Research & Reports

Practical insight to help nonprofits work with confidence

CCNDR’s research helps nonprofits understand how data, technology and security affect their work so they can make informed, confident decisions. Our reports are grounded in sector collaboration, lived experience, and applied research across data practices, cybersecurity readiness, and equity.

Explore our research and reports, shaped by real-world nonprofit needs and focused on today’s nonprofit challenges.

The Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience (CCNDR)
2023 - Ongoing

Futureproofing the Community Service Workforce

A multi-report initiative exploring the digital skills gap in Canada’s nonprofit sector and what organizations need to adapt and grow.

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The Futureproofing project focuses on Digital Skills Plus (DS+) — digital skills alongside communication, creativity, adaptability, innovation, and problem-solving and includes research, tools, and early-stage prototypes to support workforce readiness.

Includes:

  • National research reports
  • A Digital Skills Assessment Tool
  • Prototype tools tested with nonprofit partners

Explore the Futureproofing reports and tools >

2026

The State of Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Canadian Nonprofits

A national baseline study on AI use across the sector.

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This report, published in collaboration with Imagine Canada and made possible through Microsoft Elevate, provides one of the first snapshots of how nonprofits across Canada are engaging with AI.

Based on a national survey of 963 organizations, the findings show:

  • 80 percent of nonprofits report using AI in some way
  • Most use remains early-stage and task-focused
  • Skills, knowledge, and staff capacity matter more than funding in predicting adoption
  • Policy development and governance are lagging behind use

The report establishes an important baseline for understanding how AI adoption is evolving and where supports are most needed.

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2025

Bridging the Digital Divide

This report examines digital inequity in Canada and the critical role nonprofits play in advancing digital inclusion, particularly for marginalized and equity-denied communities.

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Grounded in a Canadian-focused scoping review, it offers insight into where digital gaps persist and how nonprofits can help bridge them.

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2024

A Cybersecurity On-Ramp for the Settlement Sector

A practical guide introducing a five-step approach to help nonprofits take achievable first steps toward stronger cybersecurity.

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Developed with settlement organizations, yet applicable across the sector, this report addresses common risks and includes curated resources to support early-stage cybersecurity readiness.

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2024

Pathways to Digital and Data Readiness

A practical roadmap for nonprofits at different starting points.

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This report identifies common starting points nonprofits find themselves in, from organizations just beginning their digital journey to those building more advanced systems, and outlines practical steps to strengthen digital and data capacity over time.

It offers clear, actionable strategies to help teams use data and technology more confidently in their day to day work.

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2024

Youth Employment Nonprofit Digital & Data Readiness R&D Consortium

A summary of a collaborative initiative focused on improving equitable access to digital and data tools for youth employment nonprofits.

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The project co-designed and tested three prototypes: a digital readiness pathway, a community of practice, and service provider connections.

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