Why Greater Victoria’s charitable sector matters more than ever

The charitable and nonprofit sector is one of Greater Victoria’s most powerful—and often under-recognized—economic and social engines.

That’s the core takeaway from Architects of Belonging, a new Civil Society Impact Study released by the Victoria Foundation in partnership with the University of Victoria and CIFAL Victoria. The report is a follow-up to the Foundation’s landmark 2018 study, offering the most up-to-date picture of how charities, nonprofits, and community organizations are shaping life in the capital region.

The numbers alone are striking. The charitable sector now generates $5.4 billion in total economic activity annually in the capital region—an increase of $1.4 billion since 2018—and supports the equivalent of 60,600 full-time jobs. With multiplier effects included, that impact rises to nearly $8.7 billion, placing the sector on par with Greater Victoria’s technology industry and alongside traditionally recognized economic drivers in BC like agriculture, forestry, and fishing.

The report goes beyond economics. It highlights how the sector is evolving to meet changing community needs. According to survey data, 86% of charities are now working to serve equity-deserving populations, while 77% are collaborating with other organizations to better address complex social challenges.

“As champions for the charitable sector, the Victoria Foundation produced the Architects of Belonging report to show the immense social and economic impact of civil society,” said Victoria Foundation CEO Sandra Richardson, noting that a strong, sustainable sector is essential to fostering a sense of belonging across Greater Victoria.

The study also arrives at a critical moment. National data show that Canadians’ sense of belonging has declined significantly over the past decade, underscoring the importance of the community-based work being done locally. Lead researcher Dr. Crystal Tremblay emphasized that the report connects hard economic data with the lived experience of belonging—and the urgent need to support the organizations helping hold communities together.

The findings reinforce a simple but powerful message: Greater Victoria’s charitable sector isn’t just a social good—it’s a cornerstone of the region’s economy, resilience, and collective wellbeing.

The full Architects of Belonging report, along with an infographic and an abridged summary, is available through the Victoria Foundation.