Did you know the charitable sector and community groups in the capital region now contribute nearly the same amount of money each year as the thriving technology sector?
Our local ‘safety net’ sector is a proven community asset. Certainly, a force to be reckoned with!
A new civil society impact study called “Architects of Belonging,” produced by the Victoria Foundation, in collaboration with UVic and CIFAL Victoria, analyzes the survey results from nearly a thousand local registered charities. It also uses data from the 2023 Canada Revenue Agency filings.
The final report reveals surprising findings about the social and economic impacts of today’s civil society organizations.
Here are six things you might now know about today’s charities and non-profits, and how to make your own impact:
1. Roughly 20 cents of every dollar spent in Greater Victoria goes to the charitable sector
This leaves a considerable mark. Overall, registered charities now contribute $5.4 billion each year to the local economy – up $1.4 billion from the last civil society report in 2018.
The sector’s contribution is the equivalent of 60,600 full-time jobs and $366 million in municipal taxes. We invite you to take a moment to think about that impact.
2. Most charities are working in partnership with each other to achieve their goals.
The safety net is tightening. No longer are organizations focused solely on their own goals for the community.
77 per cent of registered charities say they’re now working in partnership with other charities to some capacity.
Working together allows for shared learning, skills development, deeper networks and a broader community reach. Combining forces strengthens belonging.
3. Many charities now offer programs for equity-deserving populations.
Most charities – 86 per cent of them – are focused on full-scale organizational change. This is so that all kinds of people – no matter their backgrounds or abilities – can take advantage of all programs and services.
Almost half the organizations have specific programs supporting Indigenous peoples and about two-thirds of organizations are actively building their understanding of BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
4. Despite all this, the sector is facing greater demands.
Charities are making so much impact for a reason: communities really need their support.
In 2025, a State of BC’s Non-profit Sector report called “Stretched Thin” was produced by Vantage Point and the BC Non-Profit network, and supported by the Victoria Foundation, Vancouver Foundation and Tiny Foundation. The report reveals that across BC, community halls, food banks, arts groups and health centres are serving more people than ever.
Organizations are working hard to strategize on how to meet increasingly complex needs of the people they serve.
5. There are many ways you can strengthen the charitable sector.
If you’re a community member, you can support the organizations that support those around you. Volunteer, offer your professional expertise or skills, join committees or support your local social enterprises.
If you’re an organizational leader, continue strengthening your core operations. Focus on strategic partnerships, diversify your funding resources and use this report to advocate for funding models that support your operations.
And if you’re a donor or funder, shift how you fund organizations. Considering following trust-based philanthropy, which provides unrestricted operational support. Consider impact investments that build long-term capacity. Focus on partnerships with other organizations.
6. The Victoria Foundation can help you get involved.
Staff at the Victoria Foundation are available to meet with you on a variety of ways to support the charitable sector. This includes some programs you can get involved in at the Foundation itself. We invite you to contact us at any time to learn more!