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.

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New At IONS

IONS Impact Report 2023-2024

We’re excited to share our 2023-2024 Impact Report – and for the first time ever, in an interactive web and PDF version! This fiscal, we shaped our strategy and deepened our commitments to justice and equity. We invite you into our journey throughout the year as we further explored our identity as IONS, expanded our scope of activities and team, and leaned into values aligned projects. Take a look at our highlights over the past year, stories of impact from community members who engaged with our work, what we learned, and where we’re hoping to grow next.

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IONS Announcement

New Executive Director

After an intentional and collaborative searcg, the IONS team and board is pleased to announce our new Executive Director, Benny Welter-Nolan (they/them)

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New at IONS

Consultant Directory

The IONS Consultant Directory is officially live! The directory is filled with a wide variety of consultants looking to work within the Community Impact Sector. Whether you’re looking for graphic design, evaluation, accessibility, facilitation, or are a consultant yourself!

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Pathway to Actions

Where are you on your equity and justice journey?

The Pathway to Actions survey will help you navigate tools and resources to support your organization in growing knowledge, shifting mindsets, and moving to action – based on where you are in your journey.

Access a pathway of curated resources and tools to create more inclusive, equitable workplaces.

Take the Quiz!

What's Happening at IONS

Doing More with Less: Positive Results of a Four-day Work Week in the Sector

Ideas and Implementation: A four-day work week can have a significant impact on recruitment, retention, and wellbeing in the Community Impact Sector. It contributes to burnout prevention, improved work-life balance, and offers extra space for people to rest or find other income streams to offset wage inequities. We’ve pulled together a set of tangible steps, actions, considerations, templates, and resources for those interested in getting started.

Read the Possibility Here

IONS Ideas Blog

Quiet Quitting or Loudly Advocating? A Gen Z’s Guide to Knowing Your Worth

“Entry level position, 5 years’ experience, post-secondary education required: $15/hour” – how often have you seen this?

Communications Coordinator, Haley Moriarity discusses some of the realities of entering the workforce as a young person, walks through myths that might stop you from asking for more, and tangible ways you can advocate for yourself when things get hard.

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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

FUNDING
OPPORTUNITIES

What’s Exciting at IONS

A photo of three people working and sorting donations

PROGRAM

Sector-wide Employee Group Benefits Program

Services

IONS IDEAS

Resisting a Rest: How Urgency Culture Polices our Work

blogs

NEW TOOL

Community Impact Sector Network Map

DISCOVER

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.

DISCOVER THE SECTOR

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.

Sign up for our IONS Ideas newsletter to get the latest updates, programs, sector news and thought leadership in your inbox

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There are many ways to create impact. Partner with us to spark change.

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