Mapping the Support Ecosystem for Nonprofit Organizations (NPOs) in Quebec

Justification of research project

Nonprofit organizations (NPOs) are vital to Quebec’s social fabric, yet their operations are often hindered by structural challenges: financial instability, lack of skilled personnel, increasing complexity, and pressure to innovate. In response, various support services are provided by foundations, networks, and public institutions. However, no comprehensive mapping of this support ecosystem currently exists in Quebec. This project responds to a critical need for visibility, coordination, and improvement in the landscape of NPO support. It will equip organizations to make better strategic decisions, inform public policy, and highlight existing initiatives. Beyond filling an academic gap, this mapping will contribute to long-term organizational strengthening for the nonprofit sector.

Research question

How is the support ecosystem for Quebec’s NPOs structured, perceived, and used by stakeholders, and how can it be improved to strengthen their organizational capacity?

Research purpose

The research examines the actors, services, and dynamics shaping Quebec’s NPO support ecosystem, with the goal of understanding their role, complementarity, and potential to build organizational capacity in the nonprofit sector.

Research approach

Phase 1 – Quantitative (completed)
• Inventory of 150 ecosystem stakeholders
• Development and testing of the questionnaire
• Distribution to 140 nonprofit organizations (60% response rate as of August 2022)
• Data analysis to establish a descriptive diagnostic
• Creation of an interactive database

Phase 2 – Qualitative (upcoming)
• Development of interview guides
• Conducting semi-structured interviews and focus groups
• Analysis of field actors’ perceptions
• Drafting of an in-depth report
• Integration of the results into the PhiLab website