Canada > Ontario > Toronto > Organizations > Public & Non-Profit

Rooted in serving Toronto's vibrant Ukrainian Canadian community, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Toronto Branch represents one of Canada's most significant diaspora populations—part of over 1.2 million Canadians of Ukrainian background nationwide. UCC-Toronto exists to strengthen community bonds, celebrate Ukrainian heritage, and ensure the Ukrainian Canadian voice is heard in civic and national conversations. As a coalition of 73 independent member organizations, UCC-Toronto brings together diverse groups united by shared cultural identity and commitment to community welfare. The organization champions the maintenance and enhancement of Ukrainian language and traditions within Canada's multicultural society while simultaneously building meaningful connections between Toronto and Ukraine. Beyond cultural preservation, UCC-Toronto demonstrates deep commitment to supporting vulnerable community members, including elderly citizens, newcomers, and refugees seeking to establish themselves in Canada. The organization's work encompasses commemorative events, educational initiatives, and advocacy efforts that address real community needs. Operating within Toronto, ON's dynamic multicultural landscape, UCC-Toronto serves as a bridge between the Ukrainian Canadian community and broader Canadian society, fostering understanding, cooperation, and mutual respect. With a dedicated Board of Directors and extensive network of member organizations, UCC-Toronto continues a legacy of community building that honors Ukrainian heritage while contributing meaningfully to Canadian civic life.

Toronto, Ontario

Canadian Ukrainian Immigrant Aid Society

Founded in 1973 by dedicated volunteers in Toronto, ON, CUIAS Immigrant Services has evolved into a flagship settlement organization rooted in community values and genuine care for newcomer success. What began as the Canadian Ukrainian Immigrant Aid Society has grown into an inclusive agency serving immigrants from diverse backgrounds, while maintaining its commitment to the principles of respect, tolerance, integrity, and equity that defined its founding mission. The organization's history reflects its unwavering dedication to those facing displacement and hardship—from sponsoring over 4,000 self-exiles from the former Soviet Union during the 1980s, to assisting refugees from the Yugoslav wars, to responding rapidly when Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine created urgent humanitarian needs in 2022. Today, CUIAS operates as a member of both the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants, embodying collaborative values that prioritize client needs and community partnership. The agency's approach centers on human connection and understanding, recognizing that successful integration requires more than services—it requires genuine support, cultural sensitivity, and a welcoming environment. CUIAS welcomes all newcomers regardless of background and makes meaningful efforts to provide interpretation services and appropriate referrals. Operating in Toronto with deep roots in the community, CUIAS continues its 50-year legacy of empowering individuals and families to build strong foundations for their futures in Canada through high-quality, culturally responsive programming.

Toronto, Ontario

League of Ukrainian Canadians

Rooted in over 125 years of Ukrainian-Canadian history, the League of Ukrainian Canadians and League of Ukrainian Canadian Women serve the Toronto, ON community as custodians of cultural identity and advocates for Ukrainian sovereignty. Founded in 1949 and 1955 respectively, these organizations emerged from the experiences of post-WWII Ukrainian immigrants who fled Soviet occupation and brought with them a commitment to preserving Ukrainian consciousness and advancing their nation's liberation. Today, with 1.4 million Ukrainians calling Canada home, LUC and LUCW continue their mission of resisting assimilation pressures through educational and cultural endeavors that honor Ukrainian heritage. The organizations maintain deep connections to Ukraine's ongoing struggle for independence and democracy, speaking out against human rights violations while building bridges between the Canadian and Ukrainian communities. Beyond advocacy, LUC and LUCW strengthen Ukrainian-Canadian families through social activities, community gatherings, and shared cultural experiences that reinforce bonds across generations. Their work encompasses flag-raising ceremonies, historical preservation projects, and humanitarian aid efforts that demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine's citizens. By fostering integration into Canadian society while maintaining Ukrainian identity, these organizations embody the values of multiculturalism that define Canada. Members and volunteers in Toronto participate in a living legacy of courage and resilience, contributing to the development of civil society both in Canada and Ukraine while honoring the resourceful immigrants who answered Canada's call generations ago.

Toronto, Ontario

League of Ukrainian Canadian Women

Founded in 1951 by post-World War II Ukrainian emigres who fled repression under Nazi and Soviet regimes, the League of Ukrainian Canadian Women carries a legacy of resilience and community dedication in Toronto, ON. This member-based organization serves as a vital connector for Ukrainian-Canadian communities across the country, fostering deep relationships built on shared cultural heritage and commitment to democratic values. LUCW's mission centers on supporting Ukraine's right to protect its national independence, security, and territorial integrity within the European family of nations, while simultaneously strengthening the Ukrainian-Canadian community at home. The organization champions humanitarian causes, educational advancement, and civil society development through initiatives like the Guardian Angels Ukraine project, demonstrating tangible commitment to meaningful change. By working closely with its partner organization, the League of Ukrainian Canadians, LUCW amplifies community voices and creates pathways for civic engagement. The organization honors the historic contributions of Ukrainian-Canadians to Canadian society while building bridges between Canada and Ukraine based on shared principles of democracy and international rule of law. Through its network of chapters spanning from coast to coast, LUCW remains dedicated to preserving Ukrainian cultural identity for future generations while advocating for justice and human rights.

Toronto, Ontario

Polish National Union of Canada

Serving the Toronto, ON area and Polish-Canadian communities across the country, the Polish National Union of Canada has been a cornerstone of Polish heritage and cultural identity since 1930. Born from the community's determination to preserve Polish values and resist external pressures threatening Polish identity, this organization emerged as a beacon of patriotic unity for the Canadian Polish diaspora. Rooted in the democratic and nationalist principles of Marshal Józef Piłudski, the Polish National Union of Canada has consistently championed the interests and well-being of Polish Canadians. What began as a response to protect Polish community interests in Toronto has evolved into one of Canada's largest Polish organizations, demonstrating the deep commitment and trust placed in its leadership by generations of Polish-Canadians. The organization's early efforts to unite Polish diaspora organizations culminated in joining the Union of Polish Associations in Winnipeg in 1938, reflecting its role as a unifying force within the broader Polish-Canadian movement. Today, the Polish National Union of Canada continues to honor its founding mission by fostering community connection, preserving cultural heritage, and ensuring that Polish traditions, values, and history remain vibrant and relevant for Polish-Canadian families in Toronto and throughout the nation.

Toronto, Ontario

Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres

Since its establishment in 1976, the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for Indigenous people living in urban environments across Ontario. Operating from Toronto, ON, OFIFC represents the collective voice of 31 Friendship Centres located in cities and towns throughout the province, creating safe spaces where community members can gather, connect with one another, and access culturally-based services rooted in traditional teachings. At the heart of OFIFC's mission is a commitment to restoring Indigenous humanity and supporting self-determined activities that respect Indigenous cultural distinctiveness while encouraging meaningful participation in Canadian society. The organization evolved significantly in 2013, when members voted to change from the Ontario Federation Indian Friendship Centres to the current name, reflecting a deeper understanding of Indigenous identity and colonial history. This transformation extended to commissioning a new logo designed by Cree Métis artist Guy Freeman, incorporating powerful symbols including the turtle representing Turtle Island, an eagle feather, a traditional lodge, and thirteen Grandmother Moon teachings. OFIFC's long history of expertise in providing culture-based services has resulted in meaningful improvements across Friendship Centre communities. Through programs emphasizing cultural restoration, youth development, storytelling, and traditional practices, OFIFC continues to strengthen urban Indigenous identity and community resilience throughout Ontario.

Toronto, Ontario

Korean Professional Womenâ€™s Association

Founded in 2014 by five dedicated Korean-Canadian women, the Korean Professional Women's Association (KPWA) has grown into a vibrant, inclusive community serving Toronto, ON and beyond. This federally incorporated non-profit organization was created to fill a critical gap—providing a supportive space where Korean-Canadian professionals could connect, learn from one another, and lift each other up within their careers and communities. KPWA's mission centers on three core pillars: advancing through mentorship, empowering through leadership, and engaging through civic action and collaboration. The organization is built on values of genuine respect and camaraderie among all peoples, the rewarding experience of giving back through community involvement, and being a positive influence within communities. Membership is open to anyone who shares KPWA's vision and values, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity, creating an intergenerational community where women and men across all professions and industries can lead, learn, and support one another. Over the past decade, KPWA has evolved from a grassroots initiative into a thriving professional community with over 100 members, hosting impactful events, conferences, and community initiatives. The organization relies on dedicated volunteers and supporters who drive its mission forward. As KPWA celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025, it continues to serve as a powerful platform for connection, growth, and collective impact. For professionals in Toronto, ON seeking a community that understands both their cultural and professional experiences, KPWA offers belonging, mentorship, and the opportunity to grow alongside others committed to making a positive difference.

Toronto, Ontario

South Asian Womenâ€™s Centre

For over four decades, the South Asian Women's Centre has been a cornerstone of community support in Toronto, ON, dedicated to uplifting South Asian women and their families. Founded in 1982 as the South Asian Women's Group, this voluntary organization has grown from its original location at Bloor Street West and Lansdowne Avenue to its current home at Dupont Street and Lansdowne Avenue, reflecting both the organization's expansion and deepening commitment to the community. What distinguishes the Centre is its fundamental philosophy: it is run by and for South Asian women, creating an inclusive space where women of all backgrounds and ages feel genuinely welcome and supported. The organization's mission extends beyond crisis intervention to fostering genuine community and belonging, recognizing that South Asian women navigate unique challenges including linguistic isolation, economic hardship, and complex family dynamics shaped by immigration status. With a generous network of donors and dedicated volunteers, the Centre has cultivated a community-first approach that emphasizes collective well-being and mutual support. The organization serves approximately 14,000 women annually across the Greater Toronto Area, operating with a multilingual team that honors cultural nuances and provides personalized care. By hosting wellness groups, seniors programs, and family-centered services, the South Asian Women's Centre creates meaningful connections that empower women to develop their full potential while building stronger, more resilient communities throughout Toronto. It represents a commitment to saying to South Asian women: you belong here, and we have your back.

Toronto, Ontario

Black Women in Motion

Founded in 2013 as a survivor-led initiative in Toronto, Ontario, Black Women in Motion emerged from a York University research project and has grown into a vital community organization dedicated to empowering and celebrating Black and African-Caribbean diasporic women. The organization operates on the principle of 'For Us, By Us,' amplifying the voices, perspectives, and wisdom of Black survivors while boldly investing in Black lives and futures. Rooted in the belief that collective care and healing are essential, Black Women in Motion recognizes the interconnectedness of community struggles and the personal responsibility members have to care for one another. The organization's founding vision, articulated by Founder and Executive Director Monica Samuel, centers on ensuring the well-being, prosperity, and advancement of Black survivors who have endured profound challenges yet remain poignant, prolific, and radiant. Operating with core values of intersectionality, collaboration, and curiosity, Black Women in Motion acknowledges the complex, overlapping barriers faced by marginalized Black survivors and centers their needs in all prevention, intervention, and advocacy efforts. Based in Toronto, the organization facilitates access to holistic, integrated, culturally-relevant healing spaces that honor the strength drawn from Black identity, ancestry, and lived experience, while actively preventing all forms of structural oppression and violence within the community.

Toronto, Ontario

Association for Iranian Studies

Founded in 1967, the Association for Iranian Studies has grown into a vibrant international community of over 500 scholars, students, and researchers united by their passion for understanding Iranian culture, history, and society. Operating from Toronto, ON, this non-political, non-profit organization brings together academics and aficionados from around the world to foster meaningful scholarly dialogue and collaborative research. What sets AIS apart is its unwavering commitment to intellectual freedom and the free exchange of ideas across all disciplines and media. The organization's foundational mission remains unchanged: to promote excellence in Iranian Studies education and research while facilitating connections among scholars separated by geography and borders. AIS serves as a welcoming home for researchers studying Persian heritage across diverse regions including Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia, and diaspora communities in Europe and North America. The organization's leadership through an elected and executive council ensures that member voices shape the direction of the association's work. Beyond publishing the influential Iranian Studies journal, AIS organizes biennial conferences, provides graduate student travel grants, and mentors emerging scholars entering the field. The establishment of the Committee for Intellectual and Academic Freedom reflects AIS's deep commitment to protecting scholars' rights to pursue research and expression without fear of intimidation or persecution. For anyone interested in Iranian Studies—whether as an academic professional, graduate student, or passionate learner—AIS offers membership, networking opportunities, and a supportive international community dedicated to advancing understanding of Iranian civilization and its global significance.

Toronto, Ontario

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