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Sector Research Catalogue

Sector Research Catalogue

by | May 7, 2026 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Government Relations, Policy and Advocacy

A curated guide to key publications on the non-profit sector in BC and Canada

About This Catalogue

This resource gathers key research publications about BC's and Canada's non-profit sector. Publications are organized by source/organization and grouped by topic area. Click any publication title to access the original source. This catalogue is intended for use by non-profit leaders, researchers, funders, and policy advocates.

Last Updated: March 2026

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About the Sector: Counts, Statistics & Economic Profile

Statistics Canada

Publication

Contents

National Insights into Non-Profit Organizations, Canadian Survey on Business Conditions, 2023 (March 20, 2024)

The one-time 2023 National Insights into the Non-Profit Sector provided important sector data updates to what was released in 2003.  Note: Statistics Canada announced the CSBC will be discontinued after August 2026.

Related:

Satellite Account of Nonprofit Institutions and Volunteering (Quarterly and annually released)

Macroeconomic data (employment, revenues, GDP contribution), includes the Human Resources Module (paid workforce)

Referenced in:

General Social Survey – Giving, Volunteering and Participating (Every 5 years)

Volunteering, including volunteer rates, hours, activity. Latest released data collected in 2023.

Referenced in:

Non-profit organizations in rural and small town Canada, 2022 (Feb 17, 2025)

Estimates of active NPO counts, revenues, and employment

OrgBook BC

Publication

Contents

OrgBook: Active Societies (Live database)

Count of societies (registered non-profits) with active registrations

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Current and Emerging Topics, Issues, and Challenges

Statistics Canada

Publication

Contents

Canadian Survey on Business Conditions (Quarterly)

Note: Statistics Canada announced this will be discontinued after August 2026. Economic events and issues, perceptions, expectations among private and nonprofit organizations. The 2023 National Insights into the Non-Profit Sector provided important sector data updates from 2003.

Charity Insights Canada Project (CICP)

Publication

Contents

Survey reports

Weekly results reports, quarterly and annual briefs

Key themes:

Results dashboards

Themed dashboards

Infographics and visual insights

Visuals that highlight data and findings

Imagine Canada

Publication

Contents

Research

Various research resources, complements Imagine Canada’s policy priorities

Front burner priorities (research available under “Learn more” on each page below):

Other research resources:

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Financial – Revenue, Expenses, and Giving

Statistics Canada

Publication

Contents

Tax filers with charitable donations by income (April 1, 2025; Annual)

Charitable donation data from individual tax returns

Canada Revenue Agency

Publication

Contents

Report on the Charities Program 2024–2025 (Oct 1, 2025)

Operational and regulatory reporting: registration, compliance, directorate operations

Related:

Charity Insights Canada Project (CICP)

Publication

Contents

Weekly reports and briefs (Ongoing)

Canada Helps

Publication

Contents

The Giving Report 2025

Trends in charitable giving from 2018-2024; eighth edition

  • Total charitable contributions reached $12.8 billion in 2023, the highest on record, yet the donor base has shrunk 18% since 2020, with growth increasingly driven by wealthy, older Canadians rather than broad participation
  • Local causes surpassed health as the top online giving category in 2024, and donations to Indigenous-focused charities rose 416% since 2018, though they still represent only 0.8% of total donations
  • Monthly giving hit a record $86.9 million (18% of all online donations), securities donations grew 39%, and early 2025 giving surged 24%

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)

Publication

Contents

The Impact of US Tariffs on Canada's NFP Sector (May 2025)
  • Tariffs impact the sector through: decreased funding, increased costs, and greater service demands
  • Estimated philanthropic giving could drop up to $100M in 2026 vs. pre-tariff expectations
  • 70%+ of donations come from 9% of donors giving $5K or more, so even modest pullback from major contributors could have outsized impact on local organizations, with small and rural nonprofits facing greatest vulnerability

Fraser Institute

Publication

Contents

Generosity in Canada: Generosity Index 2025 (Dec 2025)

Uses tax data to compare giving patterns across jurisdictions. Note: interpretations of this index are contested in the sector.

  • Fewer Canadians tax filers are donating (dropped to 16.8% in 2023), and those who do give are also giving a smaller proportion of their income
  • Every province saw a decline in donor participation between 2013 to 2023
  • American tax filers donate at roughly triple the Canadian rate, as of 2022

Blackbaud

Publication

Contents

The Status of Canadian Fundraising 2025: A Benchmarking Report for the AI Era

Benchmarking on fundraising performance and attitudes toward AI/tech in fundraising.

  • AI adoption surging sharply, however governance has not kept pace, with only 11% of respondents having formal AI policy in place for 2025, up from 5% the previous year
  • Fewer than one third of respondents said they get the most out of their donor management system, a gap between technology investment and effective use
  • Ethical AI use and digital capacity are urgent discussions, with respondents ranking the top opportunities as: improved data management, seamlessly integrated technology, and training

Other: SROI Research

Social return on investment figures are sometimes useful. Below are citable figures from Canadian non-profit organizations and research. Note that SROI values are not directly comparable due to methodology and assumptions. If using any of the figures below, it’s worth citing the source and methodology.

Publication

Contents

Food Banks Canada (2025)

$7.76 : $1

An independent third-party estimate by Constellation Consulting Group found that Food Banks Canada generated $7.76 in social value for every $1 donated. The full methodology report has not been made publicly available.

Calgary Food Bank (2024)

$9.84 : $1

An independent third-party estimate by Constellation Consulting Group found that for every dollar donated to the Calgary Food Bank, the organization generates $9.84 in social value and potential societal savings. The study involved semi-structured interviews with 31 clients and a survey of 1,000 participants, with outcomes including improved food security, mental health, and financial stability.

Inn from the Cold (Family Homelessness Prevention, Alberta) (2023)

$6.79 : $1

An updated SROI analysis conducted by Constellation Consulting Group found that for every dollar invested, Inn from the Cold creates nearly $6.79 in social and economic value, experienced by families, governments, landlords, volunteers, and communities. The analysis used conservative estimates to avoid overclaiming.

BC Child and Youth Advocacy Centres (2022)

$5.54 : $1

In 2021/22, a $3.5 million investment generated an estimated $19.6 million in value across wellbeing outcomes, workforce quality, and system efficiencies in healthcare, education, justice, and policing.

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Workforce, Human Resources and Labour

Imagine Canada

Publication

Contents

People First: A Portrait of Canada's Nonprofit Workforce (Apr 2025)
  • 2.7M employees nationally; sector is Canada's largest employer – surpassing construction by 70%, manufacturing by 60%, retail by 20%
  • Sector is the largest employer of women in the Canadian economy, employing 21% of all working women
  • Average salary is 13% lower than the Canadian average; 31% lower among community nonprofit workers; but higher levels of formal education than average Canadian worker
  • Women's average salary is 18% below the Canadian average; men's gap is just 3%
  • Workforce more likely to be women, hold a university degree, and be racialized compared to broader economy
  • The report identifies three priority areas for change: reforming funding models to give organizations flexibility to invest in their people; advancing decent work through fair pay, benefits, and stability; and adopting anti-racist and anti-oppressive practices to address persistent pay gaps for racialized workers

Charity Insights Canada Project (CICP)

Publication

Contents

Weekly reports and briefs (Ongoing)

Charity Village

Publication

Contents

2025 Canadian Nonprofit Sector Salary & Benefits Report (2025)
  • Salary growth has moderated compared to post-pandemic spike in 2023-2024; compensation rising fastest at senior levels (3.1%–7.1%); support staff (level 6) saw 14.9% increase in 2024
  • When indexed to 2020 levels, compensation growth for most staff levels has only marginally kept pace with or slightly lagged behind the Consumer Price Index — meaning many nonprofit workers have seen real wage stagnation through the cost-of-living crisis
  • Health and education organizations pay the most
  • Male Chief Executives earn 18% more than female counterparts on average, a gap that narrowed in 2023 but has since widened again; gap exists at all levels (2%–8%)
  • 58% of organizations offer retirement benefits to at least some employees; RSP plans considerably more common than pensions

Future of Good

Publication

Contents

2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index (May 22, 2025)
  • 70% of non-profit workers feel burned out at least occasionally
  • 36% face poor or very poor wellbeing
  • Financial precarity is severe and unevenly distributed: 30% of nonprofit workers face food insecurity overall, rising to 49% among frontline service workers — rates that are disproportionately higher than those seen in the general Canadian workforce
  • 38% rarely or never save money from their salaries
  • 42% may quit within the next six months
  • Findings point to structural factors — particularly resource constraints, underfunding, and frontline working conditions — as key drivers of the wellbeing crisis, with the report calling on sector leaders, funders, and boards to take data-informed action to strengthen recruitment, retention, and organizational culture

YMCA Workwell

Publication

Contents

Insights to Impact 2024 (2024)
  • Burnout is pervasive: 1 in 4 non-profit employees experience burnout often or extremely often; 1 in 3 non-profit leaders
  • Only about half of workers feel appropriately recognized; 1 in 3 have unhealthy recognition scores; workers with unhealthy recognition scores are 4x more likely to experience regular burnout – this is a powerful but underutilized lever
  • 1 in 5 respondents considering leaving their role in the next 6 months; top reasons are inadequate pay (61%), burnout (41%), and feeling underappreciated (37%)
  • Organizations with higher employee burnout deliver lower-quality community outcomes

Volunteer Canada / NVAS

Publication

Contents

What We're Hearing: Summer 2025 Report (October 2025)

National engagement findings feeding into the National Volunteer Action Strategy

  • Both formal and informal volunteering are in decline across Canada (from Statistics Canada GSS-GVP data), driven by shared pressures including burnout, financial trade-offs, and unsustainable working conditions
  • Costs of volunteering are a significant and often overlooked barrier to participation: many prospective volunteers are effectively priced out by expenses such as uniform requirements, training courses, parking, and criminal record checks — pointing to an urgent need for national approaches to stipends, subsidies, and shared infrastructure
  • The report calls for a reimagined, broader narrative of volunteering — one that recognizes mutual aid, grassroots organizing, kinship networks, and political engagement as legitimate forms of civic participation, and calls on the sector to redesign volunteer infrastructure to match how people actually want to contribute across different life stages and circumstances

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Digital Technology and AI

Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience (CCNDR)

Publication

Contents

Bridging the Digital Divide: A Strategic Vision for Canada's Nonprofit Sector (March 2025)
  • Sector-oriented synthesis focused on digital equity framing and implications for nonprofits; the report argues that nonprofits are uniquely positioned to address digital equity disparities given their proximity to marginalized communities
  • Digital Equity Iceberg strategic framework
  • Calls on the sector to move communities from digital consumers to digital creators, emphasizing that true digital equity encompasses not just hardware and internet connectivity, but meaningful content, the ability to create and share knowledge, and full civic and economic participation in the digital world
  • Consultation with 8,000 nonprofit professionals confirmed that technology adoption, cybersecurity, data management, and funding and skills gaps are the sector's most pressing digital challenges

Addressing the Digital Skills Gap in Canadian Nonprofits: Designing Options for Solutions (Jan 2025)
  • 4 prototype options to address digital skills gaps
  • Critical skill areas: data privacy and security, digital leadership, advanced data management

Related:

The State of Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Canadian Nonprofits (Jan 2026, with Imagine Canada)
  • One of the first Canada-wide benchmark reports on nonprofit AI adoption
  • AI use is widespread but still shallow in scope: 80% of nonprofits report using AI in some way, yet half use it for only three or fewer organizational activities, with use concentrated in communications and fundraising (67%) and data and information tasks (50%) — and far fewer applying it to complex internal functions like strategy, HR, or program design
  • Primary barriers to adoption are skills, time, and knowledge; financial resources matter more for how extensively AI is used once adoption has begun
  • Governance is significantly lagging behind adoption: while majorities are aware of AI-related reputational (62%), legal and ethical (60%), and equity-reinforcing risks (54%), only 10% of nonprofits have formal AI policies in place, 21% are developing them, and nearly two thirds of AI-using organizations have no policies and no plans to create any
  • Organizations using AI extensively are more confident in its potential and less likely to view it as overhyped, while those with limited or no use are far more uncertain — pointing to a growing adoption divide within the sector that is likely to widen over time

Other research resources:

The Province of BC Lobbyists Transparency Act (LTA) recommendations reflect non-profit sector advocacy

The Province of BC Lobbyists Transparency Act (LTA) recommendations reflect non-profit sector advocacy

by | Apr 27, 2026 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Government Relations, Policy and Advocacy

On Thursday, April 23, 2026, the Province's Special Committee to Review the Lobbyists Transparency Act (LTA) completed their review and released their report of recommendations. Since 2020, when the LTA was significantly updated, Vantage Point has been engaging on this legislation, which includes registration and reporting requirements for organizations engaging public office holders, on behalf of the non-profit sector.

Vantage Point and the BC Non-Profit Network (BCNN) are very pleased to see our sector’s critical advocacy reflected in the report’s recommendations. This includes recommendations from the Committee to simplify and clarify reportable communications, remove the requirement to report meeting requests, and to amend and simplify gift rules – all of which directly reflect Vantage Point and the BCNN’s advocacy on this issue, as well as voices from the rest of the non-profit sector.

The message from the non-profit sector has been clear: The LTA’s current reporting requirements are both onerous and confusing, discouraging non-profits from engaging with elected and non-elected officials. In a BCNN survey, 75% of non-profit respondents agreed that the LTA impacts their overall ability to engage with the BC Government. Taken together, the Committee’s recommendations would significantly ameliorate the challenges our sector faces with the LTA’s requirements - and we are pleased our sector's strong voice has been heard by the Committee.

These recommendations are not yet substantive changes to the LTA's requirements. Vantage Point and the BCNN are eager to continue working with the government and our sector partners to incorporate these recommendations into legislated, permanent changes to the LTA, and we will keep our partners appraised of ongoing work. Our written submission for this review and a transcript of our appearance before the Committee is available below. The Committee’s full report and recommendations are below as well. We look forward to continued work on this file, and permanent improvements to the LTA.

:envelope_with_arrow: Vantage Point | BC Non-Profit Network Submission to the Special Committee for Review | September 2025: https://lnkd.in/gCPvu8ki

:page_facing_up:Transcript of Vantage Point's appearance before the Committee: https://lnkd.in/gAbpcq77

:white_check_mark: Committee's full report and recommendations: https://lnkd.in/gMkdYfTX

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If you have questions or feedback on Vantage Point and the BC Non-Profit Network's initiatives related to government relations and advocacy, please contact our team at engagement@thevantagepoint.ca

Funding What Works: Strengthening BC’s Non-Profit Sector Through Multi-Year and Core Funding

Funding What Works: Strengthening BC’s Non-Profit Sector Through Multi-Year and Core Funding

by | Jan 29, 2026 | Blog, Policy and Advocacy

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Vantage Point is pleased to share our new policy paper, Funding What Works: Strengthening BC’s Non-Profit Sector Through Multi-Year and Core Funding. Developed to support our continued collective advocacy, following BC Non-Profit Recognition Day in October and Stretched Thin: 2025 State of BC's Non-Profit Sector Report, this paper builds on the priorities and experiences shared by non-profit leaders across British Columbia and strengthens the case for meaningful funding policy change.

The BC Non-Profit Network has identified two key policy recommendations that can help address the challenges identified through , improve service and program stability, and drive long-term community impact:

  1. Expand multi-year funding agreements.
  2. Recognize and resource administrative and core operating costs.

These policy recommendations have strong support across the sector and levels of government. They are solution-oriented, aiming to help address structural issues affecting the outcomes of the sector as a whole.

The paper provides essential background on the current non-profit funding landscape, examines the evidence for expanding multi-year funding, and makes the case for recognizing and resourcing administrative capacity and core expenses. We outline practical implementation options that governments and funders can adopt to better support the sustainability and impact of non-profit organizations..

We hope this resource supports your organization’s own advocacy efforts and helps advance a more effective, stable, and well-resourced non-profit sector across British Columbia.

DOWNLOAD THE POLICY PAPER

FREE RESOURCES

The Province, Non-Profits to Celebrate BC Non-Profit Recognition Day on October 30

The Province, Non-Profits to Celebrate BC Non-Profit Recognition Day on October 30

by | Oct 30, 2025 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Government Relations

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2025

The Province, Non-Profits to Celebrate
BC Non-Profit Recognition Day on October 30

VICTORIA, B.C. – Join us in celebrating the third annual BC Non-Profit Recognition Day!

B.C. Non-Profit Recognition Day, first proclaimed by the Province in 2023, highlights the sector’s significant contribution to the social and economic fabric of our province. It celebrates resilient workers and frontline champions who make an enormous difference with their time, talent, imagination, and skills, and who are passionate about building strong, connected communities.

The non-profit sector supports all facets of life, from housing and poverty reduction to the arts, the environment, childcare and much more. The sector motivates people dedicated to careers that advance social change. Its grassroots proximity to the community uniquely positions the sector to respond quickly to local and community needs.

B.C. Non-Profit Recognition Day also recognizes the ongoing need for support and partnerships to help these organizations respond to increased service pressures during uncertain times.

This announcement comes on the heels of the new 2025 State of BC’s Non-profit Sector survey report called “Stretched Thin”, conducted by Vantage Point and the BC Non-Profit Network.

More than 500 non-profit leaders across B.C. shared their perspectives, leading to four key findings about non-profits across the province:

  • Facing more severe community challenges, and a greater demand for programs, services and activities.
  • Working through tight financial times, with flat revenues and increasing costs.
  • Prioritizing staff retention and support, as people are at the heart of community impact.
  • Investing in fund development, planning, and governance to adapt under pressure.

Currently, B.C.’s non-profit sector represents 377,000 jobs and employs a diverse workforce that is 69% female, 34% immigrants, 5% Indigenous, and 37% visible minorities. In 2023, the sector contributed $31.8 billion to our province’s GDP, underscoring that non-profits are essential to B.C.'s health and vitality.

Despite these challenges, the sector continues to persevere.

This B.C. Non-Profit Day, we’re recognizing that many organizations are finding ways to adapt, strengthen operations, and support the communities they serve. Now is the time to help keep our province’s safety net robust for years to come by recognizing non-profits that save lives and keep our communities healthy, more inclusive and connected.

To learn more about B.C. Non-Profit Recognition Day, visit www.bcnonprofitday.ca.

QUOTES:

“People in B.C. are feeling the pressure of increased cost of living, climate emergencies and the uncertainty of U.S. tariffs, and many rely on community programs and non-profits for vital support. Through it all, non-profits continue to deliver critical services, strengthen communities and support people across the province.  On B.C. Non-Profit Recognition Day, we celebrate the thousands of non-profits helping build a stronger, more connected B.C. Thank you for the incredible work you do every day.”

  • Parliamentary Secretary for Community Engagement and Non-profits Amshen – Joan Phillip

“BC Non-Profit Recognition Day reminds us that the work of non-profits is not peripheral—it’s essential. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the people and organizations who dedicate their energy to creating stronger, healthier, and more connected communities. This vital work doesn’t happen by accident. It’s made possible by the passion, commitment, and collaboration of people who believe in something larger than themselves, working toward a common good. Today, we honour the vision, leadership, and dedication of those working across the non-profit sector—their work is a testament to what’s possible when we invest in people, purpose, and collective progress.”

  • Zahra Esmail, CEO of Vantage Point

“As non-profit charities embedded in communities across the province, the YMCAs of BC see firsthand how our sector is vital in supporting people where needs are growing and systems are stretched. Together, non-profits help foster healthier, more resilient communities—powering BC’s social and economic wellbeing.”

  • Heidi Worthington, CEO of YMCA BC (on behalf of the YMCAs of BC)

"We appreciate the Province of BC's proclamation of BC Non-Profit Day, recognizing the vital role our sector plays. As a modern charity, United Way BC is proud to collaborate across and with communities to drive innovative, local solutions. The strength of BC’s non-profits lies in their grassroots impact and unwavering commitment to community wellbeing."

  • Michael McKnight, President & CEO, United Way British Columbia

“No matter where you live or what your circumstances may be, non-profits touch the lives of every British Columbian, whether in obvious or more subtle ways. That’s why Vancouver Foundation is proud to celebrate BC Non-Profit Day, to take this moment to reflect on how non-profits care for us and stitch the fabric of our communities together.”

  • Kate Hammer, Acting CEO, Vancouver Foundation

“More than ever, charitable organizations are essential to delivering vital services to communities throughout the province. BC Non-Profit Recognition Day comes at an important time, emphasizing the need for a sustainable sector that makes our communities thrive during unpredictable times. Thank you to all the staff, volunteers, and supporters who are making a lasting impact.”

  • Sandra Richardson, CEO, Victoria Foundation

“At YWCA Metro Vancouver, our commitment to gender equity gives us a clear view of the vital role the non-profit sector plays in supporting the health and well-being of our communities. Every day, we see how these organizations help women and gender-diverse people build stability and opportunity, while also employing thousands of women whose leadership and contributions strengthen our province. On BC Non-Profit Recognition Day, we celebrate the compassion, dedication and innovation that drive this sector and help create a more just, inclusive and equitable British Columbia.”

  • Erin Seeley, CEO, YWCA Metro Vancouver

“B.C.’s 31,000 nonprofits strengthen every part of community life—from housing and health to education, the environment, arts and recreation. This sector delivers essential services and meets growing demands to keep our province running. On BC Non-Profit Recognition Day, the Pemberton Valley Trails Association (PVTA) celebrates the ecosystem of nonprofits we’re a part of—one that links people, places and possibilities across B.C.”

  • Kailey Morin, Steering Committee Member of the BC Nonprofit Network, Vice President of the PVTA.

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Media Contact:
Adam van der Zwan
Senior Communications Officer
The Victoria Foundation
P: 778-972-0742
E: avanderzwan@victoriafoundation.bc.ca

The Victoria Foundation is acting as the main media contact on behalf of the partners in the initiative. Please let us know if you wish to speak to someone who covers your region or area, or a specific topic and we’d be happy to connect you with the most appropriate contact. Note availability will vary as members of the team are meeting with representatives from the Government of BC on October 30.

Find our free downloadable resources

Find our free downloadable resources

Policy Shifts and Fiscal Tightening: Impacts for Non-Profits in BC

Policy Shifts and Fiscal Tightening: Impacts for Non-Profits in BC

by | Aug 26, 2025 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Policy and Advocacy

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Aug 26, 2025

Policy Shifts and Fiscal Tightening: Impacts for Non-Profits in BC

By Tyler Arnold, Policy and Advocacy Specialist at Vantage Point

The BC government faces a continuing trade war, tariffs, a tightening federal government, and an unstable economy. All these factors create uncertainty for the province, and we can expect Premier David Eby and his team to maintain their current approach for the near future.   

The July Cabinet shuffle indicated where Premier Eby wants to see more leadership and is a signal to the province of the issues his government are taking most seriously – the biggest changes were new Ministers for the Housing, Public Safety, and Jobs and Economic Growth portfolios. The updated Cabinet directly reflects the public’s current top concerns. These updated priorities also come after a constrained BC Budget from this spring, as well as Mandate Letters for every Minister to review all their programs with an eye to efficient spending. Fiscal tightening continues at all levels of government.  

Vantage Point and the BCNN are pleased that our advocacy was reflected in the BC Finance Committee’s official report on the Budget 2026 Consultation process, released on August 12. Our submission is available here. The Committee’s recommendations were specifically to provide stable, multi-year funding for non-profits, and to update contract and funding formulas to reflect operational realities non-profits face – both of which our submission directly advocated for.  

Given the long tenure of the BCNDP and the uncertainty faced, non-profits should not expect big swings policy-wise, new programs, or renewed focus on social issues – expect Premier Eby to show the electorate that their government’s hand is steady at the wheel and focused on kitchen-table issues. We will continue to engage with the government on our sector’s issues – especially given the financial constraints felt by all. 

Federal 

On the federal political scene, non-profits can expect continued fiscal tightness. The government faces significant headwinds – the continuing trade war and tariff threats being the largest of them, and this economic uncertainty is leading governments across the country to try to rein in spending and preserve fiscal flexibility. Tighter budgets enable governments to retain a degree of flexibility to respond to unpredictable, emergent issues, and the tariff threat from down south is anything but predictable.  

Additionally, spending on housing and the military is expected to increase, even as cuts are expected. According to the CBC, the federal government is currently conducting an operational spending review, and has target cuts: 7.5% for 2026-2027, rising to 15% by 2028-2029. Prime Minister Carney has publicly said health and social programs, pensions, OAS, and other programs like childcare, pharmacare and dental care, will all be spared (source), but it remains that the federal government is going to get leaner in the next few years. Additionally, a definition or list of “health and social programs” has not been given, and it is not currently clear what will and will not be protected. A fall Budget is anticipated, and it will be a strong indicator for the types of spending the federal government is likely to prioritize going forward.  

The federal government is, dollar for dollar, the largest source of funding for the charitable and non-profit sector in the country – especially considering how many federal dollars make their way into provincial coffers, and from there into funder organizations, or cities, etc. While the newcomer and refugee non-profit subsector has experienced deep cuts due to the federal government slashing planned immigration numbers over the next few years, the Prime Minister has also indicated a few areas listed above in which cuts are unlikely – though specifics remain murky. For all subsectors, we can expect a tighter fiscal environment.

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If you’d like to stay informed about our government relations and advocacy efforts, we encourage you to join the BCNN interest list to receive updates and opportunities to get involved.

Find our free downloadable resources

Find our free downloadable resources

Webinar Summary – A New Political Landscape: Government Relations for Non-Profits in BC

Webinar Summary – A New Political Landscape: Government Relations for Non-Profits in BC

by | Feb 19, 2025 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Webinar

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Feb 19, 2025

Webinar Summary - A New Political Landscape: Government Relations for Non-Profits in BC

By Jenessa Ellis, Vantage Point 

On February 12, 2025, Vantage Point hosted the webinar A New Political Landscape: Government Relations for Non-Profits in BC, following up on last year’s 2024 post BC election webinar. At this session, Kareem M. Allam from the Richardson Strategy Group shared valuable insights on navigating British Columbia's evolving political landscape. Kareem offered advice, observations, and predictions to help non-profits better engage with government and advocate for their causes. 

Recommendations for Non-Profits:

  • Strategic Assessment: Evaluate your organization's priorities and identify potential areas of alignment with different political parties.
  • Targeted Messaging: Develop tailored messaging that resonates with the values and concerns of specific political audiences.
  • Data-Driven Advocacy: Use data and evidence to demonstrate the impact and value of your organization's work
  • Coalition Building: Form coalitions with other organizations and stakeholders to amplify your voice and increase your influence.
  • Risk Management: Be aware of the potential risks associated with engaging with certain political actors and develop strategies to mitigate those risks.
  • Maintain Flexibility: Stay informed about the evolving political landscape and be prepared to adapt your engagement strategies as needed.
  • Frame asks based on the present landscape: Be willing to tie asks to present dynamics like tariffs.
  • Create capital-based asks: Frame asks that focus on building assets, as opposed to relying on operating spending.
  • Always emphasize value: Value the work that not for profits can bring, especially when compared to what government can do.

As we heard in the first webinar, building and maintaining relationships is key. New and old contacts can all be used to build alliances and further your work.  

Our team at Vantage Point is working to advance the BC Non-Profit Network. We look forward to working alongside all of you as we grow the Network and continue to develop important relationships and actions toward a stronger sector for all of us!   

Watch the full recorded webinar here. 

Find government relations and communications tips and templates in the Non-Profit Power Up Toolkit.

Find our free downloadable resources

Find our free downloadable resources

2024 BC Elections Webinar Summary

2024 BC Elections Webinar Summary

by | Nov 1, 2024 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Policy and Advocacy, Webinar

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Nov 1, 2024

2024 BC Elections Webinar Summary

By Simran Pachar, Vantage Point

On October 23, 2024, Vantage Point hosted a post-election results analysis webinar. The purpose was to provide insights for the non-profit sector on the implications of the 2024 British Columbia election and what to expect moving forward. Anita Zaenker, Principal at Earnscliffe Strategies, joined as an expert to break down the election outcomes and offer strategic guidance during a time of uncertainty.

At the time of the webinar, the BC NDP and the BC Conservatives had 46 and 45 seats, respectively, with some seats still too close to call. Non-profit leaders, like many British Columbians, were eager to understand the election results and strategize for the future.   

Anita provided an overview of the key issues in this election and how federal-level developments influenced the campaigns of both parties. She also broke down the party platforms and voting patterns across the province, helping participants grasp the broader changes and potential factors that could influence the coming months.

Practical steps you can take now 

The discussion then moved to practical actions to take between now and when the new parliament comes into session in Spring 2025. Some of these include: 

  • Sending congratulatory letters to the MLAs once the results are finalized. Introduce yourself and your organization to the MLA and help kickstart a relationship. Where possible, arrange meetings to deepen the partnership.  
  • Reviewing the list of elected MLAs and their party platforms to find champions for one's cause. Build potential alliances with members that could support advocacy efforts for your policy area.  
  • Preparing core advocacy materials in advance that will enable quick action once new legislature is in place. Develop a one-page description of your organization and the value that a partnership would bring can help you start a strong relationship with the next government.  
  • Maintaining and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders. These include key clients, community members and leaders, civil servants, and officials who work in public services.  

Building and maintaining relationships is key. New and old contacts can all be used to build alliances and further your work. Highlighting avenues to build deeper partnerships with government, Anita shared the need for collective action and the importance that a platform like the BC Non-Profit Network can play in these uncertain times.  

We look forward to working alongside all of you as we grow the Network and continue to develop important relationships and actions toward a better future for all of us!  

Watch the full recorded webinar here. 

Find government relations and communications tips and templates in the Non-Profit Power Up Toolkit

A follow-up webinar is being planned. Stay tuned!

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Under Pressure: 2024 State of BC’s Non-Profit Sector

Under Pressure: 2024 State of BC’s Non-Profit Sector

by | Jun 6, 2024 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Sector Research

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Jun 6, 2024

Report Release:

Under Pressure: 2024 State of BC’s Non-Profit Sector

Vancouver, British Columbia - Vantage Point, together with City of Vancouver, Vancouver Foundation, Vancity Community Foundation, Victoria Foundation, and United Way British Columbia, is proud to release the 2024 State of BC’s Non-Profit Sector Report. 

Our first two reports, No Immunity (2020) and Unravelling (2021), were published during the COVID-19 pandemic, both outlining the pandemic’s impact on non-profits across BC. These reports contributed to key non-profit sector advancements, such as the creation of the 2022 Recovery and Resiliency Fund through a historic $30M investment from the Province of BC for organizations disproportionately affected by the pandemic.   

As the BC context evolved and we entered an endemic stage of the pandemic, the third report Safety Net (2023) focused on providing a snapshot of trends, challenges, opportunities, and successes for non-profits in our province. The findings reflected that there were signs of stabilization, and feelings of hope and motivation within the sector. However, the report also underlined the significant pressures the sector continued to face, and the increased community need for services. 

"There has historically been a lack consistent data for the non-profit sector in BC. Vantage Point's annual State of the Sector surveys of non-profits across BC, and resulting reports, are starting to demonstrate the needs and opportunities for the sector,” said Vantage Point CEO Zahra Esmail. After the release of the 2023 report, Vantage Point focused its efforts on sharing the data across the province, presenting findings to varied audiences including to government, funders, and non-profits. Many non-profits in BC have used the data from these reports to support grant applications, advocate for additional core and administrative funding support, and educate supporters to better understand the realities of the sector.  

For this year’s State of the Sector Survey, our intention was both to check-in with the non-profit sector around various trends while also probing deeper into the underlying challenges highlighted in the last report.

Findings:

In BC, there are approximately 33,019 non-profit organizations, including community, business, and government non-profits. Together, they represent 360,000 jobs and contributed approximately $30 billion to BC’s economy in 2022. The sector reported experiencing a complexity of feelings by operating in extremely difficult times as well as revealing a sense of being needed now more than ever to promote equitable and thriving communities. As the sector continues to evolve, our report, Under Pressure, provides a snapshot of and insights into the state of the sector in British Columbia through the following two themes: 

Theme 1: Less resilient times

Non-profits in BC continue to combat soaring expenses as costs rise and revenue streams remain fixed. Over the last 12 months, the sector reported all revenue sources to be decreasing, except for revenue from government sources, which has remained stable. More expenses are being incurred on salaries and benefits, programs, services and activities, and general administration, which has resulted in reduced funding available for programming. Moreover, the sector survey also revealed the impact of rising inflation and climate change on operating costs. As charitable donations decline across the country, there is immense pressure on non-profits to reduce programming, diversify funding sources, or close their doors. 

Theme 2: Overburdened

Our findings reveal that the non-profit sector in BC is grappling with skyrocketing demand for services and supports from clients and communities, while its capacity to deliver programs and services has remained the same. Additionally, volunteerism, crucial to the sustainability of non-profits has not recovered from pre-COVID-19 levels within the sector. In responding to increasing community needs, the sector has become overburdened, as evidenced by staff burnout, high staff turnover, and the necessity to offer higher wages and salaries to retain staff, often stretching available funding.

Recommendations

While considering the successes, pressures, and challenges the sector reports experiencing this year, we have made recommendations to all levels of government, funders, and sector stakeholders and partners to address:

  1. Sustainability of the sector workforce
  2. Funding reforms
  3. Nurturing a collaborative ecosystem

“Data is an important part of empowering our sector to start to show up in a stronger way as an important partner to government and resource heavily relied upon by BC communities. Data helps us tell our stories,” said Vantage Point CEO Zahra Esmail. Our commitment remains to provide consistent, high-quality data, crucial to understanding the non-profit sector in BC, and equipping funders, policy makers, and other sector stakeholders with relevant data to make informed decisions and better support the current needs of BC’s non-profit sector.

The Under Pressure: 2024 State of the Sector Report will be used to help BC’s non-profits in their advocacy efforts and to strengthen the sector’s ability to support the communities we serve. The full report and a complimentary media kit are available to download here.

Media Contacts:

Rachelle Smalldon, Operations and Communications Manager rsmalldon@thevantagepoint.ca

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Report Release: Labour Market Research on the Non-Profit Sector in British Columbia

Report Release: Labour Market Research on the Non-Profit Sector in British Columbia

by | Apr 15, 2024 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Policy and Advocacy

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Apr 15, 2024

Report Release: Labour Market Research on the Non-Profit Sector in British Columbia

Vantage Point, in partnership with SPARC BC and supported by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia, is proud to release our latest report titled “Labour Market Research on the Non-Profit Sector in BC.”

The report delves into the current state of British Columbia's non-profit labor market, aiming to fill the gaps in knowledge since the last examination nearly a decade ago. It seeks to support decision-making in the non-profit sector, enhancing its resilience, sustainability, and impact, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We compiled data by examining employment within BC's non-profit sector across various sub-sectors, activities, categories of workers, contributions to the provincial workforce, and trends over time. Leveraging a mixed-methods approach, the study combines secondary data analysis with insights gained through interviews and focus groups.

The report aims to update data on BC's non-profit workforce, by examining differences across various types of organizations, forecasting labor demand during the economic recovery, and building an understanding of worker mobility, job precarity and working conditions and compensation.

Findings

Our key findings revealed that the British Columbia non-profit sector employs approximately 335,000 individuals, with significant involvement in health, education and research, and social services (categorization based on activity). Despite stability in the number of non-profit organizations, there is a notable decrease in those without employees, indicating growth in larger organizations.

The report explores challenges in the sector around recruiting and retaining staff, job precarity, working conditions, changing volunteer landscape, stress and burnout, and rising cost of living persisting within the sector. The data also shows that women dominate the workforce, while representation from immigrant, racialized, and Indigenous backgrounds is substantial, although with varying compensation disparities.

The report's findings concluded that following the COVID-19 pandemic, some organizations still face staff shortages and operate below pre-pandemic levels. High turnover rates, particularly in sub-sectors like housing and social services, add pressure, while competition for workers persists due to lower compensation levels. Recovery in certain sub-sectors is hindered by factors such as short-term funding, inflation, rising costs, and aging infrastructure. Reduced revenues strain organizations, impacting their ability to hire, and housing affordability challenges continue to persist as well. Additionally, with nearly a quarter of the non-profit workforce approaching retirement by 2029, concerns about workforce aging arise.

Calls to action

The report calls for improved non-profit sector data collection to enhance decision-making and sustain BC's non-profit labor market. It emphasizes closing the wage gap and promoting equity and inclusion within the sector. Recommendations include strengthening the workforce pipeline, supporting professional development, and considering social determinants of work in future planning.

Read the report here.

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Announcement: Government Support for a BC Non-Profit Network

Announcement: Government Support for a BC Non-Profit Network

by | Feb 12, 2024 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog

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Feb 12, 2024

Announcement: Government Support for a BC Non-Profit Network

By Vantage Point

We have some great news to share! On Friday, February 9, 2024, Parliamentary Secretary for Community Development and Non-Profits, Megan Dykeman, and the Government of British Columbia announced $650,000 in funding to support Vantage Point to lead the development of a non-profit network in our province!

We offer whole-hearted thanks to the Government of British Columbia and PS Dykeman for this acknowledgement and to Spencer Chandra Herbert, MLA for Vancouver-West End, Hamidullah Abawi from MOSAIC, Dan Huang-Taylor from Food Banks BC, and Anoop Gill from QMUNITY for the support shared in this news release distributed on Friday:

Read the news release here.

It was exciting to see the announcement featured in several publications from across the province over the weekend! The Langley Advance Times, Prince George Daily News, and Indo-Canadian Voice were just a few we thought you might like to read.

This investment in our network-building efforts provides great encouragement knowing that, together, we will be able to do even more to connect the people and resources that will build a stronger non-profit sector in BC. Earlier last week, our partners at Vancouver Foundation and hua foundation wrote a wonderful story about the support they believe that a provincial network could provide for organizations. We encourage you to read their perspectives as well.

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