A recent report (linked here) from the Charity Insights Canada Project at Carleton University reveals that 60% of charities with paid employees have staff who regularly work unpaid hours, with smaller organizations and those in the arts, health care, and education sectors being particularly affected.
The top reasons for this trend include a commitment to the mission (58%), insufficient staff or resources (54%), and budget constraints (50%). This persistent issue highlights a systemic problem where passion is expected to fill the gap left by funding shortfalls and capacity limitations. The sector will need to address this sustainability issue in order to build a more equitable workplace.
If you're an arts or culture organization struggling with these challenges, Young Associates can help you navigate financial strategies to support your team. You can also purchase Finance for the Arts in Canada to learn more about creating a sustainable financial model.