Careers that Change Lives

Working in the Canada's Not-for-Profit Sector

A career in the non-profit sector can combine purpose, professional growth, and the opportunity to make a difference in your community.

Canada's non-profit sector is much bigger than many people realize. Non-profits and charities employ millions of people across the country and contribute significantly to Canada's economy, while delivering programs and services that support communities every day.

For people considering a career in the sector, that means there are opportunities to put professional skills to work in meaningful ways, whether your interests are in leadership, fundraising, communications, finance, community development, human resources, or program management.

For Western Continuing Studies instructors Jackie Ellefsen and Carol-Ann Smith, working in the sector has provided exactly that combination of purpose and professional challenge.

Jackie is Director, Philanthropy at the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, an organization that helps children ignite their curiosity through play, innovation, and creative discovery.

"It is the best job ever," says Jackie. "Really!"

Carol-Ann has worked in the non-profit sector for more than 35 years. Her career has included roles as a child and youth counsellor, community developer, family advocate, and social entrepreneur across healthcare, education, community, and government services.

Their careers look different, but both share a belief that working in the non-profit sector is about much more than simply wanting to help people.

A growing sector with diverse career opportunities

The Canadian non-profit sector employs approximately 2.8 million people and accounted for 8.4% of Canada's GDP in the fourth quarter of 2024. Employment across non-profit institutions grew by 2.7% during 2024.

The sector also includes an enormous range of organizations and career paths. From arts and culture and social services to education, healthcare, sports, recreation, environmental organizations, and community development, non-profits need professionals with a wide range of skills.

And many organizations operate with small teams. Statistics Canada's 2024 survey found that 55% of non-profit organizations have no paid employees, while another 21% have fewer than five.

That can make adaptability particularly valuable. Professionals may find themselves contributing across fundraising, communications, events, volunteer management, programs, operations, and strategic planning.

What inspires people to work in the non-profit sector?

For Jackie, the desire to help others was the starting point. But her experience quickly showed her that non-profit work could be creative, collaborative, and challenging.

Jackie is also a Western Continuing Studies student-turned-instructor, having previously completed the Not-for-Profit Management program.

"You start to meet amazingly passionate people and discover that the work itself is not just challenging, but creative, exciting and collaborative," says Jackie. "At the end of the day, you've helped someone, but it's the journey that really inspires you."

For Carol-Ann, the motivation was more personal. After losing her mother as a teenager, she felt compelled to help others facing difficult experiences.

"I honestly don't think there is a more rewarding career," says Carol-Ann. "I may be a shameless idealist at heart, but what drives me is being able to look at a problem, explore it, and then create a solution. Being a change maker is the core to who I am."

What skills do you need to work in the non-profit sector?

Passion may draw people to the sector, but professional skills help organizations turn their missions into action.

Non-profit professionals may need skills in strategic planning, fundraising and development, financial management, communications, leadership, volunteer management, event management, governance, and program development.

The sector's workforce is also highly educated. Nearly half of nonprofit employees have a university education, compared with about one-third of workers across the broader Canadian workforce.

Professional development can help both new and experienced non-profit professionals build specialized skills, take on greater responsibility, and adapt to the changing needs of their organizations.