Let’s Make Impact, Together
Discover how Impact Organizations of Nova Scotia is helping to build a more equitable Nova Scotia
IONS advocates for, supports and amplifies the shared voice and work of the community impact sector. We offer capacity building opportunities and resources to organizations making a positive impact in their communities.
Discover how you and your organization can benefit from IONS resources
Learn more about our current programming and services, purpose-led careers, available grants and funding for the Community Impact Sector, and access content through our comprehensive, searchable Resource Library.
Sector Services
Events & Programs
RESOURCE
LIBRARY
OPPORTUNITIES
What’s Exciting at IONS
PROGRAM
Sector-wide Employee Group Benefits Program
IONS IDEAS
Resisting a Rest: How Urgency Culture Polices our Work
NEW TOOL
Community Impact Sector Network Map
See why the Community Impact Sector is vital in creating a better future for all.
Nova Scotia’s Community Impact Sector is made up of over 6,400 impact organizations, consisting of registered nonprofits, charities and Community Interest Companies (CICs). These organizations fill gaps not covered by businesses or government, serving communities across the province through a wide range of scopes and supports. Some organizational missions include poverty reduction, advancing social inclusion, promoting health and mental wellbeing, and environmentalism. The fastest growth has been in social services and housing. Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, impact organizations have innovated as the need for programs and services increased. This diverse sector is an essential pillar in addressing systemic inequities and in creating the conditions for everyone to have the highest quality of life possible.
Volunteer hours annually, one of the highest rates in Canada, translating to 30,000 full-time jobs.
Economic value of volunteer hours, equivalent to 3.4% of Nova Scotia’s GDP.
4.5% of Nova Scotia’s labour force works in the Community Impact Sector.
%
Of people working in the sector are women. The sector is more diverse than any other.
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