MEDIA RELEASE
New report shows strong commitment to local talent and inclusive hiring, but warns of looming workforce challenges
London, ON – August 11, 2025 – Nonprofits in the London Economic Region are hiring in big numbers, but challenges with staff retention and wage equity remain significant. That’s the takeaway from a new report released today by the Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board (EMOWPDB) in partnership with Pillar Nonprofit Network.
“Nonprofits play a critical role not only in community well-being, but also in job creation and skills development,” said Victor Igboanusi, Policy Analyst with Pillar Nonprofit Network. “This report shows both the opportunities nonprofits create and the challenges they face in sustaining their workforce.”
“This year’s data clearly shows the sector’s dedication to inclusive hiring and local recruitment, but also highlights ongoing concerns around retention and wage equity. These insights are critical for shaping workforce strategies that consider the vitality of non-profits, meeting community needs and, rooted in local economic realities.” Petrusia Hontar, Executive Director EMOWPDB.
Key findings from the report include:
Inclusive hiring remains a priority: Many nonprofits brought on workers from equity-deserving groups in 2024, including women, young people, immigrants, and racialized individuals.
Retention is a growing concern: Organizations report losing younger workers and older adults at high rates, highlighting the need for better supports to stay and grow within the sector.
Low wages are still a major barrier: Just over half of nonprofits (56%) paid all staff a living wage in 2024. However, nearly a third cited wage as a key reason employees left, even with supportive measures like training, flexible scheduling, and wellness programs.
Looking ahead, nonprofits anticipate increasing pressure in 2025, with inflation, staffing shortages, and limited resources making it harder to train, compensate, and retain skilled workers.
The full summary and findings are available at: Summary of Key Findings
Find the results here: EmployerOne-2025-Results-Non-profit-sector-1.pdf
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For media inquiries or to arrange interviews with report authors or nonprofit leaders, please contact:
Victor Igboanusi
Policy Analyst, Pillar Nonprofit Network
vigboanusi@pillarnonprofit.cal / 519-433-7876 ext. 235
Bashir Adeyemo
Labour Market Researcher, EMOWPDB
bashir@workforcedevelopment.ca / +1 519 518 0874 ext. 104
About the Survey
The Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board (EMOWPD) continues to partner with Pillar Nonprofit Network to conduct a yearly workforce survey of nonprofits in the London Economic Region. In 2025, 76 nonprofit organizations across London, Middlesex, Elgin, Oxford, and St. Thomas participated in the survey. The findings highlight the sector’s ongoing strengths and challenges in hiring, training, and retaining staff in a rapidly changing labour market.
About Pillar Nonprofit Network
Pillar Nonprofit Network is dedicated to enhancing the operational capabilities of the nonprofit sector through capacity building, research, strategic advocacy, and policy engagement.. We promote equity through shared knowledge and community collaboration. We act as a catalyst and advocate for transformational change. To learn more about Pillar Nonprofit Network, please visit www.pillarnonprofit.ca.
About the Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board
Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board (EMOWPDB) works to provide the community with quality labour market information to make decisions to lead to a thriving, viable regional economy. EMOWPDB has over 20 labour market information tools on their website to assist the labour force and employers within the Elgin Middlesex and Oxford region to make more informed decisions. View these tools and their library of reports at workforcedevelopment.ca.