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The not-for-profit sector plays an important role in the Canadian economy.

According to Imagine Canada and CIBC, the not-for-profit workforce comprises roughly 1 in 10 Canadian workers which translates into approximately one-quarter of the country’s employment force, generating more than $180 billion annually in economic activity.

Locally, according to Volunteer Waterloo Region’s 2025-2026 annual report, approximately 11,000 to 12,000 people work in the not-for-profit and voluntary sector, which includes a mix of full-time and part-time staff across nearly 1,600 registered charities and non-profit organizations focused on health, social services, arts, culture, and sports.

This is a force to be reckoned with after factoring in, according to that annual report, the more than 250,000 volunteers who have given nearly 42 million hours of their time to these programs, services, and organizations in our communities post-COVID.

That’s why the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce celebrates through its annual Cambridge & North Dumfries Community Awards the commitment and dedication of the many local organizations and individuals in this sector who remain consistently steadfast when it comes to enhancing our communities. 

10 awards to be presented

Nominations are open until Sept. 1 for these awards which recognize the contributions of individuals and organizations in the past year in a variety of categories, including leadership, impact, volunteer of the year, as well as lifetime achievement.

“These awards provide the ideal chance to show our appreciation to all those who work and volunteer in the not-for-profit sector for all they do to make our community even better,” says Chamber President and CEO Greg Durocher. “Often, those who work in this sector are so busy and focused on doing the great work they do, they never take a moment to give themselves the credit they deserve.”

There are 10 awards, including the Arts and Culture Award which recognizes an individual, ensemble or organization that has contributed significantly to the local cultural scene in the past year. Also, there is the Best Event of the Year Award which goes to an organization that has increased awareness and/or boosted its bottom line through an event or program. 

The awards – to be presented in November – also include the Lifetime Achievement Award which goes to an individual who has made significant contributions to the community and brought recognition to the Waterloo Region.

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Award categories include:

Community Collaboration 

Nominees for this award provide outstanding examples of collaboration within their communities. These nominees recognize the benefits that come from accessing resources and expertise of individuals, local businesses, government, non-profits, or charities for positive community impact. Through the synergy that comes with community collaboration, the nominees have facilitated increased sustainability, efficiency, impact, and innovation in the service they provide to their community.

Community Leadership 

Nominees for this award stand out because of their exceptional professional and/or volunteer achievements in the community, which are above and beyond their role in a paid position. This award recognizes any exceptional employee of a non-profit organization.  These nominees embody the spirit of the community and, through their actions and accomplishments, are an inspiration to others.

Community Impact People’s Choice Award

Nominees for this award are organizations that recognize new and better ways to address a need in the community despite the many demands, and sometimes too few resources available. The efforts of this organization have a positive and meaningful impact on the broader community, resulting in clear and measurable change. Nominees in this category demonstrate a commitment to building relationships and collaborating meaningfully with the individuals and communities they serve. They have changed the culture of their organization or worked towards shifting systems by listening to the voices in their community and involving them in solutions and/or processes.

Arts and Culture 

Nominees in this category, either individually, as ensemble or as an organization, have worked diligently and selflessly in a variety of creative, applied, and fine art genres to benefit the community. Their efforts have made a significant contribution to the cultural scene in Cambridge/Township of North Dumfries, while creating access and inclusion to arts and culture.

Best Event of the Year

Nominees for this award have created an event or program which has made a significant impact that increased awareness and/or boosted the bottom line of the organization. The recipient of this award has worked tirelessly to ensure the quality of this event or program has left an indelible mark on their community.

Board Member

This award is presented to a board member who have demonstrated outstanding service to a not-for-profit organization in the City of Cambridge or Township of North Dumfries through the giving of their time, talents, and resources as a board member to further the goals and objectives of the organization.

Volunteer of the Year 

Nominees must have been involved in volunteering for the equivalent of at least 100 hours over a 12-month period. Nominees must have volunteered for a legitimate not-for-profit organization, service club or community group. The communities of Cambridge/Township of North Dumfries or Waterloo Region must be significant beneficiaries of the nominee's volunteer work.

Organization of the Year - Under 10 Employees

Are you a not-for-profit organization or service club that provides outstanding programs, services, events, or campaigns that support the needs of the community and its residents? Does your organization successfully raise awareness of issues affecting the community and successfully raise funds to support its mission and goals?

Organization of the Year- 11 and Over Employees

Are you a not-for-profit organization or service club that provides outstanding programs, services, events, or campaigns that support the needs of the community and its residents? Does your organization successfully raise awareness of issues affecting the community and successfully raise funds to support its mission and goals?

Lifetime Achievement Award

Will be awarded to an individual who, over the past 15 years or more, has made significant contributions to the community and has improved the quality of life for citizens or whose accomplishments have brought recognition to the Waterloo Region.