Conducted by CulturaliQ and Imagine Canada with the support of BMO and other partners - this comprehensive research project examines how the experiences of multicultural Canadians shape their attitudes towards charitable giving, including: 

• their levels of giving & the causes they support 
• their motivations for donating & their preferred donation methods
• the potential for greater support 

The study focuses on the experiences of first and second-generation immigrants from some of the largest and fast-growing racialized communities in Canada, including South Asian, Chinese, Afro-Caribbean/African, Filipino, Arab and West Asian.

Multicultural Canadians are generous, and many express a desire to donate more

• The majority of multicultural Canadians (66%) view charities and nonprofits positively. Nearly 80% having donated to charitable causes in the past year, making an average contribution of $795 each
• 60% express a desire to donate more in the future, indicating a strong potential for increased giving within these communities.
• 57% of respondents said they would be more likely to donate more if they were asked more often or knew where to give, highlighting the importance of engagement and education by charities.
• Barriers to increased giving include affordability (44% ), a lack of clarity on where to donate (19%) or not being asked to give (10%). Despite these challenges, there is a clear willingness to contribute more. 

Multicultural Canadians donate because it aligns with their values

• Altruism is the primary driver of giving: 83% of respondents cite showing compassion, 81% cite doing the right thing, and 81% cite belief in the cause as reasons for giving.
• Personal incentives such as tax credits (52%) or the recognition of having family and friends aware of donations (37%) are less important to multicultural donors.
• There is broad support (74%) for teaching children about philanthropy, with multicultural Canadians seeing value in instilling the importance of giving in the next generation.

Length of time in Canada shapes attitudes and charitable giving behaviour

• Giving increases with time spent in Canada. Multicultural Canadians who have been in Canada for 5–10 years are more likely to donate, with 76% of respondents in this group saying they donate regularly, and they tend to engage with a broader range of causes. 
• Respondents who have been in Canada for less than three years are less likely to donate, with only 40% actively contributing. Those newer to the country are more likely to express regret about their decision to come to Canada, with many citing challenges such as increased racism, limited opportunities, and feelings of not belonging. These individuals face barriers like not knowing where to give (19%), not being asked (10%), or receiving charity communications in a language they don’t prefer (15%). 
• Internationally-born Canadians who have been in Canada for 3–5 years are more likely to be influenced by family and friends when deciding to donate (56% compared to 39% of those who have been in Canada for longer). Social networks play a significant role in shaping their giving behaviours as they become more familiar with Canadian charitable practices.

This report underscores the significant role multicultural Canadians play in charitable giving. With their growing numbers and diverse motivations, there is a clear opportunity for charities to engage more deeply with these communities. By adapting their approaches to meet the unique needs and preferences of multicultural Canadians, organizations can foster stronger connections, build trust, and maximize their impact in a rapidly changing landscape.

Imagine Canada is grateful to the member organizations of the Multicultural Study Advisory Council for their invaluable insight and guidance:

• Sherman Chan, Director of Health & Refugee Services at MOSAIC
• Meenakshi (Meena) Das, CEO at Namaste Data 
• Melanie Veerapen, Communications Lead at ARAISA
• Parvine Bahramian, Bilingual Senior Coordinator - Policy and Research at OCASI
• Ali Abukar, CEO at Saskatoon Open Door Society

This project was made possible thanks to generous support from our Presenting Partner, BMO. 

Imagine Canada is also grateful for the support of our Lead Partners, Canadian Race Relations Foundation, The Canadian Red Cross Society and KPMG Foundation.