A 2025 national study from the Charity Insights Canada Project found that only 12% of Canadian charities described themselves as very financially stable, down from 21% in 2023. Eighty percent said they need more core funding to offset rising costs, while 72% reported being unable to meet the current demand. How can organizations continue supporting professional development when resources are limited?
For professionals in the human services sectors, the Knowledge Translation and Transfer (KTT) network on The REAL Xchange offers free access to online learning modules, practical tools and resources, sector events, and knowledge developed by organizations across the province. The KTT network is powered by Community Living Essex County through The REAL Xchange, in collaboration with Partners for Planning and the Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN). It helps service providers share knowledge, resources, and effective practices so others can learn from and build on them.
Free professional development can support learning across an entire team. A manager might choose a module related to an emerging issue or team priority. Colleagues could complete it together and use it to begin a discussion. Employees can also learn about and share useful resources and upcoming learning opportunities with their teams. This creates an opportunity to approach professional development differently. Choose a topic that matters to your organization, give staff time to explore it, and create space to discuss how the learning could inform their work. Knowledge sharing also means organizations do not always have to start from scratch.
Across Canada, service providers are developing programs, creating resources, testing new approaches, and learning from experience. Sharing that knowledge allows others to consider what might work in their own communities and service environments. If your organization works in developmental services, employment services, disability employment, or related human services, explore the KTT network on The REAL Xchange.
Get started on The REAL Xchange by clicking here.
