Democracy in Action believes strong communities are built through connection and collaboration. Explore organizations and services across Waterloo Region that support civic engagement and community well-being.
Civic Engagement & Community Development
Volunteer Waterloo Region continues to lead with innovation in the social service sector. We advocate for the value of volunteerism through technology, partnerships, and evolving programs that respond to community needs.
United Way Waterloo Region brings together people and organizations across Waterloo Region to help meet community needs and tackle complex social issues
Adventure4Change’s goal is to prevent poverty and negative life trajectories by inspiring self-discovery using the A4C model to enable communities to make meaningful contributions to society.
The Social Development Centre Waterloo Region is a non-partisan learning organization that supports all voices in the creation of community wide solutions, ensuring that lived experience is the basis for collective action towards change in policies and service delivery.
Community Justice Initiatives provide conflict resolution services, support for people impacted by sexual trauma, assistance for families involved with child protection, reintegration support for adults returning to the community from prison, connection support for older adults and co-housing support.
Tamarack Institute supports individuals and communities to break free from poverty's grip, create sustainable and equitable climate transitions, and inspire a sense of belonging and purpose.
Waterloo Region Community Foundation connects donors with community needs through grants, endowments, and community initiatives. Supports local nonprofits and projects that improve quality of life across Waterloo Region.
SWR is a social enterprise nonprofit that’s committed to helping Waterloo region, Guelph and Wellington, Perth county, and Oxford county become environmentally and economically sustainable and strong by supporting businesses and community scale actions.
Community Support & Social Services
House of Friendship is a Waterloo Region-based nonprofit organization that provides food, housing, addiction treatment and neighbourhood support to individuals and families
Muslim Social Services Waterloo Region provides culturally and spiritually sensitive humanitarian and social services to the Muslim and non-Muslim communities
Compass Refugee Centre aids in assisting, accompany, and advocating for refugee claimants in the community by providing a positive space and a bridge to new connections that expand the network of support and relationships people need
The African Family Revival Organization (AFRO) Empowers individuals and families to actively participate in Canadian society as confident, engaged, and informed citizens
Centre for Mutual Wellbeing delivers innovative and culturally responsive programs that address systemic barriers to social and economic inclusion. With a focus on housing, gender-based violence, anti-hate initiatives, and public education
Newcomer & Refugee Support
Levant supports refugees fleeing crises and seeking safety in Canada. We empower refugee sponsorship initiatives in the Kitchener-Waterloo region and foster meaningful integration through arts and culture
GrassRoots Response collaborates with individuals and organizations to offer support to Ukrainians in their successful settlement in Canada. Through these partnerships, they aim to empower local communities and make a meaningful impact.
Indigenous Organizations
Anishnabeg Outreach is an Indigenous-led incorporated non-profit & registered charity dedicated to providing culturally appropriate services that strive to support First Nations, Inuit & Métis (FNIM) in overcoming barriers.
White Owl Native Ancestry Association is an urban Indigenous community-based agency dedicated to culturally safe, wholistic practices and education, supporting well-being across generations.
Cultural Organizations
African Canadian Association bring African communities together through capacity building, empowerment, and collaboration, with the shared goal of strengthening the well-being of people of African descent in the region.
African Women's Alliance empower African women, youth, and families in the Waterloo Region through culturally and community-led programs. By advocating for equity and building capacity, we dismantle systemic barriers that perpetuate gender-based violence and work collaboratively to create a safe, inclusive region where African women can thrive.
The Filipino Canadian Association of Kitchener-Waterloo (FCAKW) is a community-driven organization committed to celebrating Filipino heritage, fostering unity, and supporting the Filipino-Canadian community through cultural programs, social events, newcomer support, and collaborative initiatives.
India Canada Association help foster a sense of togetherness and belonging through cultural exchange; encourage & promote local talent; help improve the welfare of our community members; and assist in the settlement of newly arrived immigrants.
The Ethiopian Association is a community-based, non-profit organization dedicated to connecting and empowering the Ethiopian-Canadian community through programs that support children, youth, and families, as well as, promote health and well-being, advance economic opportunities, and foster civic engagement.
Kulmis Cultural Center preserve, promote, and celebrate East African culture and traditions through educational programs, artistic expressions, community engagement, and support services.
The Waterloo Region Chinese Canadian Association (WCCA) is registered as a non-profit, non-religious, and non-political entity in Ontario, Canada. With the motto of “Together. Better.” WCCA is committed to promoting multiculturalism and prosperity, serving the local Chinese community, and advocating for the interests of the Chinese community in the region.
Faith & Interfaith Communities
Golden Triangle Sikh Association is dedicated to preserving and promoting Sikh heritage, values, and teachings while fostering an inclusive environment where people of all backgrounds can learn about Sikhism and participate in our programs.
Interfaith Grand River cultivates an environment of tolerance, understanding, respect, trust, and mutual support by seeking to develop and celebrate an awareness of interdependence. Interfaith Grand River brings the wisdom of many traditions to bear on current issues affecting our community.
Muslim Social Services Waterloo Region is a charitable organization that provides culturally- and spiritually-sensitive humanitarian and social services to the Muslim and non-Muslim communities of the Waterloo Region.
WRJCC is dedicated to enhancing Jewish life in Waterloo Region by promoting and developing social and cultural activities and increasing outreach and awareness
Tamil Cultural Association advocates and promotes cultural activities, with the goal of Recognizing that arts, culture and language are essential to a vibrant civic life and sustained economic growth