The Economic Impact of the Non-Profit Sector by Michelle Baldwin

What sector has more economic impact than the motor vehicle manufacturing industry and is more than 50 per cent larger than Canada’s entire retail trade industry?

As visions of multi-million dollar corporations in high-rise buildings fill your head, you might be surprised to find that this sector lies in our own backyard. This powerful, economic engine doesn’t lie in the public or private realm, but is the nonprofit sector of our community.

Canada is home to the second-largest nonprofit workforce in the world. It is a dynamic sector that contributes $112 billion to our economy each year. From 11.8 million volunteers and two million paid employees, these individuals work for 161,000 different organizations. These are massive numbers. They create a huge impact.

Volunteers frequently outnumber paid employees at nonprofit organizations. More than half of all nonprofit and voluntary organizations in Ontario and Canada have no paid staff. Most nonprofits couldn’t exist without the hard work and dedication of their volunteers.

The value of volunteer contribution in London is estimated at $672 million, which clearly confirms its equality among the corporate and public sectors. The economic and social impact made by volunteers is remarkable and an irreplaceable part of our community.

Do you know London has more than 1000 nonprofit and charitable organizations? Nonprofits help to define our community through environment, art, culture, sport, health care, social services, research and community development. It’s hard to imagine our city without the contributions of nonprofits, their programs and services and the incredible staff and volunteers who champion the cause.

Clearly, the nonprofit sector is essential to a strong and vibrant London community. The expertise and passion of its employees and volunteers drive the quality programs and services that benefit each of us.

Added together, nonprofits and charities are a powerful force that has tremendous economic and social impact on our community. As members of the London community, all of our lives have been touched by the nonprofit and charitable sector. Just as we recognize the private and public sectors for their momentous roles in our community, it is time to offer the same praise and recognition to the nonprofit sector.