. Handle complaints promptly. Log complaints, investigate, and resolve them. Document outcomes and improve processes based on findings.
12. Report incidents. If funds are lost or misdirected, notify the charity and the licensing office. Take corrective action and document the steps.
13. Close campaigns cleanly. Issue final reports to the charity. Reconcile the trust account and remit remaining funds. Archive records according to your retention policy.
14. Audit annually. Review compliance with disclosures, training, and financial controls. Fix gaps and update your policies.