Research Programs & Resources
About the Volunteer Canada Partnership
AFP in Canada has been involved since Phase 1 of the Data-Driven Engagement (DDE) project, funded through Employment and Social Development Canada. This work has focused on strengthening how our sector understands and uses national data on giving, volunteering, and civic participation. Phase 2 continues to build on that momentum.
At its core, the project is about increasing awareness, access, and practical application of data from Statistics Canada’s General Social Survey on Giving, Volunteering, and Participating. This includes building sector capacity for data-informed decision-making, expanding access through the Canadian Knowledge Hub for Giving and Volunteering, and developing learning opportunities such as the Data-Driven Engagement Certificate.
There has been great progress to date. The webinar series is underway, the certificate program has seen strong engagement, and the team has been actively developing new ways to translate complex data into more accessible and actionable insights for the sector.
As part of this work, AFP in Canada is pleased to continue supporting the promotion and delivery of learning opportunities that help fundraisers and nonprofit leaders apply data in meaningful ways. We encourage members of our community to take advantage of the upcoming webinar series led by Volunteer Canada's Knowledge Translation and Mobilization Manager, Chantelle Ramsundar. These sessions offer timely insights into the changing landscape of giving and volunteering in Canada, while demonstrating the practical value of the data and tools being developed through the Data-Driven Engagement project.
Learn More And View Upcoming Webinars
The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Anti-Racism (IDEAA) Report | Le Rapport de constats et recommandations IDEAA 2025
The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Anti-Racism (IDEAA) Report is the result of a collective vision rooted in accountability and the belief that the systemic change needed in the non profit/charitable sector and in AFP in Canada to confront pervasive inequities requires an urgent response that starts from within. This report is not a conclusion, but a deliberate and necessary early step. Read More
Le Rapport de constats et recommandations IDEAA 2025 est le résultat d’une vision collective ancrée dans la responsabilisation et la conviction que le changement systémique nécessaire dans le secteur sans but lucratif et caritatif et dans l’AFP au Canada, pour lutter contre les inégalités omniprésentes, nécessite une réponse urgente venant de l’intérieur. Ce rapport n’est pas une conclusion, mais une première étape délibérée et nécessaire. En savoir plus
Explore IDEA at AFP Canada
AFP Canada is committed to the principles of IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity and access) which guide our work as a national leading voice for the fundraising profession in Canada. Building on the work that is led by AFP Global, AFP Canada's work is guided by our policy on IDEA and norms of behaviour.
In partnership with the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy - Canada, we are focused on two priorities in Canada: 1-Taking meaningful actions on Truth and Reconciliation; and, 2-The IDEAA (inclusion, diversity, equity, access and anti-racism) audit.
Assessing the Role of Foundation Grants in Achieving Sustainable Fundraising by Canadian Charities | Évaluation du rôle des subventions de fondations dans la réalisation de collectes de fonds durables par les organismes de bienfaisance canadiens
The AFP Foundation for Philanthropy – Canada is pleased to share the newest research funded by the Foundation on “Assessing the Role of Foundation Grants in Achieving Sustainable Fundraising by Canadian Charities”. This research was produced by Iryna Khovrenkov, Associate Professor with the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy at the University of Regina along with four research students.
Learn More
La Fondation canadienne pour la philanthropie de l’AFP est heureuse de publier la plus récente étude qu’elle a financée sur l’« Évaluation du rôle des subventions de fondations dans la réalisation de collectes de fonds durables par les organismes de bienfaisance canadiens ». Cette étude a été réalisée par Iryna Khovrenkov, professeure agrégée à la Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy de l’Université de Regina, avec l’aide de quatre étudiantes-chercheuses.
Pour en apprendre plus
Philanthropic Research: Call for Proposals / Recherche en philanthropie: Appel de propositions
Interested in conducting research for the fundraising profession? The AFP Foundation for Philanthropy – Canada is now accepting research proposals related to various topics in fundraising. The deadline to submit proposals is Monday, March 14, 2022.
Learn More | Pour en apprendre plus
Canadian Donors Giving More to Charity (What Canadian Donors Want 2021)
Canadian donors gave almost $1000 to charity, on average, according to the 2021 What Canadian Donors Want survey, conducted by Forum Research for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Foundation for Philanthropy – Canada and sponsored by Fundraise Up.
First FEP Canada Report Shows Charitable Giving Up Slightly in 2019
Giving increased by 1.6 percent in 2019 and the number of donors grew by 2.2 percent, according to the Fundraising Effectiveness Project’s (FEP) 2019 Canada Fourth Quarter Report, with significant giving coming from donors who gave $1,000 or more.
What Canadian Donors Want 2018
Seven in ten Canadians have given to charity over the past year, and almost half of donors are open to different sorts of giving approaches than just the traditional solicitation letter, according to the 2018 What Canadian Donors Want Survey, conducted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Foundation for Philanthropy – Canada in partnership with Ipsos.
Research Grants Available (Program Suspended for 2020)
The AFP Foundation for Philanthropy - Canada in its mandate to support research on philanthropy, fundraising and the fundraising profession in Canada invites submissions for research grants. Grants will be awarded each year with submissions due annually. Information on grant selection criteria, research project guidelines and submission contact may be found below:
AFP Foundation for Philanthropy Canada Research Awards and Grants: Guide & Form (English)
AFP Foundation for Philanthropy Canada Research Awards and Grants: Guide & Form (French)
Recently Funded Research:
- 2020 - Donor Engagement of Women in Canada: Insights on Fundraising Programs and Practices: English | French
- 2019 – Canadian Fundraising Leadership Survey
- 2017 - Retail demand for impact investing: Financing solutions for creating shared value
- 2016 - Responsible charitable investing: an analysis of investing disclosure and practices in the top Canadian charities
- 2014 - The New Regulatory Regime for Social Enterprise in Canada: Potential Impacts on Nonprofit Growth and Sustainability
National Scholarship Program
The AFP Foundation for Philanthropy—Canada offers Canadian fundraising professionals working for charitable and non-profit organizations the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in fundraising. Financial scholarships, up to a maximum of $1000, are being offered to cover registration and travel costs for educational programs at the local, national and/or international level.
AFP IDEA - Fellowship in Inclusion and Philanthropy
Public Awareness Communications Toolkit
(Updated Feb. 8, 2016) AFP has developed resource materials to help Canadian fundraisers engage their local, provincial and federal government systems. This Toolkit (see Attachments, below) is funded by a generous gift from Don Johnson, together with donations raised through the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy – Canada’s Every Member Campaign and funds from the Winnipeg Foundation. Included in the toolkit is a refresher on parliament, including a description of parliamentary roles and the protocol for addressing a member of Parliament, Senator or Cabinet Minister. You will also find tips on arranging meetings, setting agendas and making a concise elevator pitch to members of the government. The toolkit also provides recommended next steps after you have met with a legislator/government officials to cultivate the relationship. The toolkit extends the ongoing work efforts of the AFP Canadian Government Relations (GR) Committee.
