About ONN
We are the independent network for the 58,000 nonprofits in Ontario, focused on policy, advocacy, and services to strengthen Ontario’s nonprofit sector as a key pillar of our society and economy.
We work to create a public policy environment that allows nonprofit to thrive. We engage our network of diverse nonprofit organizations across Ontario to work together on issues affecting the sector and channel the voices of our network to governments, funders, and other stakeholders.
The network began in 2007 as a mobilization of sector leaders concerned about proposed changes to the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (Bill 65). Incorporated as a nonprofit in 2014, ONN was developed as an incubated project of the award-winning Centre for Social Innovation.
Vision
A Strong and Resilient Nonprofit Sector. Thriving Communities. A Dynamic Province.
Mission
To engage, advocate, and lead with – and for – nonprofits that work for the public benefit in Ontario.
Values
- Courage to take risks and do things differently
- Diversity of perspective, creativity, and expertise to get stuff done
- Optimism and determination
- Solutions created by the sector, with the sector, for the sector
- Celebrating our successes and learning from our experiences
- Strength that comes from working together
Strategic Plan
ONN Strategic Plan- 2017- 2020
A Snapshot: ONN’s advances on behalf of the sector
Sector Advances
- Brought about the creation of a sector-wide pension plan
- ONCA win! We saw proclamation of the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, over 10 years in the making and ONN’s founding issue
- Convened organizations and created resources for the sector to respond during COVID-19. This includes analysis of provincial and federal pandemic policy, and sector surveys to gather vital data to advocate for stabilization funding and more supports to help rebuild the economy and communities.
- Supported advocacy for charities and nonprofits to full contribute to public debate and public policy, including the removal of limits on nonpartisan political activities in the Income Tax Act
- Collective advocacy to secure $2.8 billion for broadband internet expansion in rural and Northern Ontario in the 2021 provincial budget
- Support capacity building through the ONN Resource Centre, including tools to support nonprofits with their anti-racism and truth and reconciliation work.
- Mobilized a call to action to get the Accounting Standards Board to reconsider proposed changes to principles which would be costly and time-intensive for nonprofits
- Helped win an exemption for charities under federal anti-spam legislation
- And much more, outlined in our policy priorities.
Ongoing Advocacy
- Shaping a labour force strategy and championing a decent work movement for our almost 850,000 paid employees
- Actively supporting regional nonprofit networks to support local organization and inclusive economies, like the Chatham-Kent Nonprofit Network, Pillar Nonprofit Network, and the Toronto Nonprofit Network.
Funded by the sector and sector supporters
We have diverse sources of funding; we’re not dependent on any one source. We’re proud that over half of our funding is self-generated earned income, ensuring our independence and financial sustainability.