Why Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) Matters for interVivos and our Canadian Nonprofit Sector

In today’s rapidly evolving world, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility are more than just buzzwords—they’re essential strategies for success. For Canadian nonprofits, embracing EDIA isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also a smart business move. 

interVivos is actively engaging in meaningful ways with this work through our EDIA strategic objectives to ensure that as a nonprofit organization working with diverse demographics and needs in Edmonton, we can keep ourselves consistent and accountable to the most current objectives facing the communities we directly support.

Scaling our EDIA motivations to the larger picture facing Canadian nonprofits, here are some reasons as to why EDIA should always matter as highlighted from the work of CharityVillage in mapping Canada’s nonprofit EDIA landscape:

1. A Bigger, Better Talent Pool

The nonprofit sector in Canada is facing a talent crunch. With labour shortages on the rise, organizations need to do more than just hire—they need to retain great people. And that means tapping into a broader, more diverse talent pool.

• 47% of the nonprofit workforce is made up of immigrants.

• 50% of immigrant women in Canada work in the nonprofit sector.

• Yet, racialized workers still earn less than their non-racialized peers. Tackling these disparities is key to building a stronger, more equitable workforce.

2. Serving a Diverse Canada

Canada’s population is incredibly diverse—and so are the people nonprofits serve. In fact, 62.5% of service users in the sector identify as members of equity-deserving groups. Diverse organizations are better equipped to:

• Understand cultural and language needs.

• Design inclusive services.

• Build trust with communities.

• Whether it’s donors, clients, or partners, people want to see themselves reflected in the organizations they support.

3. Meeting Expectations from Funders and the Public

Governments and funders are increasingly applying an EDIA lens to their decisions. The federal government’s 50-30 Challenge is a great example, encouraging:

• 50% gender parity on boards and leadership teams.

• 30% representation from equity-deserving groups.

Participation in initiatives like this can influence access to grants and contracts. Plus, younger generations are holding organizations to higher standards—especially when it comes to transparency and inclusion.

4. Happier Teams, Lower Turnover

Today’s job seekers care about more than just pay—they want to work for organizations that align with their values. That includes a strong commitment to EDIA.

• Inclusive hiring practices attract top talent.

• A positive workplace culture boosts morale.

• Younger employees, in particular, pay close attention to employer reputation (think Glassdoor ratings).

5. Innovation Through Inclusion

Diverse teams bring fresh perspectives. They challenge the status quo, avoid groupthink, and come up with creative solutions to complex problems.

Research consistently shows that diversity fuels innovation. For nonprofits, this means better programs, smarter strategies, and more impactful services.

6. Protecting Your Reputation

In today’s connected world, reputation is everything. Poor treatment of diverse individuals can lead to:

• Brand boycotts

• Loss of funding

• Legal consequences

Governments are tightening regulations, and human rights decisions are raising the bar. Plus, Environmental, Social, and Governance (also known as ESG) investing is on the rise—and EDIA is a key part of that equation.

Final Thoughts

The business case for EDIA is clear. For Canadian nonprofits, it’s not just about doing what’s right—it’s about staying relevant, resilient, and ready for the future.

Furthermore to interVivos' own aspirations, by embedding EDIA into every aspect of our strategic and tangible work, we can build stronger teams, serve communities more effectively, and secure the support they need from us to thrive.

If you would like to learn more on this topic from the main source behind this article’s stats, we highly encourage you to check out the Introduction to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for Nonprofits course offering from CharityVillage.

Are you interested in learning more about how you can get involved with interVivos and contribute to this valuable work? Drop us a line to share your interest at connect@intervivos.ca.