National Nonprofit Sector Advocacy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Canada in March 2020, charitable and nonprofit sector leaders quickly realized the survival of many organizations was at risk. Three national coalitions formed to seek support for the sector from the federal government. Their efforts produced several concrete policy outcomes, including the inclusion of charities and nonprofits in all major federal relief programs and two support programs designed for charities and nonprofits. They also contributed to significantly increased awareness among policymakers of the role and challenges of charities and nonprofits. This has opened a policy window that the sector can use to advance several long-standing goals.