Free Resources for Nonprofit Organizations
Below is a curated collection of trusted resources and practical tools for Canadian nonprofit organizations. These links include external websites I regularly recommend, along with free downloadable resources I’ve created to support nonprofit planning, fundraising, and communications. This page is designed to be a living resource and will continue to grow over time - so feel free to check back. I also offer professional nonprofit consulting support.
Getting Started & Compliance (Canada)
These resources support nonprofit organizations that are starting out or formalizing their operations, including registration, charitable status, and ongoing compliance requirements in Canada. They provide authoritative guidance to help organizations establish a strong and compliant foundation.
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) – Charities & Giving
Official guidance on registering a charity or nonprofit in Canada, including eligibility, application steps, and regulatory requirements.
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes/charities.html
Tax, Financial & Regulatory Information
This section includes trusted resources to help nonprofits understand tax obligations, financial management, and regulatory requirements. These tools are especially useful for boards, leaders, and small organizations managing finances with limited internal capacity.
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) – Operating a Charity
Information on tax receipting, annual filings, compliance obligations, fundraising activities, and ongoing regulatory requirements.
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/charities-giving/charities/operating-a-registered-charity.htmlCPA Canada – Not-for-Profit Organizations
Resources on accounting standards, financial management, governance, and compliance for Canadian nonprofits.
https://www.cpacanada.ca/business-and-accounting-resources/Financial-and-non-financial-reporting/not-for-profit-organizations/publications/ASNPO-guidance-resources
Governance, Leadership & the Nonprofit Sector
The following resources offer research, best practices, and sector-wide insights related to nonprofit governance, leadership, and organizational effectiveness. They are valuable for boards and leaders seeking to strengthen accountability, strategy, and long-term sustainability.
Imagine Canada
National resources on nonprofit governance, advocacy, sector research, and organizational effectiveness.
https://www.imaginecanada.caCharityVillage
Articles, webinars, and sector insights covering nonprofit leadership, governance, fundraising, and organizational trends.
https://resources.charityvillage.com/learning-centre/The Muttart Foundation
Research and thought leadership on governance, public policy, and nonprofit sector trends in Canada.
https://www.muttart.org/resource-library/Nonprofit Sector Sourcebook
Data, reports, and analysis on Canada’s nonprofit and voluntary sector.
https://www.sectorsource.caCommunity Foundations of Canada
Resources on strengthening community-based organizations.
https://communityfoundations.ca/resource-library/
Fundraising & Donor Engagement
These resources focus on ethical, effective fundraising and donor engagement practices, from online giving tools to professional standards and learning opportunities. They support nonprofits in building trust, diversifying revenue, and strengthening donor relationships.
CanadaHelps – Charity Life
Fundraising tools, webinars, and practical guidance to support online giving, donor engagement, and campaign planning.
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/forcharities/Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP Canada)
Professional development, ethical fundraising standards, and certification for fundraising professionals.
https://afpglobal.org/afp-canadaImagine Canada – Standards Program
Best practices for governance, transparency, ethical fundraising, and financial accountability and a voluntary accreditation program.
https://imaginecanada.ca/en/standardsCharityVillage – Fundraising Resources
Articles and tools on donor relations, event planning, fundraising strategy, and ethical practices in the Canadian nonprofit sector.
https://resources.charityvillage.com/learning-centre/articles/Canada Revenue Agency – Charities & Fundraising Activities
Rules and guidance related to ethical fundraising practices, donations, events, and activities to ensure compliance with Canadian regulations.Community Foundations of Canada
A gateway to community foundations, local grantmaking, and strengthening community-based organizations across Canada.https://communityfoundations.ca/find-a-community-foundation-map/
Human Resources & Workplace Practices
This collection of resources supports nonprofits in managing staff and volunteers, developing HR policies, and fostering healthy, compliant workplaces. They are particularly helpful for organizations without dedicated human resources staff.
HR Council for the Nonprofit Sector
HR templates, recruitment tools, and workforce resources tailored to Canadian nonprofits.
https://hrcouncil.caCharityVillage – Human Resources
Practical HR-focused content for nonprofits, including recruitment, performance management, leadership development, and workplace culture.
https://charityvillage.comCanadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)
Guidance on workplace health and safety policies, training, and legal requirements.
https://www.ccohs.caLinkedIn Learning
Online courses on leadership, management, HR, and professional skills development.
https://www.linkedin.com/learningHR Intervals
Guides, templates, and policy resources related to hiring, employee relations, and legal compliance for nonprofits.
Grant Funding & Funder Research
These tools and databases help nonprofits identify grant opportunities, understand funder priorities, and navigate public and private funding programs. They are useful for organizations at all stages of grant readiness, from early research to proposal development.
Grant Connect (subscription-based)
A comprehensive database of Canadian grantmakers, funding programs, and application details.
https://imaginecanada.ca/en/grantconnectGovernment of Canada – Funding & Grants
Federal funding programs and application guidance for nonprofits and charitable projects.
https://www.canada.ca/en/government/grants-funding.htmlPhilanthropic Foundations Canada (PFC)
Resources on grantmaking foundations and philanthropic trends in Canada.
https://pfc.caCommunity Foundations of Canada – Local Grants
A gateway to community foundations across Canada, many of which offer accessible local funding opportunities.https://communityfoundations.ca/current-initiatives/
Tip: Don’t overlook your local community foundation—many offer grants that are publicized locally.
Free Downloadable Resources
These free tools and templates were created by Nexus Elevate Nonprofit Solutions to support nonprofit organizations with practical planning, communications, and fundraising activities.
They are designed to be accessible, easy to use, and especially helpful for small or emerging organizations.
I also offer additional nonprofit guidance, support, and insights through articles.
2026 Charity Awareness Days Calendar
A planning calendar highlighting awareness months, weeks, and days that nonprofits may wish to recognize in their communications, outreach, and fundraising activities.
[Download the calendar from the Charity Village Website]
2026 Animal Welfare Awareness Days Calendar
A calendar of key awareness dates related to animal welfare, shelters, adoption, advocacy, and education. Useful for planning social media, fundraising campaigns, and community engagement.
2026 Oceans & Marine Life Awareness Days Calendar
A calendar highlighting awareness days related to oceans, marine life, conservation, and environmental protection. Designed to support communications, education, and advocacy planning.
Editable Event Planning & Budget Template
A multi-sheet planning tool with built-in formulas to help you plan events, track projected and actual expenses, and evaluate results after your event.
Check back for more free resources to be added throughout 2026