By Cameron A. Axford

On June 23^rd, 2025, Statistics Canada (“StatCan”) released the 2023 survey data from the Survey on Giving, Volunteering and Participating. StatCan then compared the data from 2018 and 2023 to provide information regarding participation in volunteering activities as well as donations and donors. Overall, the period from 2018 to 2023 showed a significant decrease in volunteering and donors.

The overall volunteer rate in 2023, including both formal and informal volunteering, saw a decrease of 8% from 2018 (from 79% in 2018 to 73% in 2023), with volunteer hours decreasing by 18% from 5 billion in 2018 to 4.1 billion in 2023. Formal volunteering in charitable and non-profit organizations saw a decline with a volunteering rate of 32%, down from 41% in 2018. The overall demographic of the volunteers remained unchanged with women, young adults and those with higher levels of education participating the most. However, the volunteer rate decreased in all groups. Similarly, fewer Canadians participated in informal volunteering in 2023 with a rate decline of 66% from 74% in 2018. StatCan defines informal volunteering as encompassing “improving their community through activities such as maintaining a public space,” and providing “direct help to friends, family members or neighbours.”

Volunteer hours in social service organizations, religious organizations and sports and recreation associations continued to represent the majority of the volunteer hours. However, there was a notable decrease in volunteer hours in hospitals, sports and recreation associations, education and research as well as religious organizations from 2018.

Alongside a decrease in volunteer hours, there was also a decrease in the number of donors in 2023, with a rate of 54% down from 68% in 2018. Despite this decrease, the value of donations remained relatively unchanged at $13.4 billion in 2023, compared with $14.0 billion (as adjusted for inflation) in 2018. 63% of donations in 2023 benefitted religious organizations, health organizations and social service organizations. Notably, there was a decrease in the value of donations to religious organizations by 22%, or $1.4 billion, from 2018 which lined up with a decrease in participation in religious activities during this time period. There was, however, a 20% increase in the value of donations to social services.

As the global and Canadian economies continue to face uncertainty, the decline in both volunteering and donor participation underscores the challenges ahead for charitable and non-profit organizations. In this environment, many will be required to do more with fewer resources. Meeting these challenges will depend on thoughtful decision-making, sound governance, and the continued dedication of volunteers, directors, officers, and staff who remain central to sustaining the sector.

​Read the August 2025 Charity & NFP Law Update