Across Canada, not-for-profits and charities are working tirelessly to support individuals and communities in need. Whether it’s food insecurity, mental health, housing, education, or equity, our sector steps up where the gaps are greatest. And yet, one of the most powerful drivers of impact, human connection, is often overlooked as a strategic lever to fuel our missions.

Here’s what we now know: a more connected society is a more generous, engaged, and resilient one.

Increased connection isn’t just a warm and fuzzy byproduct of your programs. It’s the foundation for stronger volunteerism, deeper philanthropy, and greater community involvement. In short, it’s the engine that powers the change we all seek.

The research is clear: Connection drives contribution

1. Social ties make people more likely to volunteer and give

Studies consistently show that people with strong social networks, whether through family, faith groups, neighbourhoods, or shared interests, are significantly more likely to volunteer and donate. Bekkers & Wiepking (2011)

2. Volunteering strengthens community—and the volunteer

Research also reveals a positive feedback loop: volunteering improves mental and physical health, reduces loneliness and depression, and increases life satisfaction, especially among older adults. That healthier, happier volunteer is then more likely to keep showing up and to inspire others to do the same. Piliavin & Siegl (2007)

3. Social isolation weakens civic engagement

Data from organizations such as the Generosity Commission in the U.S. suggest that the erosion of social ties, particularly in urban areas and among younger generations, is contributing to declines in volunteering, charitable giving, and even voter turnout. A disconnected society is not only less compassionate, but it’s also less civically active. The Generosity Commission (2023)

So what does this mean for the NFP and charity sector?

At a time when many organizations are struggling to recruit volunteers, engage younger generations, and secure sustainable funding, one solution may not be (but should be) on the radar: human connection.

If we want more Canadians to give their time and resources, we need to help them feel part of something larger than themselves. We need to create moments, spaces, and programs that help people build trust, form relationships, and develop a sense of belonging, not just to the cause, but to one another. Make connection the purpose of your activities, and the rewards will come from those who get connected.

Canada’s Human Connection Movement: A Collective Opportunity

GenWell and other social health advocates across the country have been working to launch Canada’s Human Connection Movement, a national, non-partisan initiative aimed at raising awareness about the critical role that social connection plays in individual and societal well-being.

This isn’t just about reducing loneliness or improving mental health, though it certainly helps do both. It’s about mobilizing the power of connection to fuel the civic and social infrastructure of our country.

We’re calling on every not-for-profit and charity in Canada to join this effort, not by changing your mission, but by recognizing that connection is already core to what you do!

Let’s name it. Let’s celebrate it. And let’s build more of it…together.

The call to action: Join us this September 19-21 for GenWell Weekend

Human connection is the foundation of every successful community effort and a powerful multiplier for engagement, funding, and impact.

As leaders in the not-for-profit and charity sector, we’re already doing the work. But we don’t have to do it alone.

GenWell Weekend (September 19-21) is a strategically chosen time, during the seasonal transition, when people can often benefit from an excuse to make social connection happen. As we shift from the slower pace of summer to the busier, colder, and darker days of fall and winter, this is a key moment to help people come together.

Use GenWell Weekend to bring together your staff, donors, past supporters, broader community, and the people you serve, face-to-face, to connect, share your mission, celebrate your progress, and invite them to be part of our growing national movement to build a more connected Canada where everyone thrives.

Once you’ve made a plan, register your intention to connect at www.GenWellWeekend.org. You’ll be entered for a chance to win weekly prizes and contribute to a movement that’s helping everyone thrive through the power of human connection.

Let’s unite the not-for-profit and charity sector to lead by example, because together, we can go further than any of us can go alone.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s alone and do not necessarily represent those of CharityVillage.com or any other individual or entity with whom the authors or website may be affiliated. CharityVillage.com is not liable for any content that may be considered offensive, inappropriate, defamatory, or inaccurate or in breach of third-party rights of privacy, copyright, or trademark.