Satellite account of non-profit institutions and volunteering

Statscan - Gross domestic product (GDP) of the core non-profit sector accounted for 2.5% of the nation's economic activity in 2007, up from 2.2% in 1997 when the time series begins. GDP in the core non-profit sector amounted to $35.6 billion in 2007.

The overall non-profit sector GDP reached $100.7 billion in 2007, accounting for 7.0% of Canada's GDP. Hospitals, universities and colleges accounted for the bulk of economic activity in the non-profit sector throughout the 11-year period with GDP totalling $65.1 billion in 2007.

The share of the core non-profit sector GDP has been increasing within the overall non-profit sector in Canada. In 1997, it accounted for 33.0% of economic activity in the overall non-profit sector; by 2007, this share had increased to 35.3%.

Social services institutions represent largest share of core non-profit sector GDP

The social services group accounted for 23.0% of core non-profit GDP in 2007, still the highest share of any group in the sector. When combined, organizations in social services, development and housing, culture and recreation, as well as religion made up nearly two-thirds of core non-profit economic activity in each of the 11 years.

However, a detailed analysis of the variations shows that the share of development and housing, social services and other education and research rose between 1997 and 2007, while the shares of religion, other health, business and professional associations, and culture and recreation declined.

Income still growing in the core non-profit sector

Income in the core non-profit sector rose 5.1% in 2007, although this was down from an increase of 6.1% in 2006. The main reason for the deceleration in growth in 2007 was a slowdown in transfers from households and memberships fees.

In 2007, growth in donations to core non-profit organizations from households slowed to 0.8%, down from 14.0% in 2006. Furthermore, growth in membership fees also slowed to 4.7% in 2007, down from 9.7% in 2006.

Core non-profit institutions rely on diverse sources of revenue. Sales of goods and services were, by far, the most important source of revenue for the core non-profit group in 2007, accounting for 45.6% of the total income. Government transfers were also significant at 19.7%.

In addition to these funds, core non-profit institutions derived roughly one-third of their revenue from three additional sources: membership fees (15.9%), donations from households (12.0%) and investment income (4.9%).

Non-profit institutions cover their expenses with the incomes they receive, either earned from market activity or received as transfers. Total income of the core non-profit sector reached $77.9 billion in 2007. Total expenses for the core non-profit sector increased 3.9% to $68.2 billion.

Note to readers

For the purposes of the satellite account of non-profit institutions, the overall non-profit sector is split into two groups. The first consists of a diverse range of generally smaller organizations, known as the "core non-profit sector." They operate in many fields, ranging from religious organizations and social service providers to sports clubs.

The second consists of hospitals (including residential care facilities), universities and colleges, which account for the bulk of non-profit economic activity. These typically large organizations are classified within the government sector in the standard Canadian System of National Accounts.

Together, the core non-profit sector and hospitals, universities and colleges represent the overall non-profit sector.

Separate data are available for the overall non-profit sector and the core non-profit sector.

Gross domestic product is shown by primary area of industrial activity according to the International Classification of Non-profit Organizations.

Data are presented in nominal terms. All growth rates are calculated using nominal (current) values, that is, not adjusted for inflation.