Let’s Make Impact, Together

Discover how Impact Organizations of Nova Scotia is helping to build a more equitable Nova Scotia

IONS advocates for, supports and amplifies the shared voice and work of the community impact sector. We offer capacity building opportunities and resources to organizations making a positive impact in their communities.

IONS Exchange 2024

Registration Now Open!

We’re holding space for people to come together, rest, connect with each other, and share ideas with the intention of tapping into the creative energy and inspiration needed to break the status quo. You do the often undervalued yet critical work to make a positive impact in your communities – but where is the space to slow down, recharge, and get energized by what’s possible. 

IONS Ideas Blog

Quiet Quitting or Loudly Advocating? A Gen Z’s Guide to Knowing Your Worth

“Entry level position, 5 years’ experience, post-secondary education required: $15/hour” – how often have you seen this?

Communications Coordinator, Haley Moriarity discusses some of the realities of entering the workforce as a young person, walks through myths that might stop you from asking for more, and tangible ways you can advocate for yourself when things get hard.

What's Happening at IONS

The Beyond Decent Work Campaign

Fall 2023, IONS implemented our first “campaign” style approach to our work in alignment with our new strategy. This will allow us to focus our energy, strategic communications, and resources around a theme, starting with “Beyond Decent Work.”

Find resources, templates, research and more here!

What's Happening in the Impact Space

Diversity beyond HR: Applying a DEI lens to procurement

Check out this great article by The Philanthropist Journal about diversifying procurement.

While there is increasing attention to DEI in the charitable and non-profit sector, there are unexplored opportunities for creating positive change, from everyday operations to supply chain practices – a phenomenon dubbed “supplier diversity.” 

IONS takes an intentional approach to ensuring that the organization seeks diverse suppliers.

Discover how you and your organization can benefit from IONS resources

Learn more about our current programming and services, purpose-led careers, available grants and funding for the Community Impact Sector, and access content through our comprehensive, searchable Resource Library.

Sector Services

Events & Programs

RESOURCE
LIBRARY

FUNDING
OPPORTUNITIES

What’s Exciting at IONS 

A photo of three people working and sorting donations
PROGRAM

Sector-wide Employee Group Benefits Program 

IONS IDEAS

Resisting a Rest: How Urgency Culture Polices our Work 

NEW TOOL

Community Impact Sector Network Map 

See why the Community Impact Sector is vital in creating a better future for all.

Nova Scotia’s Community Impact Sector is made up of over 6,400 impact organizations, consisting of registered nonprofits, charities and Community Interest Companies (CICs). These organizations fill gaps not covered by businesses or government, serving communities across the province through a wide range of scopes and supports. Some organizational missions include poverty reduction, advancing social inclusion, promoting health and mental wellbeing, and environmentalism. The fastest growth has been in social services and housing. Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, impact organizations have innovated as the need for programs and services increased. This diverse sector is an essential pillar in addressing systemic inequities and in creating the conditions for everyone to have the highest quality of life possible. 

Volunteer hours annually, one of the highest rates in Canada, translating to 30,000 full-time jobs.

Economic value of volunteer hours, equivalent to 3.4% of Nova Scotia’s GDP.

4.5% of Nova Scotia’s labour force works in the Community Impact Sector.

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Of people working in the sector are women. The sector is more diverse than any other.

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There are many ways to create impact. Partner with us to spark change.