For the eleventh year in a row, the number of Canadians making charitable donations has dropped, according to The Giving Report 2024 by CanadaHelps and Environics Analytics. This downward trend continues even as Canada’s population has surged past 40 million, thanks to record immigration. The paradox is striking: as the country grows and faces crises like inflation, housing challenges, food insecurity, and global environmental and geopolitical tensions, fewer Canadians are stepping forward to donate.
Between 2010 and 2021, the percentage of Canadians making donations fell from 23.4% to just 17.7%. Meanwhile, more than half (57%) of charities report being unable to meet the rising demand for their services, leaving one in five Canadians reliant on charities in 2023—a sobering statistic that speaks to the widening gap between need and capacity.
What’s Behind the Decline?
Despite Canadians’ vocal support for causes like healthcare, social services, and climate action, a key disconnect remains between intentions and actions. The report identifies multiple barriers to giving:
- Economic hardship: 45% of Canadians who stopped donating cite financial struggles as their primary reason.
- Doubts about impact: Many feel their small contributions won’t make a difference.
- Shifting priorities: Younger generations are more likely to volunteer or promote causes rather than donate financially.
Interestingly, generational trends also play a role. While Gen Z leads in volunteerism, Boomers remain the most reliable donors. However, even Boomers, historically the largest contributors, show signs of scaling back due to economic concerns.
“As Canada welcomes more immigrants and faces growing crises, you’d think charitable giving would increase,” says Kamarah Curling, founder of Charity-Help.ca. “Instead, we’re seeing a troubling gap between what Canadians say they value and their willingness—or ability—to act. Economic pressures are real, but even small contributions, monetary or otherwise, can have a big impact.”
One potential bright spot is the Government of Canada’s decision to extend the 2024 charitable donations deadline to February 28, 2025. This move aims to give taxpayers more time to donate, particularly as the busy holiday season often overshadows charitable giving. Historically, year-end appeals see a spike in donations; this extension could provide struggling charities with some much-needed support.
Bridging the Gap: A Call to Action
CharityAxess urges Canadians to take action today:
- Find a Charity: Discover causes that align with your passions and values.
- Access Services: If you need help, find charities offering food banks, shelters, and other support.
- Donate: Monetary contributions, clothing, furniture, and even your time can make a difference.
As challenges grow, so does the importance of collective effort. Visit CharityAxess to learn how you can make an impact, big or small, and help support Canada’s most vulnerable.
