Who We Are
Imagine Canada is a national registered charity with offices in Toronto, Calgary and Ottawa that looks into and out for Canada’s charities and nonprofits.
We deliver research that puts the sector on the map and raises its profile in the minds of Canadians. We shape public policy and build support, encourage collaboration and engagement from businesses, government and individuals. And we deliver tools, resources and networking opportunities directly to nonprofits and charities to build and strengthen the sector one organization at a time. Together, they contribute to social progress and vibrant communities.
Mission
Advancing knowledge and relationships to foster effective and sustainable charitable and nonprofit organizations.
Vision
We believe in a Canada where strong and vital charitable and nonprofit organizations, the private sector and governments individually and collectively contribute to social progress and vibrant communities.
History
Imagine Canada is the result of a union of two of Canada’s leading charitable umbrella organizations: the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy (CCP), and the Coalition of National Voluntary Organizations (NVO).
In 2003, the directors of CCP and NVO realized the sector was changing, and began discussing how Canada’s charities and nonprofits could benefit from one unified organization that built on their respective strengths of advocacy, research and corporate citizenship.
After one of the most extensive consultative processes undertaken to date in the nonprofit sector, Imagine Canada was launched in January 2005.
Our Logo
Our graphic symbol stems from a prism that funnels in the interests and involvement of Canada’s charitable and nonprofit sector together with its stakeholders -- and delivers outward a roster of supports and services designed to strengthen the sector. Our rendition of the prism emphasizes the three key stakeholders that together make the sector work: government, individuals and business.
Did you know that there are 161,000 nonprofilts and charities in Canada?
Did you know that Canada’s nonprofit and voluntary sector is the 2nd largest in the world?
The sector represents 7.1% of the gross domestic product
The sector is larger than automotive and manufacturing. It generates $112 billion in revenues and employs 2 million people
Canadians donated $9 billion in 2004
Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island have the highest donor rates in the country at 93%
Canadians gave 2 billion volunteer hours in 2004
Teenagers volunteer more than any other age group
One percent of nonprofits command 60% of all revenues flowing to the sector
Canadians with the lowest household incomes give a greater percentage of their income than others
Saskatchewan has the highest volunteer rate in the country, followed by the Northwest Territories and the Yukon
Canadians give the most money to religious organizations, followed by health and social services
