Imagine Canada and Canada Life Announce the Second Edition of the Canada Life Capacity Building Program
Supporting charities and nonprofits to pursue accreditation
Toronto, February 10, 2026 — Imagine Canada and Canada Life are partnering to launch the second edition of the Canada Life Capacity Building Program.
First started in 2025, this initiative is designed to strengthen the capacity of charities and nonprofits across Canada by supporting their pursuit of accreditation and organizational excellence.
More than 50 organizations, representing a wide range of missions and organizational sizes from across the country, were selected last year to receive financial support from Canada Life to begin their Imagine Canada Standards accreditation journey. Building on this momentum, Imagine Canada and Canada Life are once again joining forces to expand access to accreditation, enabling a new group of organizations to join a national network of charities and nonprofits committed to strong governance, operational excellence, organizational resilience, and sustained public trust.
Imagine Canada Standards provide a roadmap for demonstrating excellence across five critical areas: board governance, financial accountability and transparency, fundraising practices, staff management, and volunteer involvement. Accreditation is achieved through a comprehensive peer-reviewed evaluation process providing third-party validation of organizational integrity and operational effectiveness.
Evermore Gather Grow Lead Inc., received support through the Program and last year joined Imagine Canada’s network of nearly 290 accredited organizations. Achieving Imagine Canada Standards accreditation reflects the dedication, resilience, and collaboration of Evermore’s board, staff, and volunteers, and affirms the organization’s commitment to excellence in serving its community. This milestone underscores Evermore’s focus on delivering high-quality, accountable, and sustainable programs for children, youth, and families in Winnipeg’s West Central community.
“Achieving Imagine Canada accreditation is more than recognition—it’s proof of what’s possible when heart, passion, and persistence come together. Reaching this milestone shows that through strong teamwork, even a small organization can achieve big things when guided by clear values, a shared purpose, and belief in the work we do. It reinforces to our community and supporters that Evermore’s work is grounded in trust, transparency, and care."
— Kerris Chinery, Executive Director, Evermore Gather Grow Lead Inc.
The Canada Life Capacity Building Program builds on a long-standing collaboration between Imagine Canada and Canada Life, which began in 2012.
“We’re proud to continue supporting Imagine Canada through the Canada Life Capacity Building Program. Our relationship spans more than three decades, and this initiative reflects our shared commitment to helping strengthen the nonprofit sector and the incredible work happening across the country,” said Stephanie Halligan, Community Relations Director, Canada Life. “By empowering nonprofits with the tools and support they need to grow their impact, we aim to help build a stronger, more caring Canada together.”
"We're thrilled that more nonprofits and charities this year will benefit from this great opportunity," said Bruce MacDonald, President & CEO of Imagine Canada. "When organizations become accredited, not only does it benefit them, but it contributes to building a strong, resilient nonprofit sector, which in turn, benefits our communities. This is why this initiative is so important. We are grateful to Canada Life for championing this vital program and enabling the nonprofit sector's ongoing growth and excellence."
To learn more about the Canada Life Capacity Building Program and apply, click here.
Charities and nonprofits can join our free informational webinar scheduled for March 2, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET to learn about the Program and how to apply. A French webinar is also scheduled on March 2, 2026 at 3 PM ET.
ABOUT IMAGINE CANADA STANDARDS
Since 2012, the Imagine Canada Standards have served as the only national Accreditation designed for all Canadian charities and nonprofits. Through a rigorous accreditation process, independent peer reviewers evaluate organizations against 73 standards developed by the nonprofit sector, for the nonprofit sector. The Accreditation Trustmark is a recognized symbol of trust and excellence within the sector. It provides donors, employees, and volunteers with confidence that their support and goodwill are in good hands.
ABOUT CANADA LIFE
Canada Life is a leading insurance, wealth management and benefits provider focused on improving the financial, physical, and mental well-being of Canadians. For over 175 years, individuals, families and business owners across Canada have trusted us to provide sound guidance and deliver on the promises we’ve made. We proudly serve more than 14 million customer relationships from coast to coast to coast. Canada Life is a subsidiary of Great-West Lifeco Inc. and a member of the Power Corporation of Canada group of companies.
For additional information, please contact:
Cristina Andoni Manager, Accreditation, Communications & Partnerships Imagine Canada [email protected]