The Survey on Giving, Volunteering and Participating (SGVP) collects data on Canadians’ activities in their communities, such as helping others, charitable giving and volunteering. It also looks to determine why some may be unable to participate in these types of activities, for reasons that could include health issues and scheduling conflicts. Whether or not you volunteer, donate or otherwise take part in community life, your information will contribute to a clearer picture of how Canadians are shaping their communities.
Your information may also be used by Statistics Canada for other statistical and research purposes. In addition, information from partially completed or unsaved questionnaires may be retained and used.
Collection period:
From September 15, 2023 to March 30, 2024
Collection methods:
Telephone interview and electronic questionnaire
Survey participation:
Voluntary
Confidentiality
Data are collected under the authority of the Statistics Act, Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, Chapter S-19. Your information will be kept strictly confidential.
Data sharing agreements and record linkage
To enhance the data from this survey and to reduce the response burden, Statistics Canada will combine the information you provide with data from the tax data of all members of your household. Statistics Canada may also combine the information you provide with data from other surveys or administrative sources.
Topics covered in the survey
The survey asks questions about:
- volunteer activities;
- charitable giving;
- help provided to others;
- involvement to improve the community;
- main activity and education;
- health and well-being.
Published data
Statistics Canada publishes the results of its surveys in many formats. To find all the documents related to this survey, follow the links below and type the name of the survey in the search engine located at the left of your screen to filter the results.
Data: You will find tables, profiles of a community or region, thematic maps, public use microdata files, and data visualization tools.
Analysis: You will have direct access to Stats in brief (e.g., releases from The Daily, fact sheets), articles and reports, and journals and periodicals.
Brochure
Canadians contributing to community life
Canadians are contributing to their communities in countless ways.
Whether it's coaching a sports team, volunteering at a literacy centre, donating to a charity, or joining a cultural organization, it's all part of community life.
Statistics Canada's Survey on Giving, Volunteering and Participating (SGVP) measures how Canadians give time and money to their communities.
Share your unique experience
The SGVP will help governments, the not-for-profit sector, charities and researchers answer the following questions:
- Why and how much do people volunteer and donate to charities?
- What kind of skills do people gain from volunteering?
- Does volunteering help people get paid jobs?
- What is the effect of tax credits on people's charitable donations?
- How are people using the Internet to participate in society?
Why is your participation important?
Your participation in this survey is essential to ensure the data is as complete and representative as possible. Whether or not you volunteer, donate or otherwise take part in community life, the information you share with us will contribute to a better understanding of how all Canadians are shaping their communities.
Did you know?
- In 2018, over 24 million Canadians gave approximately 5 billion hours to their formal and informal volunteer activities — equivalent to over 2.5 million full-time year-round jobs.
- In 2018, $11.9 billion was donated to charitable or non-profit organizations, with an average annual amount per donor of $567.
Your personal information will remain confidential
This survey is conducted under the authority of the Statistics Act, which ensures the information you provide will be kept confidential. We do not release any information that could identify you, or any member of your household.
Contact us
Toll-free: 1-877-949-9492
TTY: 1-800-363-7629
Email: infostats@statcan.gc.ca
To complete the questionnaire by phone:
Toll-free: 1-833-977-8287
TTY: 1-866-753-7083