IONS is situated in Mi’kma’ki, the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaw people. Unceded means that the Mi’kmaq have never relinquished, sold, traded, or transferred ownership of their land to European settler colonies, yet land was taken over without their consent through various processes of settler colonialism. This territory is covered by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship, which the Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik people first signed with the British Crown in 1726. These Treaties did not involve the surrendering of rights to the lands and resources they had traditionally used and occupied. We are all Treaty People.

We further acknowledge that Nova Scotia is the birthplace of Black culture and heritage in Canada. People of African descent have shared these lands for over 400 years, and over 50 strong and resourceful African Nova Scotian communities exist here today.

We are committed to the struggle against systems of oppression that have resulted in profound inequities and the denial of self-determination rights. We are working actively to deepen our learning at an individual level, provide learning opportunities about anti-racism and decolonization, and to develop partnerships with organizations serving and led by underrepresented groups.

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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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

Featured Content

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Sector Benefits

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Dashboard

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Job Board

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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

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Volunteer hours annually, one of the highest rates in Canada, translating to 30,000 full-time jobs.

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Economic value of volunteer hours, equivalent to 3.4% of Nova Scotia’s GDP.

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4.5% of Nova Scotia’s labour force works in the Community Impact Sector.

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Of people working in the sector are women. The sector is more diverse than any other.

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

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