New Report: Arts Across Ontario

Ontario's arts and culture sector is a powerhouse, generating nearly half of Canada's cultural GDP and employment. The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) is launching "Arts Across Ontario," a groundbreaking report.

This new tool provides municipalities and regions with robust data on their culture sector's economic output, empowering local decision-makers with the insights they need. The report is the first-ever complete economic assessment of Ontario's arts, showcasing how a $1 OAC investment generates $25 in other revenue and that the sector creates more jobs than real estate, auto manufacturing, forestry, and mining combined. We’re proud to be supporting an industry with so much impact!

If you're an arts or culture organization looking to leverage this new data for your financial planning or strategic development, Young Associates can help you navigate these insights. You can also explore more about financial management in the arts by purchasing Finance for the Arts in Canada.

Annual Fundraising report from ONN

The Ontario Nonprofit Network's (ONN) Status of Canadian Fundraising 2025 report is out, offering a deep dive into the evolving world of fundraising amidst economic challenges and the rise of artificial intelligence.

This year's report highlights that while economic pressures remain a top concern, many organizations are seeing income growth driven by major gifts and innovative strategies. A key takeaway is the increasing importance of "digital maturity" – how well an organization integrates technology – and how it directly impacts fundraising success. Plus, AI adoption is on the rise, with most nonprofits now using AI tools, though challenges around accuracy and data security mean clear AI policies are more crucial than ever.

For arts and culture organizations navigating these complex trends, Young Associates can help you interpret these findings and develop tailored strategies for financial resilience and growth.

The CanadaHelps Giving Report is Here!

The wait is over! The CanadaHelps annual giving report is finally here, and it's packed with crucial insights into the Canadian charitable landscape.

You'll discover that while Canadians gave a jaw-dropping $12.8 billion in 2023, the number of folks donating is actually shrinking. We've also seen how things like the 2024 Canada Post strike pushed more giving online, making digital readiness a must-have for every charity. Plus, there are fascinating shifts in donor priorities, with a big boost for local and Indigenous causes (though there's still a long way to go there).

This report dives deep into who's giving and offers up some very practical strategies to help your organization grow its donor base, get tech-savvy, and tell your amazing story more effectively.

If you'd like to chat about how these trends specifically impact your charity and what you can do about it, don't hesitate to reach out to Young Associates – we're here to help with all your arts and culture financial needs! You can also grab a copy of Finance for the Arts in Canada to develop your own financial literacy skills.

Please note: You'll need to pop in your name and email to download the full report, which you can do through this link.

Insights from the CICP on Charity Spending, Priorities, and Pressures

A report from Carleton University on charity spending, priorities, and pressures was recently brought to our attention by Imagine Canada. In it, the following points seem to have stood out:

• Respondents estimated that 47% of their budgets go to salaries and benefits on average

• 44% of respondents indicated that they anticipate needing to increase salaries and benefits more than any other spending in the coming year

• 59% say salaries and benefits are underfunded

• Given extra funds, 44% would boost staff pay

You can read the full report from the Charity Insights Canada Project (CICP) here.

Does the report provide any information that stands out to you? Drop us a line and we'd love to chat more about it!

ONN Blog: Navigating a "Canada First" Investment Strategy

With ongoing trade tensions, many Canadian organizations are looking to support the home team, and charities — especially foundations — have a unique opportunity to do so through their investment portfolios. But is a "Canada First" investment strategy actually allowed? Turns out, there are some interesting legal hoops to consider, mainly around prioritizing returns versus furthering the charity's overall goals.

Navigating these complex investment decisions requires a nuanced understanding of both financial and ethical considerations. You can further explore how to align your investments with your values and legal charity requirements on the ONN Blog, “Canada First investing for charities and foundations in Ontario: Is it even allowed?” by Benjamin Miller.

Young Associates can provide expert guidance when it comes to getting a handle on your finances and cash flow and making the decision to invest. To delve deeper into financial planning for the arts, check out Finance for the Arts in Canada.

CRA Releases Report on the Charities Program 2023 to 2024

Want to know what the CRA's been up to with charities lately? Their latest "Report on the Charities Program 2023 to 2024" is out, and it gives you the lowdown on how they're supporting registered charities while trying to keep everyone's trust in the sector strong. They're all about helping charities do their amazing work but also making sure everyone plays by the rules.

Curious about how all this affects arts and culture orgs? Young Associates gets the ins and outs of this sector and can help with your financial needs. Plus, you can always grab a copy of "Finance for the Arts in Canada" for even more info!