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2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index
2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index
The most comprehensive and representative research on the wellbeing of non-profit workers ever conducted in Canada.
Be the first to read the 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index.
Join the waitlist now and receive the report on May 22.
By submitting your email, you consent to receive the 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index and occasional emails from Future of Good, including our free newsletter The Impact Insider. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Be the first to read the 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index.
Join the waitlist now and receive the report on May 22.
By submitting your email, you consent to receive the 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index and occasional emails from Future of Good, including our free newsletter The Impact Insider. You may unsubscribe at any time.
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Canada’s non-profit sector runs on purpose. But is it running on empty?
The nonprofit sector runs on purpose.
But is it running on empty?
Canada’s non-profit sector runs on purpose. But is it running on empty?
Dive in to explore how the trends and insights from the country’s most comprehensive research on non-profit workers’ health and wellbeing can guide your leaders, team and board.
The 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index is a free resource filled with reliable data on the factors affecting the wellness of non-profit workers in diverse roles, causes and communities. The initial report offers unique actionable insights from across the sector on everything from mental health to mentoring.
If you want to attract new talent, retain your best people or enable your team to flourish, then the Changemaker Wellbeing Index is for you. Its findings can inform your initiatives, advocacy and action, whether you’re shaping policies, securing or providing funding, or cultivating thriving workplaces.
Dive in to explore how the trends and insights from the country’s most comprehensive research on non-profit workers’ health and wellbeing can guide your leaders, team and board.
The 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index is a free resource filled with reliable data on the factors affecting the wellness of non-profit workers in diverse roles, causes and communities. The initial report offers unique actionable insights from across the sector on everything from mental health to mentoring.
If you want to attract new talent, retain your best people or enable your team to flourish, then the Changemaker Wellbeing Index is for you. Its findings can inform your initiatives, advocacy and action, whether you’re shaping policies, securing or providing funding, or cultivating thriving workplaces.
WHY IT MATTERS
WHY IT MATTERS
In the non-profit sector, 93% of workers believe their work positively impacts the community. Despite this, one-third struggle with food insecurity and burnout and are considering quitting.
Now is the time for impactful action that creates stronger, more effective, resilient non-profits. Yet, many organizations are uncertain where to begin.
The Changemaker Wellbeing Index changes that for good.
Before this report, no high-quality pan-Canadian datasets existed, and progress was lacking in centring care and wellbeing within non-profit and charitable organizations. The 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index presents evidence-based findings on mental health, belonging, workload, financial security and more.
By tracking wellbeing indicators over time, the report provides valuable insights into the unique challenges and support needs of individuals working in the sector. The Changemaker Wellbeing Index enables everyone — from leadership teams and funders to frontline workers and board directors — to leverage its key insights and implications.
In the non-profit sector, 93% of workers believe their work positively impacts the community. Despite this, one-third struggle with food insecurity and burnout and are considering quitting.
Now is the time for impactful action that creates stronger, more effective, resilient non-profits. Yet, many organizations are uncertain where to begin.
The Changemaker Wellbeing Index changes that for good.
Before this report, no high-quality pan-Canadian datasets existed, and progress was lacking in centring care and wellbeing within non-profit and charitable organizations. The 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index presents evidence-based findings on mental health, belonging, workload, financial security and more.
By tracking wellbeing indicators over time, the report provides valuable insights into the unique challenges and support needs of individuals working in the sector. The Changemaker Wellbeing Index enables everyone — from leadership teams and funders to frontline workers and board directors — to leverage its key insights and implications.
Key Findings
Essential takeaways from our research
70%
70%
of non-profit workers feel burned out and exhausted at least occasionally
36%
36%
of non-profit workers face poor or very poor wellbeing
of non-profit workers face poor or very poor wellbeing
30%
30%
of non-profit workers are food insecure
of non-profit workers are food insecure
38%
38%
of non-profit workers’ salaries rarely or never allow them to save money
42%
42%
of community non-profit workers may quit in the next six months
Discover the data and insights in the free Changemaker Wellbeing Index now.
Discover the data and insights in the free Changemaker Wellbeing Index now.
Create a free Future of Good account to view the report or log in if you already have one.
Create a free Future of Good account to view the report or log in if you already have one.
METHODOLOGY
METHODOLOGY
The 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index is Canada’s most comprehensive and representative research survey on the wellbeing of non-profit workers.
Future of Good oversaw all aspects of the project, with Common Good Strategies leading research design and report writing, and Environics Research handling data collection.
Non-profit workers participated in an opt-in survey through an online platform designed for data collection. Unlike previous efforts, which often relied on volunteers, this was the first survey to randomly select participants from various demographics, ensuring the results represent the entire sector.
With more than 1,100 diverse workers from a wide range of roles taking part, the data offers invaluable insights across eight key areas related to the wellness of individuals dedicated to making a difference.
The 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index is Canada’s most comprehensive and representative research survey on the wellbeing of non-profit workers.
Future of Good oversaw all aspects of the project, with Common Good Strategies leading research design and report writing, and Environics Research handling data collection.
Non-profit workers participated in an opt-in survey through an online platform designed for data collection. Unlike previous efforts, which often relied on volunteers, this was the first survey to randomly select participants from various demographics, ensuring the results represent the entire sector.
With more than 1,100 diverse workers from a wide range of roles taking part, the data offers invaluable insights across eight key areas related to the wellness of individuals dedicated to making a difference.
Wellbeing Learning Journey
The Changemaker Wellbeing Index is a starting point for real change in the non-profit sector. To deepen the report’s impact, Future of Good is launching the Wellbeing Learning Journey.
This 12-month, member-exclusive experience empowers non-profit teams to learn, grow and reimagine their work.
The Journey explores key Index themes, including food insecurity, mental health, recruitment, retention, caregiving and remote work. Throughout the year, your team will receive access to:
• In-depth editorial stories
• Deep-dive reports
• Two interactive, half-day virtual events on cultivating wellbeing (October 2025) and employee retention (January 2026).
Sign up today to join the Wellbeing Learning Journey and gain access to our expansive wellbeing content library.
The first 25 new non-profit or charity teams to sign up will get 50% off their initial membership year.
The first 25 new non-profit or charity teams to sign up will get 50% off their initial membership year.
Start Your Learning Journey Now
Start Your Learning Journey Now
LAUNCH
Passions Versus Exhaustion–2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index Reveals Toll on Canada's Non-Profit Workers
Abigail Turner
May 22, 2025
Upcoming Symposiums
Upcoming Symposiums
OCTOBER 30, 2025
From Burnout to Belonging: Everyday Practices to Cultivate Personal and Team Wellbeing
Discover how small shifts, backed by data, can spark big change in workplace wellbeing for non-profit teams.
Read more about the event
Only 33% of non-profit workers thrive, while 36% report poor well-being and 13% are severely struggling. Burnout affects over one-third of the workforce, particularly young, entry-level and frontline staff. Despite exhaustion, people report high job satisfaction and commitment to impact.
From Burnout to Belonging will explore this paradox and ask how individuals and teams can create environments where wellbeing is part of everyday culture.
We’ll go beyond yoga breaks and wellness stipends. Instead, focusing on interpersonal micropractices that build resilience and trust, including peer check-ins, boundaries around urgency and reframing emotional labour. Using data from the Changemaker Wellbeing Index, this symposium will highlight changemakers’ lived experience, showing how small actions can transform personal and team wellbeing.
Learning Outcomes:
Understand how burnout manifests differently by role, age and gender, and how to spot it early
Explore evidence-based practices that foster belonging, empathy and shared responsibility in teams
Learn practical approaches for supporting each other in low-resource environments
Read more about the event
Only 33% of non-profit workers thrive, while 36% report poor well-being and 13% are severely struggling. Burnout affects over one-third of the workforce, particularly young, entry-level and frontline staff. Despite exhaustion, people report high job satisfaction and commitment to impact.
From Burnout to Belonging will explore this paradox and ask how individuals and teams can create environments where wellbeing is part of everyday culture.
We’ll go beyond yoga breaks and wellness stipends. Instead, focusing on interpersonal micropractices that build resilience and trust, including peer check-ins, boundaries around urgency and reframing emotional labour. Using data from the Changemaker Wellbeing Index, this symposium will highlight changemakers’ lived experience, showing how small actions can transform personal and team wellbeing.
Learning Outcomes:
Understand how burnout manifests differently by role, age and gender, and how to spot it early
Explore evidence-based practices that foster belonging, empathy and shared responsibility in teams
Learn practical approaches for supporting each other in low-resource environments
Read more about the event
Only 33% of non-profit workers thrive, while 36% report poor well-being and 13% are severely struggling. Burnout affects over one-third of the workforce, particularly young, entry-level and frontline staff. Despite exhaustion, people report high job satisfaction and commitment to impact.
From Burnout to Belonging will explore this paradox and ask how individuals and teams can create environments where wellbeing is part of everyday culture.
We’ll go beyond yoga breaks and wellness stipends. Instead, focusing on interpersonal micropractices that build resilience and trust, including peer check-ins, boundaries around urgency and reframing emotional labour. Using data from the Changemaker Wellbeing Index, this symposium will highlight changemakers’ lived experience, showing how small actions can transform personal and team wellbeing.
Learning Outcomes:
Understand how burnout manifests differently by role, age and gender, and how to spot it early
Explore evidence-based practices that foster belonging, empathy and shared responsibility in teams
Learn practical approaches for supporting each other in low-resource environments
JANUARY 29, 2026
Rewriting the Rules: How HR and Leadership Can Drive Engagement and Retention in a Changing Sector
Explore strategic HR practices, especially for hybrid workplaces, that can reduce turnover, increase employee satisfaction and sustain your mission.
Read more about the event
The non-profit sector is facing a workforce crisis. Nearly half of community-based non-profit employees are at risk of leaving. The risk is exceptionally high in social services and the arts, where over 50% are considering departure. Job satisfaction, burnout and food insecurity are linked, and over one-third of workers struggle to make ends meet. Inaction has high costs.
However, organizations with all five foundational HR practices report dramatically higher employee endorsement and retention.
This symposium will bring together HR and executive leaders to explore how strategic interventions, especially in hybrid workplaces, can boost satisfaction, reduce turnover and reignite purpose. We’ll discuss the business case for basic HR infrastructure, the financial cost of inaction and how equity-centred approaches to engagement can retain the next generation of changemakers in the sector.
Learning Outcomes:
Identify the HR practices most correlated with retention, job satisfaction and employee wellbeing
Explore remote and hybrid strategies that enhance autonomy, connection and performance
Learn how to map workforce pain points to scalable structural interventions — not just perks
Read more about the event
The non-profit sector is facing a workforce crisis. Nearly half of community-based non-profit employees are at risk of leaving. The risk is exceptionally high in social services and the arts, where over 50% are considering departure. Job satisfaction, burnout and food insecurity are linked, and over one-third of workers struggle to make ends meet. Inaction has high costs.
However, organizations with all five foundational HR practices report dramatically higher employee endorsement and retention.
This symposium will bring together HR and executive leaders to explore how strategic interventions, especially in hybrid workplaces, can boost satisfaction, reduce turnover and reignite purpose. We’ll discuss the business case for basic HR infrastructure, the financial cost of inaction and how equity-centred approaches to engagement can retain the next generation of changemakers in the sector.
Learning Outcomes:
Identify the HR practices most correlated with retention, job satisfaction and employee wellbeing
Explore remote and hybrid strategies that enhance autonomy, connection and performance
Learn how to map workforce pain points to scalable structural interventions — not just perks
Read more about the event
The non-profit sector is facing a workforce crisis. Nearly half of community-based non-profit employees are at risk of leaving. The risk is exceptionally high in social services and the arts, where over 50% are considering departure. Job satisfaction, burnout and food insecurity are linked, and over one-third of workers struggle to make ends meet. Inaction has high costs.
However, organizations with all five foundational HR practices report dramatically higher employee endorsement and retention.
This symposium will bring together HR and executive leaders to explore how strategic interventions, especially in hybrid workplaces, can boost satisfaction, reduce turnover and reignite purpose. We’ll discuss the business case for basic HR infrastructure, the financial cost of inaction and how equity-centred approaches to engagement can retain the next generation of changemakers in the sector.
Learning Outcomes:
Identify the HR practices most correlated with retention, job satisfaction and employee wellbeing
Explore remote and hybrid strategies that enhance autonomy, connection and performance
Learn how to map workforce pain points to scalable structural interventions — not just perks
ANY QUESTIONS?
ANY QUESTIONS?
What is this research about?
First of its kind, the 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index goes beyond simply presenting data. It simultaneously calls for action and provides an action plan for those who lead, manage, recruit, fund and work in the non-profit sector. This annual research initiative is designed to enable meaningful improvements for teams. It can function as a benchmark, shape internal policies and supports, enhance operational recruitment and retention strategies, and assist funders in making data-informed decisions. Changemakers no longer need to depend on anecdotes. Now, they can rely on evidence.
What is this research about?
First of its kind, the 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index goes beyond simply presenting data. It simultaneously calls for action and provides an action plan for those who lead, manage, recruit, fund and work in the non-profit sector. This annual research initiative is designed to enable meaningful improvements for teams. It can function as a benchmark, shape internal policies and supports, enhance operational recruitment and retention strategies, and assist funders in making data-informed decisions. Changemakers no longer need to depend on anecdotes. Now, they can rely on evidence.
What is this research about?
First of its kind, the 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index goes beyond simply presenting data. It simultaneously calls for action and provides an action plan for those who lead, manage, recruit, fund and work in the non-profit sector. This annual research initiative is designed to enable meaningful improvements for teams. It can function as a benchmark, shape internal policies and supports, enhance operational recruitment and retention strategies, and assist funders in making data-informed decisions. Changemakers no longer need to depend on anecdotes. Now, they can rely on evidence.
What is the definition of wellbeing?
The Changemaker Wellbeing Index defines wellbeing as the ability of individuals, organizations and communities in the social impact sector to thrive — not just survive — in pursuit of their purpose. It encompasses emotional, mental, physical and financial health, as well as relational trust, cultural safety, meaningful recognition, and a sense of agency in one’s work and role within society. Wellbeing is not a luxury or an afterthought. It is a collective responsibility and a structural condition, shaped by funding practices, leadership norms, workplace culture and systemic inequities. In this context, wellbeing also serves as a measure of sustainability, resilience and justice in the systems that changemakers are working to transform.
What is the definition of wellbeing?
The Changemaker Wellbeing Index defines wellbeing as the ability of individuals, organizations and communities in the social impact sector to thrive — not just survive — in pursuit of their purpose. It encompasses emotional, mental, physical and financial health, as well as relational trust, cultural safety, meaningful recognition, and a sense of agency in one’s work and role within society. Wellbeing is not a luxury or an afterthought. It is a collective responsibility and a structural condition, shaped by funding practices, leadership norms, workplace culture and systemic inequities. In this context, wellbeing also serves as a measure of sustainability, resilience and justice in the systems that changemakers are working to transform.
What is the definition of wellbeing?
The Changemaker Wellbeing Index defines wellbeing as the ability of individuals, organizations and communities in the social impact sector to thrive — not just survive — in pursuit of their purpose. It encompasses emotional, mental, physical and financial health, as well as relational trust, cultural safety, meaningful recognition, and a sense of agency in one’s work and role within society. Wellbeing is not a luxury or an afterthought. It is a collective responsibility and a structural condition, shaped by funding practices, leadership norms, workplace culture and systemic inequities. In this context, wellbeing also serves as a measure of sustainability, resilience and justice in the systems that changemakers are working to transform.
Which dimensions of wellbeing are included in this index?
To provide a comprehensive picture of non-profit professionals’ lived experiences, the 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index collected, analyzed and reported on eight dimensions of wellness: • Mental health • Burnout/exhaustion • Anxiety at work • Life satisfaction • Job satisfaction • Loneliness • Household income sufficiency • Food insecurity
Which dimensions of wellbeing are included in this index?
To provide a comprehensive picture of non-profit professionals’ lived experiences, the 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index collected, analyzed and reported on eight dimensions of wellness: • Mental health • Burnout/exhaustion • Anxiety at work • Life satisfaction • Job satisfaction • Loneliness • Household income sufficiency • Food insecurity
Which dimensions of wellbeing are included in this index?
To provide a comprehensive picture of non-profit professionals’ lived experiences, the 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index collected, analyzed and reported on eight dimensions of wellness: • Mental health • Burnout/exhaustion • Anxiety at work • Life satisfaction • Job satisfaction • Loneliness • Household income sufficiency • Food insecurity
What was the methodology around the Changemaker Wellbeing Index?
The Changemaker Wellbeing Index survey gathered insights from over 1,100 non-profit workers across Canada. It is one of the first global efforts to obtain a representative sample of individuals working in this sector. In collaboration with sector partners, including research lead Steven Ayer, president of Common Good Strategies, Future of Good developed a set of survey questions. Environics Research administered these questions over 21 days in February and March 2025 through an online panel. Respondents opted in based on their employment but were unaware that the survey focused on the non-profit sector. They provided answers about their workplace experiences, overall wellbeing, demographic information, attitudes and thoughts on working in the non-profit sector, and future plans. With over 15 years in non-profit research, policy analysis and sector leadership, Common Good Strategies analyzed the findings and prepared the report, developing data-driven narratives to help strengthen the non-profit sector.
What was the methodology around the Changemaker Wellbeing Index?
The Changemaker Wellbeing Index survey gathered insights from over 1,100 non-profit workers across Canada. It is one of the first global efforts to obtain a representative sample of individuals working in this sector. In collaboration with sector partners, including research lead Steven Ayer, president of Common Good Strategies, Future of Good developed a set of survey questions. Environics Research administered these questions over 21 days in February and March 2025 through an online panel. Respondents opted in based on their employment but were unaware that the survey focused on the non-profit sector. They provided answers about their workplace experiences, overall wellbeing, demographic information, attitudes and thoughts on working in the non-profit sector, and future plans. With over 15 years in non-profit research, policy analysis and sector leadership, Common Good Strategies analyzed the findings and prepared the report, developing data-driven narratives to help strengthen the non-profit sector.
What was the methodology around the Changemaker Wellbeing Index?
The Changemaker Wellbeing Index survey gathered insights from over 1,100 non-profit workers across Canada. It is one of the first global efforts to obtain a representative sample of individuals working in this sector. In collaboration with sector partners, including research lead Steven Ayer, president of Common Good Strategies, Future of Good developed a set of survey questions. Environics Research administered these questions over 21 days in February and March 2025 through an online panel. Respondents opted in based on their employment but were unaware that the survey focused on the non-profit sector. They provided answers about their workplace experiences, overall wellbeing, demographic information, attitudes and thoughts on working in the non-profit sector, and future plans. With over 15 years in non-profit research, policy analysis and sector leadership, Common Good Strategies analyzed the findings and prepared the report, developing data-driven narratives to help strengthen the non-profit sector.
Who funded this project?
Several audacious partners funded the 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index. They include GreenShield, ATB Financial, Ontario Trillium Foundation, WES Mariam Assefa Fund, The Definity Insurance Foundation and United Way Centraide Canada.
Who funded this project?
Several audacious partners funded the 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index. They include GreenShield, ATB Financial, Ontario Trillium Foundation, WES Mariam Assefa Fund, The Definity Insurance Foundation and United Way Centraide Canada.
Who funded this project?
Several audacious partners funded the 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index. They include GreenShield, ATB Financial, Ontario Trillium Foundation, WES Mariam Assefa Fund, The Definity Insurance Foundation and United Way Centraide Canada.
Where can I follow updates regarding the Changemaker Wellbeing Index?
Stay updated on the Changemaker Wellbeing Index by becoming a Future of Good member and joining our Wellbeing Learning Journey. The 12-month experience allows non-profit teams to explore Index themes in a collaborative learning environment. Your team will gain practical takeaways through interactive, virtual events on wellbeing in October 2025 and retention in January 2026, in-depth reports and editorial stories, and a community of changemakers. Membership accommodates 20 people per organization.
Where can I follow updates regarding the Changemaker Wellbeing Index?
Stay updated on the Changemaker Wellbeing Index by becoming a Future of Good member and joining our Wellbeing Learning Journey. The 12-month experience allows non-profit teams to explore Index themes in a collaborative learning environment. Your team will gain practical takeaways through interactive, virtual events on wellbeing in October 2025 and retention in January 2026, in-depth reports and editorial stories, and a community of changemakers. Membership accommodates 20 people per organization.
Where can I follow updates regarding the Changemaker Wellbeing Index?
Stay updated on the Changemaker Wellbeing Index by becoming a Future of Good member and joining our Wellbeing Learning Journey. The 12-month experience allows non-profit teams to explore Index themes in a collaborative learning environment. Your team will gain practical takeaways through interactive, virtual events on wellbeing in October 2025 and retention in January 2026, in-depth reports and editorial stories, and a community of changemakers. Membership accommodates 20 people per organization.
I have comments about the project. Where can I leave feedback for future consideration?
Launched in 2025, the Changemaker Wellbeing Index is a report that will be updated annually by surveying non-profit professionals about their wellness. We welcome your feedback to enhance future surveys. For inquiries, please get in touch with us at info@futureofgood.co.
I have comments about the project. Where can I leave feedback for future consideration?
Launched in 2025, the Changemaker Wellbeing Index is a report that will be updated annually by surveying non-profit professionals about their wellness. We welcome your feedback to enhance future surveys. For inquiries, please get in touch with us at info@futureofgood.co.
I have comments about the project. Where can I leave feedback for future consideration?
Launched in 2025, the Changemaker Wellbeing Index is a report that will be updated annually by surveying non-profit professionals about their wellness. We welcome your feedback to enhance future surveys. For inquiries, please get in touch with us at info@futureofgood.co.
Have questions about the Changemaker Wellbeing Index that we didn’t address? Contact us anytime.
Discover the data and insights in the free Changemaker Wellbeing Index now.
Discover the data and insights in the free Changemaker Wellbeing Index now.
Create a free Future of Good account to view the report or log in if you already have one.
Create a free Future of Good account to view the report or log in if you already have one.
2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index
The most comprehensive and representative research on the wellbeing of non-profit workers ever conducted in Canada.
Future of Good
2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index
The most comprehensive and representative research on the wellbeing of non-profit workers ever conducted in Canada.
Future of Good
2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index
The most comprehensive and representative research on the wellbeing of non-profit workers ever conducted in Canada.
Future of Good