A strong and consistent piece of advice Canadians have heard from leaders recently is to shop local and buy Canadian products. The “Buy Canadian” movement has caused a boom in social media platforms curating lists of products to help citizens support Canadian-owned businesses.

While supporting local businesses can have a powerful impact on the local economy, it can also provide numerous advantages for Canadian nonprofits and charities. If you are unsure of whether it's time for your organization to focus on securing Canadian products, services providers and consultants, here are five key benefits.

Save money. Of course, most nonprofits and charities (and probably most Canadians in general), are interested in spending less money, especially while navigating economic cycles which can fluctuate quickly. Local providers often have lower overhead costs like transportation expenses which can translate into cost savings for your organization. For example, a local business may operate within a small geographic region, which can reduce the distance for delivered products and potentially lower fuel consumption and labour costs. In addition, prices in local currency also helps your organization avoid costly conversion rates which can change often and create uncertainty for your organization’s budget.
Stronger relationships. Engaging with local businesses can help your team strengthen ties with business owners and create a sense of mutual support. In addition, organizations that invest in local services and products can build lasting connections that can help build awareness of their cause and can lead to increased volunteerism, donations, and community engagement. While building donor relationships is important, strong ties with local organizations and businesses are also key to increasing the impact of your cause in the community. Additionally, these meaningful partnerships can open opportunities to secure corporate support in their local area, further expanding their mission and resources.
Faster response times. Local suppliers can often have quicker turnaround times and more efficient communication. In addition, proximity to local providers can allow for more face-to-face interaction which helps address issues quickly and streamline project execution. For example, if a group is hosting a community event and needs last-minute adjustments to printed materials, a nearby supplier can deliver updated products on the same day, ensuring the event proceeds without disruption. Similarly, if a charity running a food drive unexpectedly runs out of packaging supplies, a local supplier can quickly restock materials, ensuring operations continue smoothly.
Customized solutions. At times, it may be beneficial for your organization to consider hiring a consultant to boost your organizational capacity and support your work. Local consultants may have a better understanding of the unique needs and challenges of organizations in their area. This local expertise helps them offer tailored solutions that are more relevant for the team’s specific needs. For example, a local consultant working with a nonprofit in a rural area may have a deep understanding of the region's unique challenges, and can develop strategies that are specifically tailored to address those needs while considering the local context.
Increased accountability. Local businesses often have a reputation to uphold in their community, which can lead to higher levels of accountability and reliability. This may benefit your nonprofit or charity as local businesses are more likely to go the “extra mile” to ensure satisfaction and maintain a positive relationship with your organization. For example, if your organization were planning to launch a capital campaign, a local digital marketing agency might prioritize your urgent request for campaign materials, such as graphics and messaging, to ensure everything is ready for a timely launch.

Prioritizing local businesses can not only benefit your organization but also foster a sense of national pride and community support. By buying local, you can save money, build stronger relationships, enjoy faster response times, access custom solutions, and potentially benefit from increased accountability by working with someone in your area. And for charities and nonprofits supporting local businesses it can help strengthen the shared mission of uplifting the community, and creating a lasting impact.

If your organization is seeking support for your fundraising efforts, please check out these Canadian resources.

Story Point Consulting: We provide consulting services and donor management software specifically designed for organizations based and operating in Canada, leveraging our expertise in Canadian policies and regulations.

CharityVillage Learning Centre: CharityVillage has multiple training opportunities for nonprofit organizations. Numerous nonprofit professionals from around the sector have contributed to the many courses, articles, webinars and podcasts on a variety of topics.

United Way Winnipeg Learning Centre: The Learning Centre at the United Way Winnipeg offers high-quality, and affordable learning opportunities for nonprofit professionals to advance their skills. Workshops are offered in virtual and in-person formats.

Imagine Canada: Imagine Canada provides support to charities and nonprofits through programs like accreditation, advocacy, and resources aimed at strengthening their capacity to achieve long-term success.

Volunteer Canada: Volunteer Canada promotes and strengthens volunteerism by offering resources, tools, and training to help organizations build strong volunteer programs.

Made in Canada: Made in Canada showcases Canadian-made products and businesses, encouraging support for local industries.

Empowering Canadian Nonprofits and Charities: The Benefits of Buying Local