Community Researchers’ Post

The ONN’s 2024 survey highlights challenges Kinbridge and other nonprofits are facing, with stagnant financial resources and increasing demand for services. It is crucial that government and private sector partners recognize the importance of investing in community organizations to strengthen Ontario’s social infrastructure. This data reinforces the need for continued advocacy and support to ensure we can meet the needs of those we serve.

Ontario Nonprofit Network 2024 State of the Sector Report highlights that “data reveals that the nonprofit sector is experiencing stagnant and declining financial resources amidst climbing demand. Year-over-year, many of the issues remain the same: financial resources are unstable, volunteers are not returning to the sector post-pandemic, it’s harder to recruit and retain talented staff, to name a few.” #CapacityBuilding #Volunteerism #Volunteering #Nonprofit #NotForProfit #Charities

Wondering what's happening to the #nonprofit sector this year and why you should care? Ontario Nonprofit Network latest state of the sector survey revealed some alarming insights: 📈 83% of charities and nonprofits saw increased demand for programs and services (up 7% from 2023). 📉 54% reported stagnant and declining revenue, while 84% reported increased expenses. 📊 one in four organizations (22%) report that they can sustain operations for six months or less. 📊 31% have tapped into their reserve funds over the past year. 📊 39% assessed themselves at significant risk for not existing in the next three years. The challenges of resourcing and financial sustainability persist for charities and nonprofits, which play a crucial role in advancing democracy, justice, equity, and bettering our society. You can be a part of securing the future and improving the trajectory of our civil society. Here's how you can make a difference: ✅️ Raise awareness and advocate for nonprofit causes. ✅️ Increase your support for local initiatives through donations and volunteering. #DoGood #charities #impact

The new 2024 sector survey report is out! Built on Hope: NonProfit Sector Seeking Sustainability Learn about how the NonProfit sector is grappling with strains on services due to increased demand, higher costs, insufficient funding, staffing challenges, wage disparities, reduction in donations and a shortage of volunteers.

When I’ve said that funding is precarious, it hasn’t always landed well. To clarify, this is what I mean. It’s not just about a single organization (though some have a higher risk profile than others), nor is it about any one funder (though some are more intentional and collaborative than others). Precarious funding is systemic and it’s ongoing: - 83 per cent of respondents saw an increase in demand for programs and services, a seven percent increase over 2023. - 54 per cent of respondents reported stagnant and declining revenue while 84 per cent reported increase in expenses. 31 per cent of respondents reported using their reserve funds, almost mirroring pandemic-era levels. I appreciate advocacy efforts across the sector to bring funders (government, private sector, philanthropy) along the path to understanding that partnership and sustainability in the sector, particularly as needs continue to increase due to decades of policy decisions that will take time to address. And I, too, am hopeful that more funders will continue to learn from the sector and adjust their practices. Here in #LdnOnt, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t hard, but I’m seeing agencies collaborate in a way that I haven’t seen before because the energy we have is better spent working together to do what’s possible with the available resources rather than fighting over slivers of pie.

Nonprofit leaders are doing critical work for people and nature, but they’re facing immense challenges. We see it every day through our Shared Platform. 📈 The latest data from the Ontario Nonprofit Network paints a familiar picture: burnout, financial stress, and growing demands. At MakeWay, we believe there’s a significant need to invest in capacity strengthening to support leaders' growth and wellbeing. As community leaders continue to meet today’s challenges with courage, we have an opportunity to come together, rethink how we support and fund organizations, and help ensure nonprofits can thrive, not just survive. #NonProfits #CapacityBuilding #Philanthropy

The Ontario Nonprofit Network has completed their annual state of the #NFP sector survey and the forecast identifies a clear need for investment. Volunteerism and charitable giving has not returned to pre-pandemic levels and presents risk to organizations not receiving sufficient support from local and provincial government funders. “This year’s data reveals that the nonprofit sector is experiencing stagnant and declining financial resources amidst climbing demand... A better supported nonprofit sector means less pressure on tertiary systems, high-quality and accessible programs and services for all, better social cohesion, and ultimately better supported Ontarians.” Public call to action: ✔️ Participate in democratic processes ✔️ Get involved in your communities ✔️ Support nonprofit advocacy

📣 Nonprofit friends! 🧠 Sharing some great ideas from my colleagues at Arabella Advisors about how you can ease the burden of government reimbursement grants (think CARES Act, Inflation Reduction Act, etc.) as well as prepare your internal systems for an influx of funding. Take a read!

📣 Sector News 📣 Statistics Canada | Statistique Canada recently conducted a survey to fill long-standing gaps in knowledge about the nonprofit sector. Conducted in January and February 2024, the survey gathered vital insights from over 8,000 charities and nonprofits, providing essential data for understanding the sector's current landscape and evolving needs. Key findings cover subsectors, organizational sizes, legal statuses, volunteer engagement, diversity in leadership, communities served, financial situations, and the growing demand for services. This is the first major data collection since the 2003 National Survey of Nonprofit and Voluntary Organizations. Imagine Canada has provided a summary of the findings, which you can review here: https://ow.ly/XPmu50S1uzM

Recent legislation has opened up incredible opportunities for nonprofits to access government dollars, but these coveted grants often come in the form of reimbursement-based awards that require organizations to complete the work before receiving any funding. This structure means nonprofits must foot the bill for their activities upfront, and it poses a particularly acute challenge for grassroots groups with less resources on hand. In a recent blog post, our colleagues Tivoni Devor and Ryan Ulbrich outline potential solutions for both donors and nonprofits. Learn how to better navigate and access these reimbursement-based government grants to continue maximizing your impact. Read more here: https://ow.ly/so3M50RF1fY