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.

What's Happening at IONS

State of the Sector Survey 2025

We need your voice! IONS is conducting the 2025 State of the Sector Survey to collect data on critical issues facing the Community Impact Sector in Nova Scotia.

Your participation will help us shape our work in service of the sector and can help your organization contribute to the bigger picture.

As a thank you for your time, all participants have the option to be entered for a chance to win one of three $100 visa gift cards!

New At IONS

Possibility Brief: Job Satisfaction, Well-being, and Working Remotely

This brief focuses on the benefits of remote working options which provides more equitable, safe workforce participation, greater work-life balance, greater job satisfaction, and supports well-being. Organizations that prioritize flexibility increase their ability to attract and retain diverse, talented staff through increasing total compensation. We’ve pulled together ideas, policy templates, considerations, and resources for those interested in getting started.

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!

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.

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.

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 

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