We're building Canada's largest network of women transforming the nonprofit sector.
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With a donation to the WNN, you directly empower the women who are building stronger communities across Canada.
Explore our different donation tiers and the impact you can make as part of WNN’s journey.
WHAT WE DO
Women power nearly 80% of Canada’s nonprofit sector, yet their contributions are often overlooked. The Women’s Nonprofit Network (WNN) exists to change that.
We’re breaking down barriers, amplifying voices, and advocating for a sector that truly values and supports the women who sustain it. As economic pressures rise and demands on nonprofits increase, women are expected to do more with less—often at the expense of their well-being.
WNN is here to change the narrative. We provide a space for connection, empowerment, and action because when women thrive, entire organizations and communities flourish.
Join us in creating a future where women in nonprofits are seen, supported, and empowered to lead.
Our Vision
A world where women in the nonprofit sector are empowered to lead, innovate, and drive positive community building; where women’s voices are at the forefront of decision-making, equity is the norm, and diverse leadership creates lasting impact and inclusivity.
Our Mission
WNN is a community dedicated to empowering women in the nonprofit sector by fostering leadership, connection, and well-being. With a foundation of inclusivity and equity, we facilitate the creation of transformative spaces where women can thrive, lead with purpose, and drive lasting change.
What Our Community is Saying…
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“I consider it a great privilege to learn from women who constantly provide examples of merging their passions and interests with their life's work in innovative ways that consider not only their personhood but also their womanhood. The Women's Nonprofit Network challenges the unfortunately still widely believed notion that women do not want to work together by creating a space where encouragement is the lingua franca. I have deep respect for the entire WNN team who work to make this possible!”
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“These communities provide a supportive community where I can connect with other women, share experiences, and exchange valuable insights and advice. It's empowering to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges and opportunities we face in our respective industries. Through these groups, I've been able to expand my professional network, access mentorship opportunities, and gain inspiration from the achievements of fellow women leaders. It's not just about networking; it's about fostering meaningful connections and collectively uplifting each other to reach new heights in our careers and personal growth.”
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“When I look at WNN I wish it was around when I was first starting out in the Not-for-Profit sector; I was lucky to work for incredible women early in my career, and to be mentored by several more, not everyone is so fortunate, and I see WNN as one of the potential fillers of that gap. I was lucky to be introduced to WNN’s founder, Hailey Rodgers through her former boss, herself a Young Women who is building a deep network in the Not-for-Profit sector and lifting up so many other women in her network. We (mid- and late-stage women in the NFP space) are compelled to lift as we rise, and being part of WNN gives us meaningful opportunities to do just that.”
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“I firmly believe in the power of community to foster personal and professional growth, and I am immensely thankful for the Women's Nonprofit Network. It provides a supportive environment where like-minded women can unite over shared interests, goals, and values. Being part of such an inspiring and uplifting network resonates deeply with me, and I am genuinely grateful for this invaluable community.”
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“Starting my own non-profit organization was quite the challenge at first. It was through my connections where I first learned about Women’s Nonprofit Network. Prioritizing learning and growth, this network holds immense significance to me. It's more than just a platform for connecting with remarkable women; it's a hub for continuous learning. Whether it's resource sharing or rejoicing in achievements, this community fosters a sense of belonging that I cherish. I'm thankful for WNN and eagerly anticipate the opportunities to learn and evolve alongside each member of this incredible network.”
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“I believe that collaboration and resource sharing are such a fundamental part of strengthening the nonprofit sector. Having a network where passionate, like minded, powerful women can come together to engage and enhance the industry and their own communities is so exciting! I'm so grateful for this community and the connections it is going to foster in this vibrant industry.”
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“WNN is important to me because as the data shows while many non-profits target female identifying individuals due to disparities as is higlighted by SDG's 5 . We see that there aren't many leadership roles by women and even far less reprisentation of females of color and many women remain underrepresented . The non-profit sector brings many valuable contributions enabling a more equitable and sustainable society . Hence networks like this are essential to make sure we as women come together and are enabled to change the face of leadership in the sector allowing for wide-spread impact on communities that need it the most.”
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“The Women’s Nonprofit Network is vitally important to me and the work that I do because women are the drivers of the non profit sector, representing 80% of the non profit labor force in Canada. The WNN has a vital role to play in advocating for equal pay for work, stable employment, and gender parity and diversity in sector leadership. I’m thrilled to be part of WNN and be surrounded by a phenomenal group of women making a positive difference in society each and every day. Thanks so much to all at WNN for all the work you to do to elevate women in the non profit sector!”
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
As an organization dedicated to reducing barriers in the nonprofit sector, the Women’s Nonprofit Network is steadfast in our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Founded on the recognition of the disproportionate emotional and physical burdens that many marginalized groups face within the nonprofit sector, WNN is committed to prioritizing diverse perspectives and lived experiences, ensuring that all voices are valued as we work toward equitable outcomes for the sector at large.
Canada’s nonprofit sector has played a vital role in supporting communities, but it is important to acknowledge that, like many institutions, it has not always been equitable in its approach. Historically, BIPOC communities have faced barriers to leadership, funding, and decision-making within the sector, often resulting in their voices being underrepresented.
While many organizations have made strides toward greater inclusion and diversity, ongoing efforts are needed to ensure that all communities have equal access to opportunities and resources. Recognizing this history allows the sector to continue evolving toward a more inclusive and representative future.
In accordance with our organization’s mandate, we stand in solidarity with those who identify as transgender, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, and two-spirit; we acknowledge that gender is not binary, and commit to fostering an inclusive environment where all gender identities and expressions are welcomed, respected, and empowered.
We acknowledge the intersectionality of identities and how they shape lived experiences. This recognition guides our nuanced approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion. WNN is committed to dismantling barriers to ensure that everyone—regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, socioeconomic status, or geographic location—can participate meaningfully in our mission.
Our commitment includes:
Inclusive Leadership & Representation: Actively seeking and recruiting Board members from a wide range of backgrounds and ensuring that our recruitment processes are designed to minimize bias. We will prioritize a balance of skills, experiences, and perspectives that reflect the communities we serve.
Ongoing Reflection & Accountability: Regularly reviewing our practices to address how privilege and bias may influence our work, using tools and frameworks to mitigate inequities in our strategies and initiatives.
Community Engagement & Amplification: Engaging with a diverse range of communities—including those who are often underrepresented—through research, focus groups, and continuous feedback channels. We will ensure these voices shape our decision-making processes and initiatives.
As WNN continues to grow, we are committed to continued reflection and learning in our DE&I practices, fostering a nonprofit sector that is truly inclusive, equitable, and just.
We welcome feedback and ongoing dialogue as we continue to refine our DE&I practices.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to boardchair@womensnonprofitnetwork.com, should you have any questions or concerns about WNN’s DE&I practices, and to continue the discussion.
Last Updated: February 17, 2025
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