Canadians with children are significantly more likely to rely on charities and non-profit organizations than those without children, according to a new national survey highlighting the important role community organizations play in supporting families across the country. The survey, conducted by Ipsos on behalf of the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), found that two in five Canadians accessed services provided by a charity or non-profit organization over the previous 12 months. The findings, released on October 13, 2026, point to the widespread importance of organizations that provide health care, food assistance, education and other essential services. Among Canadians with children, 49 per cent reported using charitable or non-profit services during the past year. By comparison, the figure was 36 per cent among people without children, indicating that families with children are more likely to seek support from these organizations.
The findings highlight the range of services Canadians depend on, extending beyond traditional perceptions of charities as organizations that primarily provide emergency food or financial assistance. Health-care services accounted for the largest share of reported use, with 68 per cent of respondents who accessed charitable or non-profit services identifying this sector. Food-related charities ranked second at 26 per cent, followed by education services at 15 per cent. Respondents also reported using services related to housing and social programming, both at 12 per cent. Employment services accounted for nine per cent, while professional and skills development, as well as cultural and recreational programming, each accounted for six per cent.
These figures demonstrate that the charitable and non-profit sector supports Canadians at different stages of life. Its work includes helping people access medical services, obtain food, pursue education, develop employment skills and participate in community activities. The survey also examined how frequently people access support. Among those who used charitable or non-profit services during the previous year, 79 per cent described their use as occasional, while 21 per cent said they relied on these services regularly. The distinction suggests that many Canadians turn to organizations when particular needs arise, while a substantial proportion depend on them on an ongoing basis. For families facing rising household expenses, access to community-based services can help meet essential needs. These organizations may provide practical assistance, specialized programs and connections to additional support that might otherwise be difficult to access. The findings also showed differences in service use across age groups. Younger Canadians were more likely to access education and employment-related services, while older Canadians relied more heavily on health-care support. Generation Z reported the highest usage among the generations examined, with 44 per cent saying they had used charity or non-profit services during the previous 12 months.
The results underline the fact that charitable organizations serve a broad cross-section of Canadian society, including students, working adults, parents, seniors and people experiencing temporary or ongoing difficulties. The survey comes as many Canadian charities and non-profits report increasing demand for their services. Organizations providing food assistance and other essential support have been facing pressure to serve more people while managing limited resources. A separate national survey of food-support organizations released earlier in October found that 89 per cent of participating organizations had experienced increased demand for food assistance over the preceding year. One-third reported having waiting lists, while 35 per cent said they had been forced to turn people away because of insufficient food or other resources. These pressures raise concerns about whether community organizations will have sufficient funding, volunteers and supplies to meet growing needs. Charities often depend on a combination of donations, government funding, grants and partnerships with businesses and other organizations. The RBC survey also found that two in five Canadians were unaware that institutions they regularly rely on, including hospitals and universities, are part of Canada’s charitable and non-profit sector. The findings highlight a gap in public understanding of how extensively these organizations contribute to everyday life. Their work ranges from delivering direct assistance to operating institutions and programmes that support education, health care and community development. RBC has said it supports more than 2,000 charities and non-profit organizations annually and has committed, alongside the RBC Foundation and RBC Foundation USA, to providing $2 billion in community investment by 2035. The survey reinforces the role of charities and non-profits as an important part of Canada’s social support system. With nearly half of Canadians with children reporting that they used these services over the past year, ensuring that organizations have the capacity to respond to demand remains an important issue for communities across the country.