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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

From Global Goals to Local Action: Advancing Climate Action Through the Sustainable Development Goals

From Global Goals to Local Action: Advancing Climate Action Through the Sustainable Development Goals

by | Apr 2, 2026 | Blog

by Zahra Esmail, CEO at Vantage Point

We are living in a time when commitments to climate action and social inequality are being challenged and, in some cases, rolled back. The energy behind the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by every United Nations Member State in 2015, is beginning to fade in some spaces. In turn, the goals themselves can feel less urgent than they did a decade ago.

This is exactly the moment for civil society to step forward.

Non-profits are one of the primary ways these goals move from aspiration to action. Rooted in community, building trust over decades, and stepping into gaps that neither government nor the private sector can fill, non-profits play a critical role in translating global goals into local reality.

At Vantage Point, as an organization that serves and connects non-profits across BC, we are deeply committed to that work. The SDGs are not abstract to us. They reflect what our community is already doing every day.

This moment calls for greater visibility and renewed energy around these commitments. We are ready to do our part and to bring our community along with us.

At the same time, we’ll be honest. Until recently, we had not fully reckoned with what this means in practice for our own organization.

Our Learning Journey

When we embedded climate action into our current strategic plan, A Stronger, Brighter Future, we made our commitment tangible in three ways:

  • Strengthening our own internal climate action initiatives
  • Advancing more equitable and inclusive systems and practices for non-profits across BC
  • Delivering education programs that are accessible and grounded in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

That commitment, in turn, sharpened our focus on the Sustainable Development Goals.

Building on this, our Board of Directors, who championed the climate commitment in our strategic plan, established a Climate Change Committee to take this work further. In partnership with senior staff, the Committee reviewed all 17 SDGs and identified where Vantage Point is meaningfully positioned to contribute and to be accountable.

We landed on eight priority goals:

E WEB Goal 04
E WEB Goal 05
E WEB Goal 08
E WEB Goal 10
E WEB Goal 12
E WEB Goal 13
E WEB Goal 16
E WEB Goal 17

You will notice Climate Action on that list not as a standalone effort, but woven throughout our work. These goals are interconnected by design. Reduced inequalities and climate action are not parallel paths; they are deeply linked. The communities most impacted by climate change are the same communities facing systemic inequities. And the non-profits doing the hardest work are often addressing both at once.

What Comes Next

For each of these eight goals, we have identified specific actions we will track and measure. Beginning with our next annual report, you will see SDG icons integrated throughout. These markers will highlight where our work connects to the broader global framework and will hold us accountable to showing up in those areas in a meaningful way.

Climate Action is Shared Work

We are also inviting our entire community to join us in this work. If you are a non-profit in BC, you are likely already contributing to these goals in ways both big and small.

Climate action is shared work. It belongs to governments, large corporations, non-profits of every size, and each of us as individuals within our communities.

By building our understanding of the SDGs, we strengthen our role as a sector that leads by example.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference.

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If you have questions or feedback on Vantage Point’s work related to climate action and the SDGs, please contact our CEO, Zahra Esmail, at zesmail at thevantagepoint.ca.

Stay tuned for our upcoming blog post highlighting our progress on SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

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

BUILD: Stronger BIPOC-Led Non-Profits across BC and the Yukon

BUILD: Stronger BIPOC-Led Non-Profits across BC and the Yukon

by | Oct 28, 2025 | Blog, Education and Consulting

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Oct 28, 2025

BUILD: Stronger BIPOC-Led Non-Profits across BC and the Yukon

Bring together dozens of BIPOC-led grassroots organizations from across BC and the Yukon, each one driving change in their communities against the odds, and you’ll witness something powerful: a room alive with vision, courage, and ideas that can reshape the future. 

We have been honoured to join DIVERSECity, AMSSA, and an incredible group of these organizations for the official launch of the BUILD (BIPOC Unified Inclusive Leadership Development) Program. This three-year initiative is designed to amplify the vital work these organizations are doing while addressing the structural barriers they face in areas such as funding, system navigation, and sustainability. The event marked the first time participants and service providers came together, opening a space to connect, share stories, and imagine what is possible when we put together our collective strengths. 

Indigenous Elder Stephen (Xem-Tu-Mus) Armstrong from Kwikwetlem First Nation shared the Hul’q’umin’um teaching of Naut’sa Mawt: Working Together as One. He reminded us that the heart of BUILD is about walking forward with one mind and one heart, rooted in collaboration, mutual respect, and the collective wisdom each organization carries. 

Participants highlighted both challenges and hopes.  

They spoke about systemic funding barriers, even when both their reach and impact are undeniable. 

They talked about on the exhausting work of operating without core staff support; and the need for resources that reflect the realities of immigrant and newcomer communities.  

Yet, they also emphasized a deep commitment to partnership:  

“We don’t need to do everything ourselves, and we don’t want to.”  

Many voiced their excitement about joining forces with each other, with companies, and with governments, to expand their reach and deepen their impact. 

The work these organizations are leading is extraordinary: creating culturally safe spaces for families of children with disabilities, guiding newcomers through Canadian systems in decolonized ways, offering food security for African diaspora communities, supporting immigrant and refugee youth in the North to connect and thrive, bringing BIPOC women together to build solidarity, and so much more. Their impact spans emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being, addressing needs that are too often overlooked elsewhere. 

We are proud to have been asked to work with DIVERSECity in delivering this program. Our role is to provide high-quality, practical training in governance, leadership, fund development, and organizational capacity—areas that strengthen and sustain organizations. 

With one mind and one heart, rooted in collaboration, mutual respect, and the collective wisdom each organization brings to the table, our goal is to “build” on the knowledge, connections, and strengths already within these communities—so their impact continues to grow and thrive, creating the brightest future for those they serve. 

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BUILD Cohort: Mainland Community Services, OCCA Communities Association, Beyond Borders Youth Network, BIPOC Women’s Society, Kingdom Acts Foundation, Great Zimbabwe Cultural Society of BC and Yukon, ACT by Vidal, Khaliyl’s Kids Family Care Foundation, Rise Above Reality Expectations, Senses and Me, International Refugees Support Foundation, BC Bereavement Helpline, Parents Against Racism Alliance, Community Development Society of Canada, Griottes Polyglottes 

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.

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Alleviating Nonprofit Burnout: How AI Empowers BC’s Nonprofits to Thrive

Alleviating Nonprofit Burnout: How AI Empowers BC’s Nonprofits to Thrive

by | May 27, 2025 | Blog

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May 27, 2025

Alleviating Nonprofit Burnout: How AI Empowers BC’s Nonprofits to Thrive

By Deepa Chaudhary of GrantOrb.com

It’s no secret that BC’s non-profit sector is under significant strain. The 2024 State of BC’s Non-Profit Sector report paints a bleak picture of teams feeling “overwhelmed,” “under-funded,” and “stretched to the limit.” Demand for services keeps soaring, while dollars and staff capacity struggle to keep up. Simply put, there’s way too much work and not enough time.

But here’s the exciting part, an incredible opportunity is emerging - Generative AI, a true game-changer for non-profits. You’ve probably heard the buzz, and believe me, the excitement is real. Tasks that once took weeks or months can now be completed in minutes. Generative AI turns every single one of you into an artist, a grant writer, a coder, a designer, a videographer,  basically, and an expert in whatever topic you need. Not only does AI speed things up, but it can also enhance the quality of programs and services by helping non-profits design smarter, more effective initiatives.

For a sector that often operates on tight budgets with stretched-thin staff, AI is the best thing that’s happened in years. It gives non-profits a superpower, the ability to get things done fast, easily, and with less stress. The technology is so intuitive that you don’t need to learn complicated software - just talk to it, and it understands. For the first time ever, machines speak our language instead of us having to learn theirs.

“Generative AI turns every single one of you into an artist, a grant writer, a coder, a designer, a videographer,  basically, and an expert in whatever topic you need”

What Exactly is Generative AI?

Generative AI, or GenAI, is powered by what’s called Large Language Models (LLMs). In the words of Andrej Karpathy, former AI scientist at OpenAI and Tesla, these models are like a “zip file of the Internet.” They’ve absorbed massive amounts of information and learned how to generate new content - text, images, audio, or video  from simple instructions. These models understand various forms of communication from text to pictures to voice. For example, you can drop a video link into a tool like Gemini and ask it to transcribe the content or write a blog post based on what it sees. Pretty powerful, right?

The Generative AI Landscape: Tools That Work for You

Many of these tools are free or low-cost, making them perfect for nonprofits.

Chatbots

You’ve probably used ChatGPT, a chatbot built on LLMs. But there are many others -  Gemini (Google), Claude, Microsoft CoPilot, Grok, DeepSeek, and more. Think of chatbots as an extension of your brain. They can help with anything: editing emails, summarizing documents, brainstorming content ideas, translating materials, and seeking information. Need a summary chart from a budget spreadsheet or a quick infographic from an article? Chatbots can do that too. They’re tireless helpers!

Creating Visuals with AI

Every non-profit needs visuals -  for websites, social media, newsletters, or annual reports. Now, you can create stunning images instantly using AI tools like Midjourney, Imagen3 (inside Gemini), and ChatGPT’s image generator. Just describe what you want, and watch the image evolve as you tweak your description. Need videos? Tools like Veo 2 (Gemini) and Sora (ChatGPT) let you create short, professional-quality videos or animations in minutes, no expensive equipment or editing skills required.

AI Supercharges Nonprofits: Work Smarter, Not Harder

AI isn’t just a trend, it’s a revolutionary tool that lets non-profit professionals get their work done faster and frees up time for what really matters.

  • Save Time on Routine Tasks: Draft newsletters, clean data, translate updates, write grant applications, compile statistics, or design event posters,  AI handles these chores quickly, saving mental energy for strategic work.
  • Boost Fundraising Power: Grants are the lifeline for many non-profits. With AI tools like GrantOrb, you can go from a simple idea to a complete, expert-level grant proposal in minutes. Suddenly, applying to dozens or even hundreds of grants feels possible, not overwhelming.
  • Find and Connect with Donors: Use AI to research potential funders whose priorities match your mission. Practice your “ask” with chatbot audio features to build confidence.
  • Create Engaging Content: Need logos, media assets, blog posts, or social media content? AI can whip up ideas and first drafts in seconds.
  • Break Language Barriers: Translate your materials instantly into over 50 languages with tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, helping you reach and serve more diverse communities.
  • Capture and Analyze Information: Transcribe meetings or interviews, summarize lengthy reports, create charts and visualizations, and craft compelling impact reports all with AI support.
  • Make Learning and Sharing Easier: Create podcasts and audio summaries in seconds using tools like NotebookLM and Gemini’s Audio Overview. Turn training manuals, volunteer guides, or policies into accessible formats volunteers and staff can listen to on the go.

AI Helps Fight Burnout

Burnout in non-profits often comes from the mountain of “necessary but not mission” tasks that pile up day after day -  things like drafting newsletters and email updates, cleaning and organizing data, managing bilingual communications, writing long grant applications, compiling program statistics and reports, designing event materials, coordinating logistics etc. These repetitive chores can drain energy and steal time from the meaningful work that truly drives impact. Generative AI speeds up or automates many of these tasks, freeing non-profit staff to focus on strategic thinking, building relationships, and delivering programs that make a difference.

Ultimately, the rise of AI in the non-profit sector signals an exciting shift. We are moving from an era where humans are primarily doing the work to one where we are increasingly supervising the powerful assistance of AI. This allows us to leverage technology to handle the heavy lifting, freeing up our human intellect and compassion for the strategic thinking and relationship-building that truly drives impact in BC communities.

As Tobi Lutke, CEO of Shopify, wisely noted, “Using AI well is a skill that needs to be carefully learned by… using it a lot.” 

The most effective way for BC non-profits to unlock the transformative power of AI is to begin integrating it into their daily workflows. By actively experimenting and building your “AI muscle,” you’ll witness firsthand how ideas improve, tasks get done quickly, and stress levels drop. This newfound efficiency translates directly into more headspace – more time, more energy, and more focus – to dedicate to what truly matters: making a tangible and lasting difference in the vibrant communities across British Columbia.

About the Author:

Deepa Chaudhary is the CEO of GrantOrb.com, the largest AI-powered grant writing platform. With experience in philanthropy at the Salesforce Foundation and as Co-Founder of United Way Mumbai, Deepa brings a unique blend of expertise in both AI and the non-profit world. She is passionate about helping non-profits and community leaders use AI for greater impact. You can connect with her on Linkedin

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Why We Volunteer: A Journey of Learning and Giving Back

Why We Volunteer: A Journey of Learning and Giving Back

by | Apr 29, 2025 | Blog

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Apr 29, 2025

Why We Volunteer: A Journey of Learning and Giving Back

By Alina Emery, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator

Ask someone why they volunteer, and you will uncover a deep and vast collection of stories. 

My mother was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. Her upbringing, and the lessons she shared with my siblings and I, centered around respecting the land we are on and the people around us. Holding a growth mindset focused on learning from others, especially our elders, is an important part of our culture and strongly benefits our livelihoods. In a very reciprocal fashion, my elders taught me that they are always learning from me and the other younger people in their lives, and that those interactions deepen their experiences. Learning is a cycle of appreciation and growth towards strengthening our roots as a community. Giving back, helping others, and developing strong relationships and action within our communities, enhances our well-being. Volunteering has always been encouraged as a meaningful way to learn, grow and offer mutual support to the communities that supported us.   

Now, as a second-generation immigrant and settler on the lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, I strive to live out those values, support those generational cultural messages and values in my work. 

There are many lessons we can learn from, not only our own cultures, but the many diverse perspectives present in our communities.  

I recently attended Future of Good’s 2-day virtual Wellbeing Summit focused on the well-being of the non-profit sector and the people serving in it. Through a session on “What Wellbeing is Missing: Indigenous Peoples and Perspectives” we explored teachings that can be adopted from Indigenous practices, celebrations, and languages and incorporated in the protocols and practices of non-profit organization. These included examples like developing smudging policies, supporting employees to take time off for learning about Indigenous ceremonies or languages, or including action statements as a part of offering a meaningful land acknowledgement.  

The Seventh Generation Principle and the Two-Eyed Seeing Approach stood out to me as I considered ways Indigenous culture and my work with volunteers might intersect. The Seventh-Generation principle holds the perspective that in any decision we make there is importance and value in considering how it will affect the next seven generations. The Two-Eyed Seeing (Etuaptmumk in Mi'kmaw) Approach, developed by Mi’kmaq Elder Albert Marshall, shares the opportunity for integration of both Indigenous and Western ways of knowing, teaching and learning in our lives and in our work.  

In our own cultures, life lessons and relationships, and in both the Two-Eyed Seeing Approach and the Seventh-Generation Principles of the Indigenous peoples, we find messages of the meaning and value of intergenerational and intercultural solutions, and how, when incorporated into our lives and our work, they are opportunities to deepen the impacts. This holds true for volunteerism - for both volunteers and communities they serve.  

As many know, the pandemic shifted the generational dynamic significantly in the volunteer and non-profit sector. More mature volunteers started prioritizing their health and families and stepped back from volunteering. High schools paused volunteerism credits toward graduation to ensure students were safer. Non-profits came to a halt with their programming, decreasing the need for volunteers and, as we know, picking up traction can be challenging. Through this pause isolation and loneliness increased. It’s my belief that volunteering with groups of people from all generations, cultures and beliefs supports our well-being, our happiness, and our sense of belonging in community. We can find opportunities to grow as individuals, to develop relationships that we may not have otherwise with people from a different background or generation than us, who can have transformational impact on our lives, and find meaning purpose through service in community. 

Our organizational model at Vantage Point often partners Knowledge Philanthropist facilitators who have been in the sector for many years with Digital Hosts team members, who are often youth and younger individuals wanting to learn more about the non-profit sector. I have witnessed some beautiful interactions watching long-term facilitators exchange knowledge and tips with our digital hosts around careers, resources and skill enhancement. These intergenerational collaborations can benefit from each other's experiences, working together on a mutual project, is one of the reasons I love what I do.  Volunteer programs that offer a safe and engaging space for volunteers can initiate long-term impacts that benefit generations to come.  

This National Volunteer Week, my hope is that organizations can take the time to think about how volunteerism exists currently in their organization and what "Two-Eyed Seeing Approach” they can take that will improve the well-being of volunteers and serve seven generations into the future. Expanding our approaches to bring learnings from other cultures and communities has a reciprocal effect, not only strengthening organizations but improving the growth and success of volunteers engaged. 

There is much more I could share about the intersectional aspects of volunteerism and the value of creating spaces for intergenerational learning and growth for volunteers. If you’re curious to dive deeper into all things volunteerism with me, please feel free to connect on LinkedIn or at aemery@thevantagepoint.ca   

*“What Wellbeing is Missing: Indigenous Peoples and Perspectives” session was led by Shannon VanRaes (Future of Good), Talitha Tolles (MakeWay), Michael Redhead Champagne, and Alexandra Biron (Deloitte) 

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Unlocking the Potential of Your Board: The Value of eLearnings for Board Fundamentals

Unlocking the Potential of Your Board: The Value of eLearnings for Board Fundamentals

by | Mar 4, 2025 | Blog, Education and Consulting

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Mar 4, 2025

Unlocking the Potential of Your Board: The Value of eLearnings for Board Fundamentals

By Vantage Point 

Imagine you’re about to join a new board. You’re new to the role and the organization. You’re excited for the opportunity but feeling completely overwhelmed by the responsibilities.  

You're not alone—many new board members face this challenge. But what if there was a way to quickly get up to speed and make a meaningful impact from day one? 

Or maybe your board is feeling out of alignment or unclear on their role with the organization’s work. Your non-profit is suffering lack of direction because responsibilities and guiding practices are unclear. How could you get the team all on the same page in a quick, self-paced format that would provide them the essentials for their success as directors? 

In today's fast-paced world, effective governance is more crucial than ever for non-profit organizations. Understanding the roles and responsibilities of a board of directors can make a significant difference in how an organization operates and achieves its mission. With limited time, resources, and team members joining from various locations, flexible and virtual trainings are more and more necessary. 

That's where our Board Fundamentals: Roles and Responsibilities eLearning course comes in. 

Why Choose eLearning

Our eLearning course offers a flexible, self-paced learning experience that fits into the busy schedules of board members. Whether you're new to a board or looking to refresh your knowledge, this course provides a comprehensive introduction to the essentials of board governance.

Understand Your Role: Learn the specific duties and responsibilities of a board member, helping you to contribute effectively from day one.

Improve Board Meetings: Discover tools and practices, such as consent agendas and board calendars, that streamline meetings and make them more productive.

Build a Stronger Board: Gain insights into self-management practices that promote a cohesive and effective board, ultimately leading to better decision-making and organizational success.

For seasoned board members, the course offers a chance to revisit foundational concepts and stay updated on best practices. This continuous learning approach ensures that the board remains dynamic and capable of navigating the complexities of governance.

Key Benefits

Accessibility and Convenience: Available online, this course allows you to learn at your own pace, anytime and anywhere. No need to coordinate schedules or travel to a workshop.

Comprehensive Content: The course covers critical topics such as the five governance responsibilities, board self-management, and practices that build effective boards. This ensures that you gain a well-rounded understanding of what it means to be a board member.

Interactive Learning: With a mix of videos, transcripts, text, additional resources, and reflection questions, the course is designed to engage different learning styles. Participants are encouraged to take notes and discuss their learnings with other board members, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Group Learning Options

Our eLearning course isn't just for individuals. We offer group pricing and custom training sessions to support entire boards. This approach ensures that all members are on the same page, fostering a unified vision and strategy for the organization.

    Get Started Today

    Investing in board education is investing in the future of your organization. Our Board Fundamentals: Roles and Responsibilities eLearning course is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enhance their governance skills and contribute to their organization's success.

    By providing a flexible, comprehensive, and engaging learning experience, our eLearning course empowers board members to excel in their roles and drive their organizations forward. Don't miss out on this opportunity to strengthen your board and, ultimately, your organization.

    Ready to take the next step? Register today and unlock the full potential of your board!

    Use the discount VPTHINK15 to receive 15% off before August 31, 2025!

    Learn more About Our eLearning

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