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

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.

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.