Small charities across Canada are being squeezed by donor fatigue, declining corporate support, and rising costs.

The CRA’s Report on the Charities Program 2023–2024 offers critical insights into these trends — and what to do about them. We’ve pulled 5 key fundraising-focused takeaways from the report that can help small organizations rethink how they raise funds and sustain impact.

Five Fundraising Moves to Help You Stay Afloat (and Grow!):

1. Show the full story
Only 6% of charity revenue came from tax-receipted gifts in 2022. This tells us donors are shifting — they want transparency, impact, and clarity, not just a tax receipt. Share the “why” behind your work.

2. Rethink revenue:
Selling services, hosting events, or offering memberships brought in over $27B across the sector. Your mission can be packaged as a product — think training, consulting, or cause-based events.

3. Lean into digital:
The CRA reports that 88% of charity applications are now submitted online. Donors expect a seamless, digital giving experience too. Your donation process should be as smooth as Amazon checkout.

4. Highlight your community roots:
The largest charity registration category is now “Other purposes beneficial to the community.” Funders are backing grassroots work — so show how close you are to the people you serve.

5. Stay visible, stay vocal:
The CRA expanded its outreach. So should you. Fundraising is not just about asking — it’s about being present. Use newsletters, social media, and community partnerships to stay top of mind.

🔗 Bonus Resource:

Read the full CRA Report on the Charities Program 2023–2024

Need support applying these strategies?

At AdvanceU 1st Consultants, we help small charities build funding strategies that reflect today’s realities. Whether you need support with donor messaging, digital fundraising, or securing grants — we’re here to help.

Contact us today