Changemaker Wellbeing Index 2025
2025 Changemaker
Wellbeing Index
The most comprehensive and representative research on the
wellbeing of non-profit workers ever conducted in Canada.
INTRODUCTION
Canada’s non-profit sector runs on purpose. But is it running on empty?
Dive in to explore how the trends and insights from the country’s most comprehensive research on non-profit workers’ health and wellbeing can guide your leaders, team and board.
The 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index is a free resource filled with reliable data on the factors affecting the wellness of non-profit workers in diverse roles, causes and communities. The initial report offers unique actionable insights from across the sector on everything from mental health to mentoring.
If you want to attract new talent, retain your best people or enable your team to flourish, then the Changemaker Wellbeing Index is for you. Its findings can inform your initiatives, advocacy and action, whether you’re shaping policies, securing or providing funding, or cultivating thriving workplaces.
WHY IT MATTERS
In the non-profit sector, 93% of workers believe their work positively impacts the community. Despite this, one-third struggle with food insecurity and burnout and are considering quitting.
Now is the time for impactful action that creates stronger, more effective, resilient non-profits. Yet, many organizations are uncertain where to begin.
The Changemaker Wellbeing Index changes that for good.
Before this report, no high-quality pan-Canadian datasets existed, and progress was lacking in centring care and wellbeing within non-profit and charitable organizations. The 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index presents evidence-based findings on mental health, belonging, workload, financial security and more.
By tracking wellbeing indicators over time, the report provides valuable insights into the unique challenges and support needs of individuals working in the sector. The Changemaker Wellbeing Index enables everyone — from leadership teams and funders to frontline workers and board directors — to leverage its key insights and implications.
KEY FINDINGS
Essential Takeaways from our research
METHODOLOGY
The 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index is Canada’s most comprehensive and representative research survey on the wellbeing of non-profit workers.
Future of Good oversaw all aspects of the project, with Common Good Strategies leading research design and report writing, and Environics Research handling data collection.
Non-profit workers participated in an opt-in survey through an online platform designed for data collection. Unlike previous efforts, which often relied on volunteers, this was the first survey to randomly select participants from various demographics, ensuring the results represent the entire sector.
With more than 1,100 diverse workers from a wide range of roles taking part, the data offers invaluable insights across eight key areas related to the wellness of individuals dedicated to making a difference.
START YOUR LEARNING JOURNEY NOW
Passions Versus Exhaustion – 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index Reveals Toll on Canada’s Non-Profit Workers
By Abigail Tuner
May 22, 2025
What is this research about?
First of its kind, the 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index goes beyond simply presenting data. It simultaneously calls for action and provides an action plan for those who lead, manage, recruit, fund and work in the non-profit sector.
This annual research initiative is designed to enable meaningful improvements for teams. It can function as a benchmark, shape internal policies and supports, enhance operational recruitment and retention strategies, and assist funders in making data-informed decisions.
Changemakers no longer need to depend on anecdotes. Now, they can rely on evidence.
What is the definition of wellbeing?
The Changemaker Wellbeing Index defines wellbeing as the ability of individuals, organizations and communities in the social impact sector to thrive — not just survive — in pursuit of their purpose. It encompasses emotional, mental, physical and financial health, as well as relational trust, cultural safety, meaningful recognition, and a sense of agency in one’s work and role within society.
Wellbeing is not a luxury or an afterthought. It is a collective responsibility and a structural condition, shaped by funding practices, leadership norms, workplace culture and systemic inequities.
In this context, wellbeing also serves as a measure of sustainability, resilience and justice in the systems that changemakers are working to transform.
Which dimensions of wellbeing are included in this index?
To provide a comprehensive picture of non-profit professionals’ lived experiences, the 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index collected, analyzed and reported on eight dimensions of wellness:
• Mental health
• Burnout/exhaustion
• Anxiety at work
• Life satisfaction
• Job satisfaction
• Loneliness
• Household income sufficiency
• Food insecurity
What was the methodology around the Changemaker Wellbeing Index?
The Changemaker Wellbeing Index survey gathered insights from over 1,100 non-profit workers across Canada. It is one of the first global efforts to obtain a representative sample of individuals working in this sector.
In collaboration with sector partners, including research lead Steven Ayer, president of Common Good Strategies, Future of Good developed a set of survey questions. Environics Research administered these questions over 21 days in February and March 2025 through an online panel.
Respondents opted in based on their employment but were unaware that the survey focused on the non-profit sector. They provided answers about their workplace experiences, overall wellbeing, demographic information, attitudes and thoughts on working in the non-profit sector, and future plans.
With over 15 years in non-profit research, policy analysis and sector leadership, Common Good Strategies analyzed the findings and prepared the report, developing data-driven narratives to help strengthen the non-profit sector.
Who funded this project?
Several forward-thinking partners funded the 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index. They include GreenShield, ATB Financial, Ontario Trillium Foundation, WES Mariam Assefa Fund, The Definity Insurance Foundation and United Way Centraide Canada.
Where can I follow updates regarding the Changemaker Wellbeing Index?
Stay updated on the Changemaker Wellbeing Index by becoming a Future of Good member.
I have comments about the project. Where can I leave feedback for future consideration?
Launched in 2025, the Changemaker Wellbeing Index is a report that will be updated annually by surveying non-profit professionals about their wellness. We welcome your feedback to enhance future surveys. For inquiries, please get in touch with us at info@futureofgood.co.
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