Small charities are at the heart of Canadian communities. They’re running food banks, music programs, family supports, environmental initiatives…you name it. But here’s the shocking part—nearly 60% are run entirely by volunteers, and even those with staff are stretched paper thin.
That’s why we created Project Launchpad (PLP) and we’re happy to share that we didn’t do it alone. At the core of PLP are our founding members—leaders from smaller charities who know firsthand what it means to keep the lights on, stretch every dollar and still show up with heart for the people they serve. They’ve helped to shape PLP into something real and practical, not just another “nice idea.”
When experience speaks
“We were pleased to contribute to the collaborative creation of Project Launchpad,” says Rebecca Russell from OrKidstra. “This initiative has the potential to help strengthen the entire charitable sector and make it easier for smaller charities to access essential tools that will help them create success.”
Her words reflect what the data shows. In Statistics Canada’s 2023 Survey, 46% of nonprofits said demand for their services had gone up, but only 24% said their capacity to meet that demand had grown. These challenges are especially tough in today’s economy with unexpected tariffs and job losses that are pushing more people to turn to charities for help, while higher food and living costs, rising interest rates and less disposable income make it harder for donors to give.
The everyday juggle
PLP’s founding members come from the 77% of Canadian charities that operate on annual budgets under $500,000. For them, the list of challenges is long:
"We spend so much energy just figuring things out," explains Maxine Grant from Rocena Kidney Foundation. "Hours are spent researching vendors and comparing costs, trying to understand if we're making the right choices. That's time we should be spending with the people we serve."
Turning struggles into solutions
The real strength of PLP’s founding members is that they go beyond identifying problems—they’re co-creators of the solutions and we’re very proud to call them our partners.
“PLP isn’t trying to sell us services we can’t afford,” says Neil Leslie of Serenity Renewal for Families. “They’ve done the heavy lifting—researching, vetting and negotiating with providers who actually understand the charitable sector. It’s like having a knowledgeable friend who’s already figured out the best path forward.”
Robert Pye from Watersheds Canada adds: “Charities need partners who remind the public and private sector that nonprofits drive social and economic progress. PLP is another ally for charity leaders—the entrepreneurs of cause.”
And Kim Oastler from ALSO Ottawa reminds us: “When small charities have access to the same caliber of support as large institutions, we all win.”
A movement, not just a platform
Some of PLP’s founding members have been serving their communities for 20, 30, even 45+ years. They know what it takes to stick around, even when funding is tight and complexity keeps growing.
As Micheline Lepage from Bereaved Families of Ontario – Ottawa Region says: “We have been serving our community for 45+ years. Funding is always a challenge, so we look forward to the services Project Launchpad will provide.”
Ready for launch
Together with our founding members, PLP is building into something new in Canada—a one-stop hub created by smaller charities, for smaller charities.
PLP launches this Fall and we’d love your charity or nonprofit to be part of it!
Join our waitlist today and be among the first to access practical tools, trusted partners, and a growing community of charities who “get it.”
Follow Project Launchpad on LinkedIn to stay up to date with our latest articles, insights, and announcements - including news about our official launch this October.
For more information: Lois Graveline – lois@harmoniaphilanthropy.ca
