Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Are A Force For Change
Jan 22, 2026
The Architects of Belonging: Civil Society Impact Study, produced by the Victoria Foundation in collaboration with CIFAL Victoria at the University of Victoria, highlights the powerful role CSOs (non-profits, charities, and community groups operating between the public and private sectors) play in strengthening communities and driving economic impact.
In Greater Victoria, CSOs generate $5.4 billion in annual economic activity, supporting the equivalent of 60,600 full-time jobs and $366 million in municipal taxes.
This matters now more than ever. Communities face growing social and economic challenges, and CSOs deliver practical solutions, restoring dignity and building resilience where it is needed most. By providing essential services, fostering inclusion, and supporting those facing barriers, these organizations create a lasting impact that strengthens both individuals and the broader community.
Belonging Starts with Dignity
A sense of belonging is created when people are seen, valued, and supported with dignity. Through our work here at Soap for Hope Canada, we have witnessed how access to hygiene, caring for others, and forging community builds that sense of belonging. When people feel included and supported, communities thrive.
We are the only non-profit in Canada dedicated solely to eradicating hygiene poverty. Our mission is simple but powerful: Changing lives by providing hope and dignity through hygiene.
For us, hygiene does more than meet a basic need:
A bar of soap is not just soap; it is a fresh start.
A clean towel is not just a towel; it is the feeling of being cared for.
A toothbrush is not just a toothbrush; it is a renewed sense of self-worth.
A deodorant is not just deodorant; it is the confidence to show up without fear or shame.
And a period product is not just a necessity; it is comfort, and the freedom to fully participate in daily life.
These essentials restore hope and dignity, build confidence, and create the true foundations of belonging.
From Care to Measurable Change
The study shows that Civil Society Organizations, CSOs, are meeting urgent needs while driving systemic change, and we see this reflected in our own impact: The survey found that:
• 77% partner to drive systemic change
→ We work with 120 community facilities across Greater Victoria, and more than 500 across B.C, and Alberta
86% deliver equity-focused programs
→ Through our network of Community Facilities, we have distributed more than 12 million hygiene items and linens to vulnerable people since 2015.
71% strengthen inclusive and sustainable communities
→ Our program actively engages 150 volunteers from diverse backgrounds and has led to the creation of six social enterprises that reinvest in community well-being.
67% support seniors
→ Seniors are a priority in our work. Through our Seniors program, we deliver hygiene essentials year-around reducing isolation and restoring dignity.
62% serve low-income families
→ We provide access to hygiene items to food banks, transitional houses, schools, family and single-parent programs.
These outcomes demonstrate how CSOs deliver real results, improving health, strengthening community connections, and expanding participation in everyday life. When people feel dignified, they participate more fully in their communities.
Investing in Impact: What CSOs Need Now
Despite their proven impact, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) face outdated and fragmented funding models that limit their ability to respond to rapidly growing community needs. The study highlights key areas where targeted investment is urgently needed:
88% need stable, core funding. Reliable funding enables organizations to expand services, invest in infrastructure, and support fair wages. For Soap for Hope Canada, it would allow us to strengthen our systems, staff, and partnerships to maximize impact.
45% need program expansion funding. Requests for hygiene products are growing across Canada, underscoring the urgent need to scale our support.
38% need physical space. Limited warehouse space restricts our social enterprises' growth, volunteer participation, and logistics capacity—slowing how far and efficiently we can deliver products to communities in need.
35% need additional staff. More team members would help us expand our impact, serve more communities, and ensure hygiene products reach those who need them faster.
What Belonging Can Build Next
The Architects of Belonging Study makes one thing crystal clear: Civil Society organizations aren’t a side story in economic growth; they are a driver of it. At Soap for Hope Canada, we are proud to be part of this ecosystem. We prove that something as simple as hygiene can strengthen lives, communities, and economies. And sometimes, it starts with feeling clean and a sense of hope.
Join us in building dignity, belonging, and stronger communities
Read the complete study here.