Pre-Budget Consultation Submission

NACY's recommendations for Budget 2025 focus on strengthening mental health services, expanding job opportunities, and increasing support for youth-serving organizations.

Summary of our recommendations:

1. Expand Mental Health Services – Increase healthcare funding for mental health & addiction services to 12%, ensuring accessible, trauma-informed care for youth.
2. Invest in Equity & Jobs – Double funding for youth programs like Canada Summer Jobs & Canadian Service Corps, prioritizing equity-deserving communities.
3. Support Child & Youth Non-Profits – Strengthen funding for child and youth-serving organizations to enhance education, employment, and mental health support.

Read our full pre-budget submission & share yours for broader dissemination by emailing communications@nacy.ca

Sector Wins

• United for Literacy President & CEO, Mélanie Valcin, MA joined host Pierre Daillie on the Insight is Capital Podcast to shed light on a critical literacy issues. Tune in here.
• YMCA Canada received a Leaders Circle Research Grant. This grant will be crucial for advancing the YMCA’s sustainability goals and address climate justice. #LeadersCircleTO
• A big double-scoop thank you to Baskin Robbins, who raised $30,000 for BGC Canada through their 2024 Pink Spoon Campaign!
• Annie Kidder, Executive Director of People for Education, has been named a @woiglobal Top 25 Women of Influence+ Award recipient!
• United Nations Association in Canada CEO, Aki Temisevä, attended the ECOSOC Partnership Forum at UNHQ & @wfuna’s Model UN, where 1,300+ students tackled global challenges with energy and resolve.
• Jack.org founders, Eric Windeler & Sandra Hanington, received the King Charles III Coronation Medal for their impact on youth mental health. 

Funding Opportunities

• 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 March 31, 2025
• InMotion Network: Go Girl Event Grants: Go Girl events provide a unique opportunity for communities to reach out to their teen girls by providing grants up to a maximum of $2500. Deadline: April 1, 2025
• CIRA’s Net Good Grants: Registered charities, non-profits, Indigenous communities and universities and colleges are eligible for up to $100,000 per grant. Deadline: April 9 at 2:00 p.m. ET

Professional Development

• The National Association of Friendship Centre’s (NAFC) 3rd Annual Urban Indigenous Summit - Paths Forward: Strengthening Urban Indigenous Futures is happening Dec 9-11, 2025, at the Westin Ottawa on Algonquin territory. Register here.

• Public Education & Philanthropy: What do educators and students need to thrive? Join The Walrus Talks @ Home on March 25, 2025! Proudly partnered with TakingITGlobal.

• Strengthen your remote team with Jack Ride - join top corporate teams like BMO, CIBC & Accenture while supporting a great cause! Sign up here before prices rise.

• Educators, want to bring global perspectives into your teaching? Join Plan International Canada's virtual workshop on March 15th to explore strategies, resources, and ways to engage students in global citizenship. RSVP here.

• Canadian Vote Summit | Democratic Engagement Exchange | May 20-21, 2025

Policy and Research

• What is the nonprofit sector asking for in 2025? With an election and the Federal Budget on the horizon, the latest Imagine Canada blog explores key trends in #nonprofit pre-budget submissions. Read here.
• Canadians with lower literacy skills are less likely to vote. Explore United for Literacy in collaboration with Elections Canada toolkit for inclusive civic education here.
• The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is calling for a National Curriculum that equips young people with real-life skills and experiential learning. Now’s the time to make it happen! Read more.
• The four-day work week in nonprofits - does it really work? This Future of Good article explores insights from three Canadian nonprofits, including Imagine Canada. Read here.
• Election hangs on youth vote as Gen Z and Millennials ditch major parties. Read more.
• Schools aren’t making the grade. Read here.

Hiring Opportunities

• Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives is hiring a research assistant who'll be responsible for providing research and support services to the CCPA’s Research Department under David Macdonald. Apply here.
• Children's Aid Foundation of Canada is hiring for an Impact Lead, Partnership Programs, and Ventures. Apply here.