The role of business in our communities has never been more important. Billions of dollars in corporate social investments and authentic partnerships are needed to face the challenges ahead. But are Canadian companies ready?
Imagine Canada’s new research explores the most pressing and long term shifts in corporate social investment in Canada, encouraging Canadian companies to think differently about how they invest with and engage in their communities as they explore paths forward. Through emerging data and qualitative research, the study explores a series of cataclysmic shifts that have occurred within the social good sector of Canada and looks at how companies have responded in 2020, making real time adjustments in their strategy for corporate partnerships, giving, and volunteering.
This study exploring the business response to challenges faced in 2020 shows corporate philanthropy at its best. From loosening funding restrictions, allowing community partners agility to respond to the pandemic according to needs on the ground, to the outpouring of support for the BIPOC communities, companies and their employees have stepped up to the plate in 2020, providing billions of dollars in relief to Canadian communities.
The pandemic also ushered in new waves of innovation within our communities. But despite the new practices implemented and the outpouring of support from the corporate world, social issues - food insecurity, homelessness, mental health - are worsening, and the nonprofit sector is in crisis. Faced with unprecedented challenges in 2020, the companies that participated in our study have been engaged, responsive, empathetic, and flexible. The challenge and opportunity that lies ahead will be asking how this can serve as a wake up call to continue this effort, do better, and do more.
To read the full report, click here
Imagine Canada "Our cause is social good in Canada. We work to bolster the charities, nonprofits and social entrepreneurs that build, enrich and define our nation and the communities they support around the globe."
