Your Voice in Action: AFP Canada’s Recommendations for Budget 2025

FRANÇAIS

AFP Canada submitted three bold, actionable recommendations to the federal government to strengthen the charitable sector—and they reflect the real challenges you face as fundraising professionals. From establishing a permanent sector secretariat to securing economic supports and formalizing partnerships with government, this submission puts your voice at the center of national policy conversations.

Recommendations
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Canada recommends that the Government of Canada:

• Recommendation #1: Establish a Permanent Charitable Sector Secretariat: Create a well-funded, centralized Secretariat within the federal government to coordinate policy, streamline support, reduce waste and administrative burden for charities.
• Recommendation #2: Include Charities in All Economic Relief Programs: Ensure charities are always eligible for economic support programs, especially during these times of crisis or disruption, on par with other sectors.
• Recommendation #3: Fund Long-Term Partnerships with Charities to Advance National
  Goals: Provide multi-year, outcome-based funding to partner with charities in delivering key federal priorities such as housing, healthcare, job training, and reconciliation.

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July 31, 2025
Hon. Karina Gould, P.C., M.P.
Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance
Sixth Floor, 131 Queen Street
House of Commons
Ottawa ON K1A 0A6

AFP Canada Pre-Budget Submission – Budget 2025

Dear Madam Chair and Members of the Standing Committee on Finance,

On behalf of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Canada, thank you for the opportunity to contribute to the Government of Canada’s pre-budget consultations.|

Representing more than 3,000 fundraising professionals across Canada, AFP’s members serve charities of all sizes, in every province, and across all sub-sectors—from health and education to Indigenous-led initiatives, the arts, community services, and more.

Canada’s charitable sector is a pillar of our national strength. In every corner of the country, charities are advancing inclusion, lifting people out of poverty, building housing, strengthening mental health supports, and responding to local and global crises. But the sector’s ability to deliver on these outcomes depends on meaningful, sustained collaboration with federal partners.

The Charitable Sector Is a National Economic Force
Beyond their social contributions, Canadian charities and non-profits are a powerful economic engine.

• The sector contributes 8.3% of Canada’s GDP, employing 2.4 million people—more than the mining, oil and gas, automotive, or manufacturing industries;
• Its economic footprint surpasses that of agriculture, transportation, and retail;
• It engages millions of volunteers, further multiplying its national impact.

As your government works to deliver on the priorities outlined in Prime Minister Carney’s May 2025 mandate letter, AFP Canada urges you to recognize the charitable sector as a strategic ally in building a stronger, safer, and more resilient Canada. Our recommendations for Budget 2025 would improve the lives of Canadians, increase the efficiency of government operations, and unlock the full potential of a sector that is vital to our shared prosperity.

1. Establish a Permanent Secretariat for the Charitable Sector
AFP Canada recommends creating a well-resourced, permanent Secretariat within the federal government to strengthen coordination, streamline access to supports, and embed the sector in policy development.

Such a Secretariat would significantly improve the efficiency and efficacy of federal engagement with charities. Currently, non-profit organizations interact with multiple government departments through inconsistent, duplicative channels. A centralized Secretariat would reduce administrative burden for both government and the sector while supporting more coherent, datainformed approaches to national priorities.

This recommendation supports:

• Mandate Priority 3: Bring down costs for Canadians – by making programs more accessible and reducing red tape;
• Mandate Priority 5: Protect Canadian sovereignty and keep Canadians safe – by integrating charities into emergency preparedness and crisis response;
• Mandate Priority 7: Spend less on government operations – by creating efficiencies and eliminating wasted effort by redeploying resources to create a focused, single point of entry to government (ie, Social Innovation and Community Development at ESDC).

2. Ensure Charities Are Eligible for Economic Relief and Recovery Programs
As major employers and frontline service providers, charities must be eligible for the same economic supports as other sectors, particularly in times of disruption. Excluding charities from targeted programs—such as those addressing inflation, supply chain shocks, or trade challenges—undermines their ability to serve Canadians during critical periods. This was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic when the sector was originally omitted from the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy program.

This recommendation advances:

• Mandate Priority 3 – by helping charities continue to deliver essential services without passing on costs to individuals or families;
• Mandate Priority 5 – by preserving core community supports during emergencies, from food and shelter to mental health and disaster relief.

3. Partner with Charities to Achieve National Priorities
Canada’s charitable sector plays an indispensable role in delivering on key federal goals, including housing affordability, job training, healthcare access, and reconciliation. Budget 2025 should formalize partnerships with the sector through multi-year, outcome-based funding that enables charities to scale their impact and contribute directly to nation-building efforts.

This recommendation aligns with:

• Mandate Priority 2: Build one Canadian economy – by harnessing the local knowledge and reach of charities across provinces and territories;
• Mandate Priority 4: Make life more affordable – through direct services in housing, childcare, education, and income support;
• Mandate Priority 6: Invest in the skills and trades we need – with charities providing training, mentorship, and workforce integration for underrepresented communities.

When government works in tandem with this sector, it doesn’t just improve outcomes—it strengthens the economy and builds public trust.

Conclusion
A Canada that works together is a Canada that works better. Strengthening our charitable sector—through permanent coordination mechanisms, fair access to support programs, and meaningful partnerships—will help fulfill the Government of Canada’s mandate while ensuring every community has the tools it needs to thrive.

AFP Canada and its 3,000 members stand ready to work with you to deliver on a bold vision for Budget 2025. Together, we can build a Canada that is stronger, more inclusive, and better prepared for the challenges ahead.

Sincerely,
Aaron Sanderson, MA, FAHP, ACFRE
Chair, Government Relations Committee
Chair-Elect, AFP Canada