Who We Are
AFP Canada, formed in 2017, was created to bring a Canadian perspective to AFP’s government relations and communications as well as to focus on priorities such as Truth and Reconciliation. We represent over 3,000 fundraising professionals working to support causes and missions that help Canadians from coast to coast to coast. We serve as a part of the larger AFP Global network—the largest community of professional fundraisers in the world.
As a member of AFP, you are part of a large community. You are one of over 3,000 members in Canada AND you are one of over 26,000 members internationally. Since it was formed in 1960, AFP has inspired global change and supported efforts that have generated over $1 trillion. AFP’s members raise over $100 billion annually. This network of passionate professionals is here for you. They, along with your AFP membership, help you to succeed.
About AFP Canada
Vision: To stimulate a world of generosity and positive social good through fundraising best practices.
Mission: The Association of Fundraising Professionals empowers individuals and organizations to practice ethical fundraising through professional education, networking, research and advocacy.
- Incorporated as a federal nonprofit in 2017
- Created in response to feedback from AFP members across Canada
- Governed by a committed volunteer Board of Directors
- Provides Canada-focused government relations & communications
- Develops and implements a strategic plan for AFP in Canada
- Empowers members in Canada to practice ethical fundraising
- Supports the growth and development of networks of fundraisers in Canada
- Provides a bilingual national voice for the fundraising profession in Canada
About the Charitable Sector in Canada
- 24% of Canadians expect to rely on charities for basic needs (Ipsos poll conducted for CanadaHelps, 2023) and 57% of charities report that they cannot meet the current level of demand for services (CanadaHelps, The Giving Report 2024)
- Our sector employs more than 2 million Canadians at more than 170,000 nonprofits and charities (Non-profit Organizations and Volunteering Satellite Account: Human Resources Module, 2010 to 2021)
- It contributes over 8% of gross domestic product, exceeding the oil and gas or finance industries (Non-profit institutions and volunteering: Economic contribution, fourth quarter 2022) making an annual contribution of $216.5 billion to the Canadian economy (National Insights into Non-profit Organizations, Canadian Survey on Business Conditions, 2023)
- More than $11.8 billion in donations given to charities in 2021 by reported by tax filers (Statistics Canada, Charitable donors, 2021)
- 17.7% of Canadians give per tax filings (CanadaHelps, The Giving Report 2024)
Helpful Links
- AFP Canada Fact Sheet
- AFP Canada Board of Directors and the general information on the board nominations process
- AFP Canada Policy on IDEA
- AFP Canada Norms of Behaviour
- AFP Canada Financial Statements (2024)
- Strategic Plan for AFP in Canada - 2022-2026
- AFP Canada bylaws
