Two different legal categories
A registered charity has applied to the Canada Revenue Agency and been registered for exclusively charitable purposes. A non-profit organization can operate for purposes other than profit without being a registered charity. An organization may describe itself as non-profit without having charitable registration.
Official donation receipts
A registered charity may issue official donation receipts for eligible gifts when CRA requirements are met. A non-profit organization generally cannot issue charitable donation receipts merely because it is non-profit. A payment may also be partly or entirely ineligible when the donor receives an advantage in return.
Why registration matters
Canadian charitable donation tax credits generally depend on an eligible gift to a registered charity or another qualified donee, supported by a valid official receipt. “Non-profit” alone does not establish that eligibility.
Check before relying on a receipt
Search the CRA List of Charities for the legal name, registration number, and current status. Then compare the donation destination with the organization’s official website. Registration confirms status; it is not a government endorsement or a rating of impact.