Ontario nonprofits brace for uncertainty as demand stays high

Ontario Nonprofit Network says new 2026 survey data shows nonprofits are adapting to rapid change even as service demand remains elevated, expenses keep rising and volunteer recruitment gets harder. The group is urging provincial action on sector representation, administrative burden and stabilization funding.

Why it matters: - Ontario nonprofits are still seeing heavy demand for services, even as the financial pressure on organizations keeps building. - The findings point to strain across the sector that could affect service delivery, staffing, volunteers and long-term stability. - ONN says the health of nonprofits is tied to the health of Ontario communities.

What happened: - Ontario Nonprofit Network released its 2026 State of the Sector report, titled “Ontario’s nonprofits: Focused on preparedness during uncertainty.” - The report draws on ONN’s annual survey and seven years of sector data. - The survey was conducted by Environics Research. - The online survey ran from May 1 to July 13, 2026, and was open to all nonprofits in Ontario. - A total of 741 nonprofits, charities and grassroots groups completed the survey.

The details: - ONN said the appearance of stabilization in the 2026 data reflects multiple adaptation strategies nonprofits are using to handle rapid change and emergencies. - 77% of nonprofits reported an increase in demand for services. - Demand is slowing, but it remains high. - 44% of nonprofits reported revenue increases. - 84% reported increases in expenses. - Revenues continue to flatten or decline while expenses outpace them. - 45% of respondents reported volunteer recruitment and retention challenges. - Board and committee roles were the hardest positions to fill. - ONN framed the findings around indicators including demand, capacity, revenue, expenses, reserve funds, human resources, volunteers and risk of closure.

Between the lines: - The data suggests many nonprofits are adapting, but not necessarily becoming more secure. - ONN’s emphasis on preparedness signals concern that a stable-looking surface may still hide long-term fragility. - The survey sample is self-selected, since organizations chose whether to participate. - ONN says the results reflect the make-up of Ontario’s nonprofit sector.

What's next: - ONN is urging the Ontario government to create a formal home for Ontario’s 64,000 nonprofits and charities by appointing an Associate Minister within the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. - ONN also wants a Deputy or Assistant Deputy Minister in an office representing nonprofits, charities and social innovation. - The network is calling for a time-limited effort to remove administrative burdens in transfer payment agreements. - ONN is asking the Ministry of Red Tape Reduction to work with nonprofits on that review. - The group also wants targeted, short-term stabilization grants for nonprofits in regions most exposed to economic turmoil.

The bottom line: - Ontario’s nonprofit sector is still meeting high demand, but rising costs, staffing pressure and volunteer challenges are pushing it toward a more fragile balance.