Support Durham Region's non-profit sector

As one of the fastest growing communities in Canada, Durham Region is facing complex and interconnected community issues, including:

  • Food insecurity
  • Homelessness
  • Mental health
  • Social isolation
  • Addictions
  • Human trafficking
  • Job loss
  • Housing

Charities are on the front line of these challenges. The region is home to more than 900 registered non-profits that provide vital support services.

These include:

  • Emergency food
  • Shelter relief
  • Education and mentoring
  • Religious services
  • Culture and arts activities
  • Sports and recreation opportunities
  • Health care supports

Non-profits contribute significantly to the local economy by creating jobs, attracting volunteers, and fostering community engagement, helping to stabilize and grow the regional economy.

However, our non-profits are struggling with financial instability, a lack of volunteers, increasing reliance on reserves, and difficulties recruiting and retaining staff, which is why giving back is so important

Ongoing support can be provided to local non-profit agencies across Durham Region through donations of money or goods, volunteering time and expertise, and encouraging others to do the same.



Donating gently used items and food is one way you can help those in need.

Non-profit agencies are facing increased demand but are struggling with declining donations following the pandemic. While cleaning out your closet or pantry, please consider donating your gently used toys, clothing, unopened food, and other household items to your local food bank or shelter.



Volunteering your time and expertise is one of the greatest ways you can give back to your community.

Volunteers are vital to the success of our non-profits. We are facing a volunteer shortage at a time when the demand for the important services our non-profits provide is increasing. We can help our non-profits by volunteering our time and encouraging others to do the same. Volunteering is a great way to give back, meet new people, and gain personal and professional experience.



In addition to government funding, local charities and non-profit agencies rely on donations to provide important programs and services. Giving to local charities or non-profits is a helpful way to ensure their important services continue to make a difference in our community. If you're able to, please consider making an unrestricted gift to a local charity or non-profit that has made a difference in your life or your loved ones.

As one of the fastest growing communities in Canada, Durham Region is facing complex and interconnected community issues, including:

  • Food insecurity
  • Homelessness
  • Mental health
  • Social isolation
  • Addictions
  • Human trafficking
  • Job loss
  • Housing

Charities are on the front line of these challenges. The region is home to more than 900 registered non-profits that provide vital support services.

These include:

  • Emergency food
  • Shelter relief
  • Education and mentoring
  • Religious services
  • Culture and arts activities
  • Sports and recreation opportunities
  • Health care supports

Non-profits contribute significantly to the local economy by creating jobs, attracting volunteers, and fostering community engagement, helping to stabilize and grow the regional economy.

However, our non-profits are struggling with financial instability, a lack of volunteers, increasing reliance on reserves, and difficulties recruiting and retaining staff, which is why giving back is so important

Ongoing support can be provided to local non-profit agencies across Durham Region through donations of money or goods, volunteering time and expertise, and encouraging others to do the same.



Donating gently used items and food is one way you can help those in need.

Non-profit agencies are facing increased demand but are struggling with declining donations following the pandemic. While cleaning out your closet or pantry, please consider donating your gently used toys, clothing, unopened food, and other household items to your local food bank or shelter.



Volunteering your time and expertise is one of the greatest ways you can give back to your community.

Volunteers are vital to the success of our non-profits. We are facing a volunteer shortage at a time when the demand for the important services our non-profits provide is increasing. We can help our non-profits by volunteering our time and encouraging others to do the same. Volunteering is a great way to give back, meet new people, and gain personal and professional experience.



In addition to government funding, local charities and non-profit agencies rely on donations to provide important programs and services. Giving to local charities or non-profits is a helpful way to ensure their important services continue to make a difference in our community. If you're able to, please consider making an unrestricted gift to a local charity or non-profit that has made a difference in your life or your loved ones.

  • Supporting Durham's non-profits

    Durham Region’s charitable and non-profit sector play a crucial role in cultivating thriving and vibrant communities.

    The Region of Durham’s Social Services Department supports the local non-profit sector through the Community Social Investment Program (CSIP). Through the CSIP, the Region allocates public funds to initiatives/organizations aimed at improving human services, reducing poverty, promoting wellness, and serving marginalized and equity-deserving groups. The program prioritizes community engagement, collaborative solutions, and transparent reporting to foster trust and accountability.

    A key component of the CSIP is the Thriving Communities Fund, which is funding that supports operational and/or capacity-building activities. In 2024, the Thriving Communities Fund provided up to $50,000 each, to twelve non-profit organizations.

    The Region of Durham remains committed to building resilient communities by investing in local non-profits that enhance residents’ quality of life. For more information about the CSIP, please visit the Community Social Investment Program page.

Page last updated: 15 Nov 2024, 08:06 AM