On September 11, 2025, the BC Society for Policy Solutions published an open letter to funders including governments, foundations, philanthropists, labour unions, and businesses calling on them to take action and help save the non-profit sector. Non-profit organizations across British Columbia are facing increase in demand with limited and reduced funding—causing the sector to be in crisis. The letter was signed by over 200 non-profit leaders including DEWC’s Executive Director, Alice Kendall.
“We are not just struggling, we are at risk. The sector is burning out…The core issue is systemic. Most funding is short-term, project-specific, and highly restricted.”
– BC Society for Policy Solutions
The letter states three major ways funders can help stabilize and sustain our sector:
- Provide core, multi-year, unrestricted funding.
Invest in organizational stability, not just one-off pilot projects and guarantee that funding keeps up with the cost of living.
- Reduce administrative burdens while providing transparency to applicants.
Simplify applications and reporting, and ensure grantmaking is transparent, fair, and ethical, so we can focus on delivering programs rather than paperwork.
- Invest in the nonprofit workforce.
Ensure funding enables a living wage, benefits, and professional development.
The non-profit sector provides essential services to the communities we serve, it’s time for systemic changes so this work can continue, sustainably, for everyone who depends on it.
Read the full open letter at: