Raising the alarm bells in this 19th Toronto’s Vital Signs Report is not enough. The problems are persistent but not new.

Let’s focus on the problem that underlies them all—restoring the connection between us and our city.

It’s time to get involved and reignite our love for Toronto.

Join the #PowerOfUs.

The Findings.

Vital Signs tracks 10 indicators of quality of life in the city. So, how are Torontonians doing?

Take Action:

150 Days to Believe

Simple actions. New commitments. More hope.
That’s what’s needed from each of us for a better city.
Join us by committing to ONE act of civic optimism over the next 150 days.

Share Civic Optimism

In your neighbourhood and
across Toronto.

Re-engage

Discover ways to connect
and give back.

Engaged Employers

A rallying cry for
organizations and businesses.

Apply: Microgrants

Turn your civic optimism idea into reality.

Post #PowerofUs

Share how you're recommitting to Toronto and inspire others.

Re-engage

There are many ways to participate in and support community. Volunteer Toronto has developed new tools to help you step up your engagement and find opportunities that best suit you. 

Explore the engagement continuum to consider different ways to get involved. 

Explore 7 ways to contribute to Toronto by using the continuum of civic engagement.

Take the self-assessment quiz for personalized suggestions. 

Online quiz titled “what’s your engagement style”.

Civic Optimism Map

More than a city of neighbourhoods, let’s be a city of neighbours. Our map displays how Torontonians are reengaging with the city. Make and add your own commitment. These don’t need to be big organized efforts. Simple actions count too.

For map issues contact: smcclelland@torontofoundation.ca

+Add your act
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Individuals

Share your personal action or commitment to reconnect with the city and community.
ex) Moncur Park could use more love! I’ll be convening neighbours to talk about their ideas and how to make them happen. - Claire, East York

Small groups of people standing in a park. Tables and trees in the foreground and houses in the background.
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Organizations

Show how your workplace is connecting and getting into the community.
ex) We're spending our holiday party budget on going the theatre, knowing how hard the pandemic hit the arts community. -Toronto Foundation

Poster for a play titled, “Natasha, Pierre and the great comet of 1812”. A women standing holds her arm up towards a bright light.
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Microgrants

Civic optimism initiatives by resident-led groups, grassroots organizations, and informal collectives.
We'll showcase the recipients in 2024.

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Microgrants

Be a catalyst for community connection! The Power of Us Microgrants provide resident-led groups, grassroots organizations, and informal collectives with up to $1000 for projects that help reconnect Torontonians to their neighbours and city.

  • Welcoming gathering for newcomers

  • Community garden

  • Street or apartment or condo building party

  • Park clean up

  • Skills sharing workshop

Thank you to our Power of Us Microgrant partners for their generous support.

Sponsor logos for the Power of Us Microgrants. Toronto Foundation, Volunteer Toronto, United Way Greater Toronto, CAMH, Environics Institute for Survey Research, Northcrest, Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy.

Engaged Employers

When a city thrives, so do its employers. But when a city struggles, we feel less connected to each other and the place we call home.

If we want our city to succeed, we need people to believe in Toronto again.  That’s where you come in.  

We’re asking leaders to commit to ONE act of civic optimism over 150 days, kicking off with the release of Toronto’s Vital Signs Report this November 15.  

Thank you to our early believers who have already joined the Power of Us campaign.

Employers Get Involved…

Join the Power of Us campaign and become a believer by committing to ONE act of civic optimism over 150 days, kicking off with the release of Toronto’s Vital Signs Report this November 15.

You can share your civic optimism commitment on our map. We'll feature your commitment on our social media feeds. Here are some ideas to get started.

  • Amplify the message on social and on internal channels

  • Share your organization's act of civic optimism on socials #PowerOfUs

  • Encourage your staff to get engaged, apply for a microgrant at info.volunteertoronto.ca/powerofus

State of the Sector

There are 7,737 charities in Toronto. The early stages of the pandemic severely affected the sector with key trends that have been ongoing:

  • Increased revenue fails to offset pandemic losses for many
  • Rising costs and surge in service demands strain nonprofits
  • Staffing and volunteer challenges plague the sector
State of the Sector Report

Add your act of civic optimism to the map

This information will not be public.
This information will not be public.
This information will not be public.
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