Every day, BC’s non-profits deliver essential programs and services, yet mounting pressures are straining their capacity to meet community needs.

Our latest report, Uneven Ground: 2026 State of BC’s Non-Profit Sector, examines how organizations are responding to rising demands, rising costs, and shifting financial conditions. Drawing on survey responses from more than 400 non-profit leaders, it highlights shared challenges and how organizations experience them differently.

Essential partners in meeting community needs

Non-profits are essential partners in meeting British Columbians' needs. Among surveyed organizations, 86% reported increased demand, and 83% reported more complex or severe community needs.

This growing demand underscores the need to sustain the programs and services communities depend on.

Rising costs and uneven financial conditions

Alongside growing community needs, non-profits face financial pressures. Among surveyed organizations, 79% experienced increased expenses, while only 39% reported increased revenues and another 39% reported decreased revenues.

These pressures affect organizations differently depending on their operating budgets, funding sources, and access to space. Understanding these circumstances helps identify the support organizations need to sustain effective program and service delivery.

Adaptation alone cannot close the capacity gap

Across BC, non-profits are diversifying revenue, building partnerships, and adapting programs to meet evolving community needs. Despite these efforts, 59% of surveyed organizations report that demand exceeds their capacity. Among those with declining revenues, 66% have reduced or eliminated services.

These findings highlight the limits of adaptation alone and present opportunities for funders, governments, and sector partners to strengthen non-profit sustainability and reduce barriers to service delivery. Without additional supports for non-profits, the services BC residents rely on are at risk.

Explore the findings

Our State of BC’s Non-Profit Sector reports provide evidence to inform decisions, advocacy, and support for the sector. This year’s report offers non-profit leaders, funders, governments, and partners a shared picture of the conditions organizations face.

Read and share the report to build understanding of the sector and support the programs and services our communities rely on. Every British Columbian benefits when non-profits are strong.

Read Uneven Ground: 2026 State of BC’s Non-Profit Sector

Explore findings by region and community

Our data dashboards offer a closer look at how pressures vary across communities.

• Northern BC
• Kootenays
• Vancouver Island & Coast
• BC Interior
• Fraser Valley
• Metro Vancouver
• Rural & Remote Regions

Thank you to the more than 400 non-profit leaders who shared their experiences, making this research possible. Your contributions help strengthen decision-making, advocacy, and support for the sector.

Thank you to the Lawson Foundation, Tiny Foundation, Vancouver Foundation, and Victoria Foundation for making this report possible through their generous support.

If you’re wondering what the provincial election results might mean for your non-profit, you’re not alone. What happens to funding? Which priorities are moving up the agenda? And what can you do to respond? 

Explore those questions and more with insightful post-election analysis tailored for British Columbia’s non-profit community.  

In this webinar, Scott Andrews from Earnscliffe will break down the key outcomes of the October 24 BC Provincial Election, highlighting the potential impacts on non-profits across the province. Our discussion will explore what the results mean for the sector and offer strategic guidance on navigating the political landscape in the months ahead.

Event Details
Date: November 5, 2026
Time: 12:00 to 1:00 pm
Location: Online (Zoom)
Cost: Free
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This session will provide an opportunity for participants to ask questions, gain expert insights, and share reactions with peers in a collective debrief.  

Don’t miss this chance to reflect, connect, and chart a path forward for your organization in the wake of the election. 

Please note: This webinar will be recorded and distributed publicly following the session. We will share the recording here and through our newsletters as well for those unable to attend. 

During the session, participants may be invited to contribute to discussion at their preference and comfort level. Please feel free to join the session and use video only as you are comfortable. 

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BC's non-profits are navigating many of the same pressures, but not all start on even ground. Presenting findings from the upcoming 2026 State of BC's Non-Profit Sector report, this interactive webinar examines the sector-wide challenges non-profits face across multiple organizational areas, how organizations are responding and adapting, and how similar pressures may affect organizations differently. 

Event Details
Date: October 27, 2026 
Time: 12:00 to 1:00 pm
Location: Online (Zoom)
Cost: Free
REGISTER NOW  

In this webinar, participants will hear key findings from the 2026 report, connect the data to their own experience in small groups, learn from peers facing similar circumstances, and share reflections. 

By the end of this session, participants will be able to 

• Understand the key pressures facing BC’s non-profit sector
• Describe different ways organizations have responded to those pressures 
• Explain how organizations are on "uneven ground" when facing similar pressures 

Who should attend

Executive directors, staff, board members, funders, and anyone interested in the current state of BC's non-profit sector. No preparation is required, though participants are welcome to skim the 2026 State of BC’s Non-Profit Sector Report (available on October 26) beforehand. 

REGISTER NOW