6 free wellness resources for non-profits and changemakers

Changemakers are the backbone of Canadian communities, but that big responsibility can bring big burnout. 

Charity usage is at an all-time high in Canada right now, according to a recent survey by CanadaHelps, Canada’s largest donation and fundraising platform for non-profits.

The report found one of the top issues impacting non-profits is staff burnout, due to increased demand. 

“It’s so important for nonprofit professionals and volunteers to make sure that they are filling their own cup first,” said Nicole Danesi, CanadaHelps senior manager of strategic communications. 

The non-profit sector faces unique challenges when it comes to burnout, she said.

“We’re all dealing with causes that almost are never-ending problems,” she said. “We want to solve some of these big world challenges but it can really take a lot out of you.”

“It’s important to put that airplane mask on yourself first before you help anybody else because if you are not able to operate well you’re not going to be able to help anybody else.”

Here are six free wellness resources non-profits can use:

Greenshield therapy sessions

The non-profit insurance company is offering two free hours of therapy to make sure more Canadians have access to the mental health care they need. Users must sign up by May 28, 2025 to receive the therapy appointments at no cost. Users also receive two months’ access to Greenshield’s digital cognitive behavioural therapy learning modules, tools and coaching to help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Workplace Strategies for Mental Wellness

This free online tool from Canada Life offers a plethora of materials for both leaders and employees to support their mental health. A page dedicated to preventing burnout includes prevention and recovery strategies, a 10-minute e-learning resource and workshop materials. The website also includes a section about workload stress with a downloadable task improvement worksheet and discussion tool.

Imagine Canada: The HR Checkup

This is a new free tool developed by Imagine Canada. Designed specifically with non-profit organizations, it is a self-assessment that helps managers and employees discover potential gaps in their HR practices. Organizations of all sizes can use the tool to receive tailored insights and a personalized plan full of free HR resources. The goal is to help non-profit leaders better understand, address and guide people management in organizations.

Canadian Mental Health Association 

The Canadian Mental Health Association offers free mini-workshops to build stress strategies and resilience skills. The free programs vary across provinces – for example, in B.C., there are a variety of workplace education training sessions that also include a regularly scheduled Mindfulness Matters class. The sessions use evidence-based and trauma-informed training to provide sensitive but impactful learning opportunities.

Therapeutic Paws of Canada

Pets have proven to be a valuable mental health resource to help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Therapeutic Paws of Canada is a free volunteer-based dog and cat therapy program. Community members can request a visit from a volunteer and their certified therapy pet through one of its online programs. Furry visits are shown to lower blood pressure and form a non-judgemental relationship. 

Guarding Minds at Work

Prioritizing psychological health and safety in the workplace is about emphasizing mental well-being and protecting employees against harm. Guarding Minds at Work uses an online toolkit to evaluate and improve psychological health and safety in your workplace. Employers are directed to set up an online 15 minute survey through its free program to be able to analyze the workplace results. Results will show a snapshot of both strengths and opportunities for improvement.

Did we miss a resource? Let us know by sending an email to abigail@futureofgood.co.