Policy, Politics, and Charities: Ensuring Our Voices Are Heard

Every election brings uncertainty. With shifting Canada-U.S. relations and ongoing economic challenges, the charitable sector feels these effects even more acutely. In response to financial uncertainty or downturns, organizations often scale back fundraising and cause marketing, resulting in funding cuts to the crucial programs Canadians rely on, even more so during challenging times.

Read in latest AFP Canada's article below.

Sector Wins

• We’re #ShadProud to celebrate Tim Jackson, President & CEO of Shad Canada, on receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Waterloo! Congrats, Tim!
• Huge thanks to Credera for supporting United for Literacy with heartfelt letters for our learners and new books on the way.
• The Students Commission of Canada celebrated 25 years of our Centre for Excellence in Youth Engagement (CEYE) at the annual Against the Current Knowledge Exchange!
• YWCA Canada welcomes the return of a dedicated Minister for Women and Gender Equality. Read full statement here.
• Children First Canada proudly celebrates Jayden Paquet Noiseux, awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his outstanding youth advocacy and leadership.

Funding Opportunities

• SSHRC Partnership Engage Grants: These grants provide short-term and timely support for partnered research activities that will inform decision-making at a single partner organization from the public, private or not-for-profit sector. Deadline June 15, 2025
• Making the Shift Youth Homelessness Prevention Awards: Presented by Canada Life and co-led by A Way Home Canada and the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, this award was created to celebrate the important work Canadian organizations and collaborations are doing to prevent youth homelessness in Canada. Deadline June 23, 2025  
• Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) Community Investment Fund: Support charitable projects or events that are making an impact in the communities of Calgary & Edmonton. Deadline June 30, 2025

• CHWM Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month Great Employers Award: Celebrates organizations large and small that are committed to providing a healthy and safe workplaces for their employees.
  Deadline October 31, 2025

Professional Development

• SHARE - Shareholder Association for Research and Education is helping foundations align investments with their values and push for better across the board. Interested in learning more about SHARE's services and research? Contact here.

• Nonprofits and community groups, join Ontario Nonprofit Network at Nonprofit Driven Regional Connects - one-day events in #Sudbury, #Hamilton, and #Ottawa this year (more locations coming!). Tickets here

• Seven top nonprofit board chairs urge the federal government to recognize the sector as a key partner with long-term support. Read op-ed by YMCA Canada here.

• The 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index is here! Canada’s first comprehensive look at nonprofit worker wellbeing covering burnout, safety, job quality, and more. Read the report here.

• The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Access-Funding project is breaking down barriers and opening doors. See if your org is eligible here. 

• Join Results Canada on June 11th for their 2025 AGM featuring Mark Brender (Partners In Health Canada) and volunteer leader Dylan! Register here.

• Join Imagine Canada on May 29th to explore AI bias, ethical adoption, and accessibility in nonprofit work. Register here.

• Celebrate 20 years of impact at the Charity Golf Classic for Pathways to Education Canada on Friday, May 30 @ Lionhead Golf Club Register here.

Policy and Research

• As the first woman to serve as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, Beverley McLachlin shaped the legal landscape of a nation. In a recent Scouts Canada hosted compelling conversation with Kaelem Moniz, she reflects on her path to the bench, the importance of listening, and how a just society depends on inclusive leadership and youth engagement. Watch here.
• A staggering 455 million children – one in six globally – now live in conflict-affected areas, 127 million of whom are denied their right to education. Read the full op-ed via The Philanthropist here.
• We hear a lot of talk about how Canada needs to build up the capacity for greater sovereignty and independence. We should be asking whose sovereignty we mean. Read Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives latest op-ed here.

Hiring Opportunities

• Girl Guides of Canada is hiring a Director, Brand & Marketing. They are looking for someone to champion brand strategy while overseeing marketing management, social media, and creative solutions. Apply here.

• National Association of Friendship Centres is seeking a qualified accounting firm to provide audit services for fiscal years ending March 31, 2026–2028. Bid deadline: June 13, 2025. Send bids/queries to: jrankin@nafc.ca. More details here.