MEDIA RELEASE
London, ON — Pillar Nonprofit Network (Pillar) has submitted a written brief to the Ontario’s Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, calling on the provincial government to strengthen its partnership with the nonprofit sector in the lead-up to the 2026 Ontario Budget.
The submission highlights the nonprofit sector’s critical role as an economic and social infrastructure driver, contributing more than $65 billion annually to Ontario’s economy and employing approximately 844,000 people province-wide. Despite this impact, nonprofits continue to face rising service demand, workforce shortages, and unstable funding that threaten the delivery of essential community programs.
Pillar’s recommendations were reinforced during the Standing Committee’s recent pre-budget consultation in London, where the organization’s CEO, Maureen Cassidy, addressed Members of Provincial Parliament directly, sharing local perspectives on the pressures facing nonprofits across the region.
“Nonprofits in London are on the front lines of the affordability crisis,” said Cassidy. “Organizations are seeing more people needing food, housing support, and mental health services, while funding has not kept pace with demand or inflation. This puts real strain on the services our community relies on.”
The submission outlines six priority actions, including a shift towards stable, long-term operational funding; the creation of a provincial capacity-building fund for nonprofit intermediaries; and the establishment of an Office for Nonprofits within the Ontario Government to improve coordination and policy alignment. Pillar also calls for action on workforce and volunteer shortages, and targeted investments in nonprofit-led housing solutions.
“For London and communities across Ontario, this is about more than sector sustainability,” said Cassidy. “When nonprofits are underfunded, people lose access to programs that keep them housed, fed, connected, and supported. Investing in nonprofits is an investment in community stability and economic resilience.”
Pillar Nonprofit Network is urging the provincial government to move beyond short-term, project-based funding and recognize nonprofits as essential partners in delivering public benefit and responding to economic uncertainty.
About Pillar Nonprofit Network
Pillar Nonprofit Network is a regional nonprofit intermediary organization serving nonprofits, charities, and social enterprises across Southwestern Ontario. Pillar strengthens the sector through advocacy, shared knowledge, and capacity-building initiatives, while promoting equity through collaboration and advancing systems change. To learn more about Pillar Nonprofit Network, please visit www.pillarnonprofit.ca.
Read our detailed written budget submission here
Media Contact:
Victor Igboanusi
Policy Analyst, Pillar Nonprofit Network
policy@pillarnonprofit.ca
519-433-7876 ext. 235