Why more multi-year flexible funding is critical right now
October 6, 2025
By Peggy Lam
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B.C.’s charitable sector is facing an unprecedented funding crisis. In recent years, nonprofits have seen a rising demand for their services, but their revenues have stagnated or decreased (as captured by a 2025 report by the BC Non-Profit Network) . Some organizations are having to pause programs, or close their doors completely, leaving communities with limited options for essential services. With this dire situation, more than 200 leaders representing nonprofits have penned an open letter sounding the alarm about the sector’s struggling state.
Their call to government, philanthropists, foundations, and other funders is clear: provide multi-year flexible funding instead of funding one-off projects. Multi-year flexible funding (also known as multi-year operational funding) means funding an organization predictably each year, with the flexibility to address evolving needs. It allows organizations to plan and spend the money on necessities that keep their organizations afloat, such as updating outdated technology or paying staff a living wage.
Helping organizations plan ahead
Archway Community Services , a nonprofit offering programming for residents in Abbotsford and throughout the Fraser Valley, received a multi-year flexible grant through Vancouver Foundation’s Lighthouse Organization’s Fund, supported by the province in 2024. Since then, Archway has been using the grant to implement tested ideas, strengthen its governance and plan long-term, all while still delivering critical services.
“Imagine trying to do your budget if you only knew what you were going to make this year and not have a clue, ‘am I even going to have money next year?’” said Rod Santiago, the CEO of Archway. “Now imagine the power of being able to do your budget when you know that you’re going to have a salary and an income for the next three years. What difference does that make?”
“It keeps the doors open,” he said. “It makes sure that our level of excellence is where it should be.”
Giving workers stability
With chronic underfunding, nonprofit workers are facing low wages, limited benefits, high workloads, and growing burnout. A 2025 report by Imagine Canada found that non-competitive wages are a key barrier to recruitment and retention — with community nonprofit workers making 31% less than other workers.
As the associate director of youth, health services and quality improvement at Archway, Simone Maassen experienced this firsthand. In recent years, programs in her department have faced funding cuts and shrinking budgets.
Maassen’s staff are now having to do more with less. Clients are coming in with a lot more complexity and mental health challenges, so the work for frontline staff is increasingly difficult, she said.
“There’s always the worry, our funding is time-limited, so what’s going to happen next?” she said. “You are constantly thinking, at what point do you call it completely quits? Even though you know this program is needed.”
On top of that, shrinking budgets are causing high stress levels for staff, prompting them to look for jobs elsewhere. Often, she and her team would have to try to retain talent with limited funding. That’s why multi-year flexible funding is so crucial. It provides teams like hers with security and stability.
“It makes a huge difference to know that for several years we have some breathing room,” said Maassen.
How you can help
From listening to the charitable sector and community advisors, Vancouver Foundation understands the necessity of multi-year flexible funding. That’s why most of our grant programs — including the Thriving Indigenous Systems Fund, LEVEL BIPOC Grants, and Transforming Systems Grants — are multi-year and flexible. And at this dire time, we invite donors like you to join us in this approach. Here’s how.
Give steadily: Setting a consistent schedule for when you donate or grant from your fund provides charities and nonprofits with the predictability they need.
Give flexibly: At Vancouver Foundation, we have a dedicated circle of community advisors who help surface the most pressing needs that require funding in B.C. And donations to the Community Impact Fund and focus areas directly fund those needs. If you’re looking to make an impact, give to one of our focus areas or the Community Impact Fund today.
Start today: Want to give, but not sure where to start? Let our team guide you on a path that best fits your interests and needs. Email donate@vancouverfoundation.ca to start a conversation with us.