Building Strong Communities: Community Investment Trends in Canada’s Financial Services Sector

The financial services sector is one of the most significant contributors to non-profit and community organizations in Canada. In 2013, Signal49 Research reported that the financial services sector was the largest overall contributor to communities of all sectors reviewed. Yet, to date, little comprehensive information has been published about the sector’s giving.

This report examines community investment trends in the Canadian financial services sector over the last decade, looks at how financial institutions are currently managing and governing community investment, and considers what the future may hold for community investment in Canada. It also presents opportunities for community investment professionals in financial institutions to develop strong, sustainable community investment programs, fit for the future and its changing needs.

The report is based on the findings of a wide-ranging document review and quantitative benchmarking exercise, a survey of community investment and corporate responsibility/sustainability professionals, and interviews with financial institutions’ senior leaders.