Your Voice Matters: What We Learned from the 2026 Pillar Member Insights Survey
Listening to our members. Learning together. Looking ahead.
At Pillar Nonprofit Network, our members are at the heart of what we do. Their experiences, ideas and feedback help us understand what's working, where we can improve and how we can continue supporting a stronger nonprofit sector.
Through the 2026 Pillar Member Insights Survey, participating members shared their experiences and perspectives, providing insight into what matters to them, the challenges they face and the support they need.
Members Value Being Part of Pillar
Overall, participating members reported a positive experience with Pillar:
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83% were very or extremely satisfied with the support they receive from Pillar.
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94% said their membership provides good or somewhat good value.
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94% indicated they were likely or very likely to renew their membership.
These findings are encouraging and reinforce the importance of continuing to build meaningful relationships with our members.
Making Member Benefits Easier to Discover
Workshops, webinars and the Volunteer Opportunities Board were among the most frequently used member benefits.
Members also placed strong value on Pillar's advocacy, practical resources, discounts on learning opportunities and the Volunteer Opportunities, Job & Event Boards.
However, the survey also highlighted an opportunity to increase awareness of existing benefits and make them easier to access.
When asked about barriers to using more membership benefits, 44% identified a lack of time or capacity. 33% were not aware of all the benefits available, and the same share shared they had not needed them yet.
As one member shared:
“It is good to be reminded of all the resources available.”
This feedback reinforces the importance of making information about membership benefits clear, accessible and easy to find.
Staying Connected Through Communication
Email continues to be an important communication channel for participating members.
83% of respondents said the current frequency of Pillar communications is about right.
Rather than increasing the volume of communications, the opportunity is to make existing communications more relevant, useful and easier to navigate.
This includes highlighting member benefits, sharing learning and funding opportunities, and telling more stories about the people, organizations and connections behind Pillar's events and initiatives.
We want members to see not only what's coming up, but also the impact of what we're creating together.
Understanding the Challenges Our Members Face
Looking ahead, members identified several organizational challenges they expect to face over the next 12–24 months.
Strategic planning and fundraising were the most frequently identified challenges, each selected by 39% of respondents.
Organizations may also need support with financial sustainability, recruitment and retention, organizational culture and change, and AI and digital tools.
When asked what kind of support would be most helpful:
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67% selected templates, tools and practical resources.
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44% preferred short workshops or webinars.
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39% were interested in hands-on workshops addressing their organization's own challenges.
These findings highlight the importance of practical, accessible learning opportunities and resources that respond to the real needs of nonprofit organizations.
Connection Remains at the Heart of Our Work
Beyond individual benefits, members continue to value Pillar's role in bringing the nonprofit sector together.
94% of respondents identified sharing knowledge and resources as a very or extremely important strategic priority.
Members also encouraged Pillar to continue creating opportunities for nonprofit leaders and organizations to connect, exchange ideas and learn from one another.
As one member shared:
“Continue creating opportunities for nonprofits to connect, learn from one another and share ideas.”
This is a reminder that some of the most meaningful benefits of membership come from the relationships we build together.
Turning Feedback into Action
Listening is only the beginning. The insights from this survey are helping us identify opportunities to strengthen the membership experience.
Some of the areas we're focusing on include:
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Clearer member communications: Making Member Mail more focused and highlighting relevant events, funding opportunities, resources and benefits.
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More community stories: Sharing what happens at Pillar events, what participants learn and the connections that emerge.
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Easier access to benefits: Improving our Membership webpage to help members explore available resources and understand how to access them.
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Stronger member relationships: Creating more opportunities to connect directly with members, understand their evolving needs and follow up with meaningful support.
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Practical resources: Exploring ways to make tools, templates and other support easier to find and use.
These are steps toward making membership more accessible, relevant and responsive to the organizations we serve.
The Conversation Continues
Thank you to every member who shared their experiences, ideas and suggestions.
Your feedback helps us celebrate what's working while identifying where we can continue learning and improving.
We look forward to continuing this conversation and working together to strengthen our nonprofit community.
Explore the full findings: 2026 Pillar Member Insights Report (PDF)
Have more to share?
We welcome your questions, ideas and feedback throughout the year.
Contact our Member Services team at membership@pillarnonprofit.ca.
Together, we're building a stronger, more connected nonprofit sector.