Capacity Canada brings together the ideas, people, and resources that fuel social innovation

We empower nonprofit organizations and communities with expert guidance and forward-thinking frameworks in board governance, leadership, transformation, and collaboration.

Capacity Canada brings together the ideas, people, and resources that fuel social innovation

We empower nonprofit organizations and communities with expert guidance and forward-thinking frameworks in board governance, leadership, transformation, and collaboration.

Services for Nonprofit Boards, Leaders, and Partners

Capacity Canada delivers expert-led guidance, training, and resources tailored to the unique needs of nonprofit organizations and their partners. Our inclusive, human-centered approach prioritizes people’s values, experiences, and real-world challenges.

Since our founding, we've supported over 1,500 organizations and trained more than 10,000 nonprofit leaders across Canada. Thus, equipping them with the tools to lead with confidence, purpose, and lasting impact.

Who We Are

Capacity Canada is a registered charity driven by the values of Collaboration, Diversity, Optimism, and Change.

Click here to find out how we can support your journey.

How We Help

NFP Board Directors, CEOs and Executive Directors, and Senior Leaders

We support the growth of not-for-profit organizations, leaders, and communities to be inclusive, resilient, adaptable, and future-focused.

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Governance

Capacity Canada helps nonprofit boards lead with confidence – providing tools and training to strengthen governance and drive impact.

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Leadership

Capacity Canada equips nonprofit leaders with the knowledge, skills, peer support, and practical experience needed to navigate an evolving future with clarity and confidence.

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Strategy, Transformation, Collaboration

Capacity Canada helps nonprofits rethink strategy, spark creativity, and build meaningful partnerships – we design solutions that prioritize people’s needs, values and experiences from human-centered approach model.

Ready to strengthen your organization and expand your impact?

Discover our full range of capacity-building services and resources designed specifically for nonprofits.

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Private, Public, Social, and Community Leaders

We work with partners to address complex challenges and drive social innovation, creating lasting impact across nonprofits and the communities they support.

Talent Development and Enrichment (MatchBoard)

Connect business leaders with nonprofit boards that align with their passions, skills, and leadership experiences.

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Program and Event Sponsorships

Supporting Capacity Canada through event sponsorship boosts your brand visibility while advancing our mission through customizable benefit-rich packages.

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Strategic Social Innovation Partnerships

Direct your support to specific programs to create measurable impact and empower community change.
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Upcoming Events and Programs

Message to Impact: Strengthening Your Public Speaking as a Nonprofit Leader

Oct 7 | 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm| In-Person Workshop | Capacity Canada Board Room

Strengthening Your Public Speaking as a Nonprofit Leader

Nonprofit leaders are often called upon to speak in high‑stakes situations—with boards, funders, staff, and community partners—where confidence and clarity matter. This interactive half‑day workshop helps leaders strengthen their public speaking skills in a practical, supportive setting. Participants will learn how to establish credibility quickly, structure presentations around what audiences are truly listening for, and use body language to reinforce key messages. The session will highlight common presentation traps, and support participants in leaving a clear, confident, and lasting impression when speaking on behalf of their organizations.

Participants should be prepared to practice delivering short presentations and receiving feedback.

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Applications for this year’s Creative Day for Social Good (CD4SG) are officially open!

October 15 & 16 | In-Person Event

CD4SG returns in person on October 15–16, 2026 at the Conestoga College Waterloo Campus.

Led by Capacity Canada in partnership with Conestoga College, HIM&HER, and community sector leaders, this initiative provides pro bono design and marketing support to up to 10 nonprofits across Canada.

Creative professionals mentor Graphic Design students to deliver impactful branding and marketing materials.

đź“… How It Works:

  • October 15: Collaborative design sprint tailored to nonprofit needs
  • October 16: Final branding and campaign materials are presented.

Why Apply?

Last year, 100+ nonprofits applied for just 10 spots, receiving over $100,000 in pro bono services.

📢 Apply Now
🔟 Up to 10 nonprofits selected
đź•™ Deadline: Friday, August 21, 2026 at midnight

Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your organization - apply today!

Apply Today!

Annual Board Governance BootCamp

November 24, 25 & 26, 2026 | Bingemans Conference Centre, Kitchener, On | In-Person Event

Boldly Hopeful in a World on Fire

November 24–26, 2026 · Bingemans Conference Centre, Kitchener, ON

In a time of rapid change and increasing complexity, strong board leadership matters more than ever. Join Capacity Canada’s three-day Board Governance BootCamp—an immersive experience designed to equip nonprofit leaders with the skills, insight, and confidence to lead effectively today.

Expect practical learning, meaningful conversations, and tools you can apply immediately. New for 2026, explore flexible learning streams—Stewardship, Strategy, and Sense Making—designed to strengthen how boards govern, decide, and lead.

Includes:

  • Keynotes, 18 interactive sessions
  • Opening reception
  • Meals
  • Take-home resources.

Registration: $1,600 per person (20% off groups of 4+)

Learn More & Register

Join the Open Hearth's Design for Belonging

Capacity Canada is accepting applications from nonprofit organizations from the following communities:

  • Waterloo Region, Ontario,
  • Newfoundland & Labrador
  • Calgary, Alberta

Receive support to strengthen your organization's culture of belonging; effectively serve diverse communities and attract diverse talent to their staff team and boards of directors.  Apply by 29 June!

 

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Apply Today!

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Applications Open in Calgary for Open Hearth Mentorship Network

The Open Hearth Project, delivered in partnership with Volunteer Calgary, is now accepting applications for the Mentorship Network for its 2026-27 cohort! If you are a woman or gender-diverse individual working in the nonprofit sector in Calgary, this empowering six-month program is designed to support your growth, confidence, and leadership journey.

Calgary Cohort begins in September 2026.

Participants will gain access to meaningful one-on-one mentorship, peer learning, and a network of changemakers committed to strengthening the nonprofit sector. Whether you’re seeking guidance as a mentee or eager to share your knowledge as a mentor, we invite you to apply and help build a more connected and supportive nonprofit community in Calgary.

Applications are open until 21 June. Apply now!
Mentor Application: Apply Today
Mentee Application: Apply Today

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What People Are Saying...

We were drawn to CD4SG because it allows us to engage with talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, leveraging their creativity to generate solutions that positively impact society. By participating in CD4SG, we aimed to foster meaningful connections, inspire innovative thinking, and ultimately, make a difference in the lives of young people across Canada.

IImie Dharmaratna
CD4SG client

I was partnered with Don McDermott from Capacity Canada. He understood both my personal and volunteer experience and took into consideration my passion. We had several discussions surrounding my area of interest.

Elena

I had been considering different nonprofit boards, and I knew where my interest was and what expertise I could lend to the board. But I needed to make those connections to get there.

Katherine MacNaughton

We've heard how board chairs are making new decision or trying different chair approaches or techniques based on what they’ve learned from their peers

Jennifer King 

The CEO Peer Group meetings quickly became one of the most important engagements in my calendar.  The directed time with other not-for profit CEO’s provides an opportunity to discuss current trends, challenge assumptions, build strategy and reflect on my leadership.

Connie Côté
Chief Executive Officer, Health Charities Coalition of Canada (HCCC)

CD4SG has been the highlight of my time in the graphic design program. It’s more than just a school project - it’s a real opportunity to grow, collaborate, and contribute to something meaningful.

Alexandra Maurice
Design Student 

CD4SG gave me the opportunity to work with nonprofits all over Canada—listening to their needs, understanding their challenges, and translating that into design and copy. It was an incredibly rewarding experience as a student.

Heather McKaig
PR Student 

I’ve always loved hackathon-style events, but what made CD4SG stand out was its purpose. Helping non-profits get the design support they often can’t access. That sealed the deal.

Jessica Braun
Art Director 

Our team is grateful to have worked with a group of energetic and creative people whose promotional materials were eye-catching and captured our culture and values very well. We have used these resources to promote our KWLOT with great success.

Al Mills
CD4SG ClientÂ