Hilborn Charity eNews, in partnership with CCEOC Inc, is pleased to announce the recipients of the eleventh annual Canadian Nonprofit Employer of Choice™ (NEOC) Award.

This year, 18 organizations met the program criteria to be recognized as a Canadian Nonprofit Employer of Choice. Among them, seven organizations achieved a five-year or longer recognition as winners.

The 2025 award recipients are:

• AdaptAbilities (AB)
• Blue Door (ON)
• Calgary Humane Society (AB)
• Canadian Mental Health Association – Peel Dufferin (ON) 5+ year Winner
• Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada (ON)
• Connective Support Society (BC)
• Edmonton Humane Society (AB) 5+ year Winner
• Harvest Manitoba (MB)
• Inclusion Chilliwack (Society for Community Living) (BC) 5+ year Winner
• Lakeland Centre for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (AB) 5+ year Winner
• Lakeridge Health Foundation (ON)
• LOFT Community Services (ON)
• Louis Brier Home and Hospital (BC) 5+ year Winner
• Reach Out Centre for Kids (ON)
• Richmond Hospital Foundation (BC) 5+ year Winner
• UNICEF Canada (ON) 5+ year Winner
• University Hospitals Kingston Foundation (ON)
• Ve'ahavta (ON)

All winners successfully completed the NEOC Organizational Profile and Employee Commitment Survey, achieving a minimum overall score of 75% to qualify for the award.

In the nonprofit sector, there is a growing emphasis on creating "decent workplaces." Thought leaders are challenging the misconception that nonprofit employees work solely for the opportunity to "do good." With competitive job opportunities available elsewhere, attracting and retaining talented staff has become increasingly challenging.

Nonprofit employers of choice excel at attracting and retaining talent by focusing on key attributes such as:

• Superior human resources management
• Strong organizational culture
• Clear job expectations
• Relevant training and career development opportunities

The Nonprofit Employer of Choice™ (NEOC) Award measures an organization’s leadership qualities, HR practices, and employee perspectives. It provides a framework for evaluating talent management issues and developing targeted improvement plans. This process enables boards and senior management to identify challenges and implement transformational strategies to enhance organizational impact and meet donor expectations.

“We are excited to announce the 2025 NEOC Award winners,” said Jeff Doran, president of CCEOC Inc. “These organizations prioritize their employees, assess their operations, and recognize their staff’s contributions. I commend all these outstanding nonprofits.”

Jim Hilborn, founder of The Hilborn Group, agrees— “All winners demonstrated strong leadership, especially in building trust, fostering respect and engaging employees. Now, they can promote their employer of choice brand and develop sustainable action plans to improve workplace environments.”

Applications for the 2026 NEOC Award will open on March 1, 2026. For more information, visit https://neoc.ca/.

For more information, contact:

Mary Singleton, Manager, NEOC Awards Program
416-267-1287
mary@hilborn.com

Jeff Doran, President, CCEOC Inc.
416-886-7007
jdoran@ccemployerofchoice.com