New charitable giving study highlights challenges faced by immigrants and desire to meaningfully engage
TORONTO, Dec. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new comprehensive study by Imagine Canada sheds light on the charitable giving perceptions and practices of first and second-generation immigrants, including their experiences since arriving in Canada. The Navigating New Horizons: The contributions and perspectives of multicultural Canadians study focuses on the experiences of individuals from some of the largest and fastest-growing racialized communities in Canada, including South Asian, Chinese, Afro-Caribbean/African, Filipino, Arab and West Asian.
This Imagine Canada study, conducted by CulturaliQ with the support of BMO and other partners, examines the levels of giving among multicultural Canadians, their motivations for donating, and factors that may limit their contributions. In addition, it looks at how their journeys since coming to Canada shape their opinions and attitudes towards charitable giving.
"Roughly 75 per cent of Canada's population growth comes from immigration. Multicultural Canadians enrich our country on so many levels, and the research shows that these individuals are caring and generous,” says Bruce MacDonald, President & CEO of Imagine Canada. "However, the findings also highlight the need to address the challenges they've faced and the negative feelings some experience. Collectively, we need to do better to make sure immigrants feel welcomed and supported in Canada.”
Key findings
Multicultural Canadians are motivated by the desire to help
The study finds that the majority of multicultural Canadians (66 per cent) view charities and nonprofits positively, with nearly 80 per cent having donated to charitable causes in 2023. Multicultural Canadians are primarily motivated by a desire to help others and their personal beliefs in the causes they support.
Experiences of multicultural Canadians coming to Canada
While multicultural Canadians are generous donors, this support could be at risk. Nearly one in four multicultural Canadians who previously immigrated to Canada expressed regrets about having done so, and one in five are thinking about leaving. Additionally, just under a third say that they are discouraging family and friends from immigrating to Canada, and as many often feel that they don't belong here. Finally, about a third report experiencing increased acts of racism.
Financial barriers faced by multicultural Canadians
The study finds that immigrants face barriers that impede their ability to thrive. Forty per cent of respondents believe that Canada is a more difficult place to get ahead than their country of origin. A large percentage of multicultural donors (44 per cent) cite affordability as a limiting factor to their charitable giving. However, despite economic constraints, such as rising living costs, many continue to demonstrate strong support for causes they care about.
Complete research findings are available at www.imaginecanada.ca/multicultural-study. A follow-up report providing a deeper analysis of perspectives on giving is expected in February 2025.
Research methodology
The study focuses on the experiences of individuals from six major population groups that have accounted for large proportions of immigrants and recent newcomers to Canada. Over 3,074 individuals from some of the largest racialized communities in Canada, including South Asian, Chinese, Afro-Caribbean/African, Filipino, Arab and West Asian were surveyed for this study. Responses were collected through an online survey conducted between March 14 and May 13, 2024.
Acknowledgement
This project was made possible thanks to support from our Presenting Partner, BMO. We'd also like to thank our Lead Partners: Canadian Race Relations Foundation, The Canadian Red Cross Society, and KPMG Foundation. The project was created thanks to the guidance and participation of the Multicultural Study Advisory Council, comprised of nonprofit leaders from immigrant and settlement organizations across the country.
About CulturaliQ
CulturaliQ is a leading research and insights firm specializing in multicultural and newcomer markets. With a mission to help brands connect authentically with diverse communities, CulturaliQ provides culturally intelligent research approaches to deliver compelling, actionable insights. Founded in 2019 and based in Toronto, Canada, CulturaliQ is dedicated to bridging cultural understanding and driving inclusive growth for organizations worldwide.
About Imagine Canada
Imagine Canada is a national, bilingual charitable organization whose cause is Canada's charities and nonprofits. Through our advocacy efforts, research and social enterprises, we help strengthen charities, nonprofits and social entrepreneurs so they can better fulfill their missions. Our vision is of a strong Canada where charities work together alongside business and government to build resilient and vibrant communities.
For further information, please contact:
Leslie Booth
Senior Consultant, Xposure PR
416 427 1588