Community-Based Organizations

Community-based organizations (CBOs) are non-profit agencies created by communities to address local needs. They are governed by volunteer boards of directors and staffed by paid personnel. Some CBOs are also supported by volunteers. Many CBOs receive funding from a variety of sources, including grants, donations, fees, and fundraising, but government is the primary source of funding for most agencies.

The Ministry of Social Services currently contracts with over 400 CBOs to deliver services to about 150,000 children, youth, families and people with disabilities across the province. About $90 million per year is paid to CBOs to deliver services including:

• Residential care for people with disabilities or people needing additional support
• Nurseries for children whose families are in crisis
• Mobile crisis response
• Centres for assisting victims of sexual assault
• Transition houses for women and children fleeing abusive situations
• Friendship centres and outreach
• Supports for teen parents
• Sheltered workshops for people with disabilities
• Counselling and treatment
• Advocacy services for those who need help to articulate their needs and make their voice heard.

For more information about CBOs and the Ministry contact: 787-8176.