Glossary
Compliance & Governance

CASL Compliance

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
July 16, 2025

Definition:

CASL Compliance means following Canadian laws for sending electronic messages, requiring consent, identification, and easy opt-out options for recipients.
CASL Compliance refers to adhering to the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL), which regulates the sending of commercial electronic messages (CEMs) such as emails, texts, and social media messages. Nonprofits must obtain express or implied consent from recipients before sending communications, provide clear identification of the sender, and include a simple unsubscribe mechanism. CASL also prohibits the unauthorized installation of computer programs and the alteration of transmission data. For nonprofits, maintaining compliance means keeping accurate records of consent, ensuring all digital communications meet CASL requirements, and regularly reviewing messaging practices. Failure to comply can result in significant fines and reputational damage, making ongoing education and process review essential for organizations communicating electronically in Canada.

Key Takeaways

  • CASL applies to most electronic communications in Canada.
  • Consent and clear identification are mandatory.
  • Nonprofits must provide easy unsubscribe options.
  • Noncompliance can lead to hefty fines.
  • Maintaining records is crucial for compliance.

Why It Matters

CASL compliance protects your nonprofit from fines and builds trust with supporters.

Real World Example

A Canadian nonprofit wants to promote an upcoming fundraising event via email. Before sending messages, they check their contact list in Keela to confirm each recipient has provided consent to receive electronic communications. The email clearly identifies the organization, outlines its purpose, and includes an unsubscribe link at the bottom. After the campaign, one recipient opts out, and Keela automatically updates the contact’s status to ensure the nonprofit no longer contacts them. By following these steps, the organization maintains CASL compliance, avoids penalties, and demonstrates respect for their supporters’ preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CASL Compliance?

CASL Compliance means following Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation when sending electronic messages, requiring consent, clear identification, and an easy opt-out option for recipients.

Why does CASL compliance matter for nonprofits?

It helps protect your organization from legal penalties and fosters trust with your supporters by respecting their communication preferences.

How does Keela help with CASL compliance?

Keela provides tools to track consent, manage contact lists, and automate CASL-compliant communications, including automatic unsubscribe management.

What are the penalties for noncompliance?

Nonprofits can face substantial fines and reputational damage if they fail to comply with CASL requirements.

What information must nonprofit emails include under CASL?

Emails must clearly identify the sender, state the purpose, and include a straightforward way for recipients to unsubscribe.

Related Terms

Accessibility Compliance
Automation Trigger in a Nonprofit CRM
Average Gift Size
Board Member Profile
Bounce Rate
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