Insights from the CICP on Charity Spending, Priorities, and Pressures

A report from Carleton University on charity spending, priorities, and pressures was recently brought to our attention by Imagine Canada. In it, the following points seem to have stood out:

• Respondents estimated that 47% of their budgets go to salaries and benefits on average

• 44% of respondents indicated that they anticipate needing to increase salaries and benefits more than any other spending in the coming year

• 59% say salaries and benefits are underfunded

• Given extra funds, 44% would boost staff pay

You can read the full report from the Charity Insights Canada Project (CICP) here.

Does the report provide any information that stands out to you? Drop us a line and we'd love to chat more about it!

ONN Blog: Navigating a "Canada First" Investment Strategy

With ongoing trade tensions, many Canadian organizations are looking to support the home team, and charities — especially foundations — have a unique opportunity to do so through their investment portfolios. But is a "Canada First" investment strategy actually allowed? Turns out, there are some interesting legal hoops to consider, mainly around prioritizing returns versus furthering the charity's overall goals.

Navigating these complex investment decisions requires a nuanced understanding of both financial and ethical considerations. You can further explore how to align your investments with your values and legal charity requirements on the ONN Blog, “Canada First investing for charities and foundations in Ontario: Is it even allowed?” by Benjamin Miller.

Young Associates can provide expert guidance when it comes to getting a handle on your finances and cash flow and making the decision to invest. To delve deeper into financial planning for the arts, check out Finance for the Arts in Canada.

CRA Releases Report on the Charities Program 2023 to 2024

Want to know what the CRA's been up to with charities lately? Their latest "Report on the Charities Program 2023 to 2024" is out, and it gives you the lowdown on how they're supporting registered charities while trying to keep everyone's trust in the sector strong. They're all about helping charities do their amazing work but also making sure everyone plays by the rules.

Curious about how all this affects arts and culture orgs? Young Associates gets the ins and outs of this sector and can help with your financial needs. Plus, you can always grab a copy of "Finance for the Arts in Canada" for even more info!

A Message from the Canada Council for the Arts

In a candid open letter, Michelle Chawla, Director and CEO of the Canada Council for the Arts, addresses the arts community's anxieties amidst growing economic uncertainties, particularly the looming threat of tariffs. She highlights the sector's crucial role in fostering national cohesion, driving economic growth, and showcasing Canada's global identity, even as rising costs and cautious spending patterns create significant challenges. Chawla emphasizes the need for sustained support and collective advocacy, urging the arts community to articulate its value to decision-makers and Canadians alike.

You can read the full open letter to the Canadian arts community on the Canada Council website, here.

Young Associates can help your organization navigate these fluctuating economic conditions, ensuring that your financial strategy aligns with these evolving realities.

Tariffs and the Arts Community

The Canadian live performing arts community faces a climate of uncertainty amidst proposed international trade tariffs and shifting political landscapes, though the tariffs themselves don't directly target services.

Our friends at CAPACOA are actively addressing these concerns by reinforcing its network, advocating for artists, and providing resources to navigate potential challenges. With a focus on maintaining strong international connections and supporting labor mobility, CAPACOA is working closely with U.S. counterparts and Canadian authorities to mitigate the impact of these changes.

Young Associates can also assist your organization in navigating the financial and operational complexities that arise from these international trends, ensuring your continued success.

Charity and Nonprofit Sector Trends for 2025 Q1

The dawn of 2025 brings a landscape of significant political and economic uncertainty, posing substantial challenges for Canadian nonprofits. With the specter of U.S. tariffs looming and domestic political upheaval underway, the sector faces potential economic downturns and shifts in government priorities. The possibility of a 5.6% GDP decline and a 4.1% core inflation rate due to tariffs, as projected by Scotiabank, could severely impact funding and increase demand for services like food banks, which are already experiencing historic highs. The rapid political developments — including a cabinet shuffle, leadership race, and impending federal election — add further layers of complexity, potentially delaying critical funding decisions and policy advancements. 

Young Associates can help your organization navigate these trends, ensuring financial stability and strategic adaptation in these uncertain times.

Read more here: https://imaginecanada.ca/en/360/what-trends-will-impact-charities-and-nonprofits-first-quarter-2025