Top 10 biggest NGOs in Canada

Last updated on March 4th, 2024 at 06:27 am

NGOs are active in almost every region of the globe. Millions of individuals may be striving to reduce poverty, safeguard children, empower women, establish gender equality, and generally improve and secure the world for all, even if precise numbers are impossible to determine. This article will examine ten of Canada’s largest and most significant NGOs.

1. CARE Canada

CARE is a multinational organization that invests in women and girls and was founded in 1945. Although CARE Canada is headquartered in Ottawa, it collaborates with international groups that support women’s rights. 

The activity of the NGO is concentrated on emergency response, livelihood, safety, and health. CARE had over a million direct participants in 2022, with women and girls making up 60% of the group. The NGO carried out 50 programs and activities while operating in 30 different countries. 

On the CARE Canada website, you may discover yearly reports along with details on partnerships, fundraising, donations, and careers.

2. Canadian Cancer Society

The largest national cancer charity in Canada is the Canadian Cancer Society. Having been founded in 1938, it now funds research, disseminates cancer information, educates the public, and manages support services. 

“Uniting and inspiring Canadians to take control of cancer” is the NGO’s stated mission. among addition to focusing on health equality, the Canadian Cancer Society aims to minimize health disparities among underprivileged populations, including young people, Indigenous communities, older individuals, racialized groups, and others, over five years. 

Annual reports and materials regarding events, contributions, fundraising, and careers are available on the organization’s website.

3. Canadian Centre for Child Protection

A national nonprofit dedicated to ensuring the protection of children is the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. It was established in 1985 in response to the 13-year-old child’s murder and disappearance. The group was founded by the mother of the kid and a few volunteers to give them access to resources they were lacking. 

The Center seeks to stop child victimization, lessen child sexual exploitation and abuse, and assist in finding missing children. Its initiatives cover education, prevention, and essential support. The NGO provides help to more than 3,000 kids, survivors, and caregivers annually and disperses more than 1 million resources related to education and prevention. The NGO’s website has connections to donations, career information, resources, and research.

4. Canadian Foodgrains Bank

A collaboration of fifteen Canadian Christian churches and church-based organizations is the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. Together with regional organizations in underdeveloped nations, the goal of this collaboration is to eradicate world hunger. Since its founding in 1983, the NGO has grown to include over 100 international partners and more than 30 nations. Projects aimed at strengthening the community also benefit the NGO.

5. Greenpeace

Established in Canada in 1971, Greenpeace is a self-governing international advocacy organization. Although its current headquarters are in Amsterdam, it has 26 separate national and regional organizations spread across 55 countries. 

Its main focus is on environmental concerns such as overfishing, nuclear weapons, deforestation, climate change, and other environmental problems in order to safeguard life on Earth. It is an autonomous organization, hence government financing is not accepted. Its standing with the UN Economic and Social Council is generally consultative. 

6. Oxfam Canada

Oxfam Canada is a global humanitarian organization that works to alleviate poverty, promote social justice, and empower communities in Canada and around the world. Through development programs, advocacy campaigns, and humanitarian assistance, Oxfam Canada tackles issues such as poverty, inequality, and gender-based violence.

7. Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Canada

Doctors Without Borders/MSF Canada is a medical humanitarian organization that provides emergency medical care and assistance to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters, and other crises. With a focus on delivering impartial and independent medical aid, MSF Canada operates medical projects in Canada and overseas.

8. United Way Canada

United Way Canada is a national organization that works to improve lives and build stronger communities through collective action, community engagement, and social investment. By partnering with local charities, businesses, and governments, United Way Canada addresses issues such as poverty, homelessness, and social exclusion.

9. Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)

The Canadian Mental Health Association is a national organization dedicated to promoting mental health, supporting individuals living with mental illness, and advocating for mental health awareness and services. Through education, advocacy, and community-based programs, CMHA works to reduce stigma, increase access to mental health care, and promote mental wellness.

10. Plan International Canada

Plan International Canada is a child rights organization that works to advance children’s rights and equality for girls around the world. Through child sponsorship programs, community development projects, and advocacy efforts, Plan International Canada empowers children and youth to fulfill their potential and break the cycle of poverty.

When it comes to tackling the nation’s most important social, environmental, and humanitarian concerns, these ten NGOs are setting the standard. These groups are influencing and bringing about good change in Canadian society via their commitment, creativity, and teamwork.