The charitable and non-profit sector is important for healthy and vibrant communities across Durham. The sector involves community agencies that provide programs and services for many aspects of a resident’s life—at all ages and stages—supporting key issues impacting our community. These include food insecurity, homelessness, mental health, social isolation, addictions, human trafficking, job loss, and housing, among many others.

While local charities and non-profit agencies across Durham Region may receive funding from government sources, they rely heavily on local donations and volunteers to sustain needed programs and services. The non-profit sector is experiencing declining donations following the pandemic and a volunteer shortage at a time when the demand for their services is increasing. Like residents, charities and non-profits are also impacted by rising costs due to inflation.

The Region of Durham is encouraging residents to provide support to local non-profit agencies through donations of food and clothing, volunteering time and expertise, and when possible, giving to local charities or non-profits that make a difference in our community.

Ongoing support can be provided through donations of money or goods to local agencies, or by volunteering your time and encouraging others to do the same. To learn more about how you can support non-profit agencies in Durham Region, visit durham.ca/non-profits.

Note: The success of Durham Region's non-profit sector is critical to the health and well-being of our community. The Region of Durham’s Social Services Department is developing a community investment framework to support our local non-profit sector. Priorities within our community are determined through various plans and strategies, including the 2020-2024 Durham Region Strategic Plan and the Durham Region Community Safety and Well-Being Plan.

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