Nonprofit Organizations in St. John's

MS Canada provides services to people with multiple sclerosis and their families and funds research to find the cause and cure for this disease. We have a membership of over 7,000 and are the only national voluntary organization in Canada that supports both MS research and services. Since our founding in 1948, the core support of MS Canada has been from tens of thousands of dedicated individuals, companies and foundations in communities across Canada. The Society receives almost no funding from government. MS Canada is governed by a board of directors comprised of 14 volunteer members who are elected annually. Some 1,500 volunteers serve on MS Canada national, division and chapter boards and committees. An estimated 13,500 women and men are volunteers for service programs, fundraising events, public awareness campaigns and social action activities. Our Vision- A World free of Multiple Sclerosis Our Mission- To connect and empower the MS Community to create positive change

The Mummers Festival hosts a series of events and workshops all leading up to the Mummers Parade. Make a hobby horse or ugly stick at one of our workshops, find a disguise and join us for the Mummers Parade! Volunteers are the heart of our Festival - we would not be able to do what we do without them. For more information, visit https://www.mummersfestival.ca/volunteer.  

The Learning Disabilities Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (LDANL) acts as a provincial network for individuals with learning disabilities and those who support them.  LDANL offers programs to build literacy and mathematical skills, provides advocacy and offers individual and family support.  Through public awareness activities, workshops, media, and by working with our partners in the community, LDANL strives to share an increased level of understanding of Learning Disabilities. It is the vision of LDANL to enable all individuals with learning disabilities to reach their full potential. LDANL’s mission is to raise awareness about, advocate for and support individuals with learning disabilities and their families.

Happy City St. John’s is a non-profit organization that informs, encourages, and facilitates public dialogue around civic issues in the city of St. John’s. Our vision is to become a trusted and valued venue for citizens, advocacy groups, business associations, labour organizations, and municipal staff to come together. We firmly believe that an informed city is a successful city – and a happy city. At Happy City, we’re always looking for new ways to reach out to the people of St. John’s. Most of our engagement work happens in two ways: Online: Through our website, our Facebook presence, and our Twitter account, Happy City posts articles and ideas, looks for comments, and provides a space for citizens to work collaboratively to shape emerging ideas about the shape of St. John’s. In Person: Happy City organizes forums that bring citizens together to discuss civic issues. We use a talented facilitator to run these sessions as “open spaces,” with the agenda set by the participants.

The Mission of The Terry Fox Foundation is to maintain the vision and principles of Terry Fox while raising money for cancer research through the annual Terry Fox Run, Terry Fox School Run, as well as tribute donations and planned giving.

Who We Are March of Dimes Canada is a leading national charity committed to championing equity, empowering ability, and creating real change that will help the more than six million people living with disabilities across the country unlock the richness of their lives. We serve, connect, and empower people living with disabilities to participate fully in life — on their own terms. Our work is grounded in the voices of the people we serve, built on a foundation of service, and backed by a 70-year history of success. We’ve proven time and again our dedication to addressing the ongoing and urgent needs of people living with disabilities, as well as their families and caregivers. Born in the last great public health epidemic, we know that seemingly-impossible goals can be achieved and barriers can be broken. In the 1950s, March of Dimes Canada helped in the global effort to find a cure for polio. We’ve since evolved to become a recognized leader in disability service design and delivery, supporting people at home, work, and in their communities with unparalleled reach and impact. Now, inspired and guided by our community, we’re expanding our horizons even further. Together with our clients, partners, supporters, and allies, we are working to create communities in which people living with disabilities can not only live, but thrive in all they aspire to do.

Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services provides a broad range of programs and services to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) through a large suite of facilities, clinics, and community services. The provincial health authority aims to transform the health system to provide high-quality health care to all residents of the province. The goal of this transition is to improve the health of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and to create a more integrated, accessible, technologically-enhanced, equitable and sustainable health system. 

DRAGis.ART exists to create more opportunities and support the 2SLGBTQTIA+ arts community in St. John's. DRAGis.ART also wants to create more safe spaces for the 2SLGBTQIA+ people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The YMCA has been part of life in Newfoundland and Labrador since 1854. We are a charity dedicated to strengthening the foundations of communities. We do this by nurturing the potential of children, teens, and young adults; promoting healthy living; and fostering social responsibility. Our focus on inclusiveness and accessibility means we serve people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities through all stages of life. Through YMCA financial assistance programs, the YMCA is accessible to all. Our charity’s core programs of Health, Fitness, and Aquatics; Child Care and Day Camp; and Employment, Enterprise, and Newcomer Services are offered at more than 20 locations in our communities with an additional 170 points of delivery throughout the province.

The Friendship Circle exists to bring friendship and fun to special needs children and their families. We do so through monthly activities, our Pen Pal program and weekly group music lessons. All of our programs are free of charge!

The World Oceans Day NL Planning Committee is a committee comprised of representation from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Fisheries and Aquaculture NL, Marine Institute, and Fish, Food, and Allied Workers-Unifor that plans and holds in-person and online events celebrating World Oceans Day annually.

Stella’s Circle transforms lives every day. We provide services to adults who face many barriers to fully participating in their community.  These barriers include mental health challenges, addictions, trauma, poverty, homelessness, criminal justice involvement, low literacy, and long periods of unemployment. Our mission is to transform lives through Real Homes, Real Help, and Real Work. Can’t find housing? We offer Real Homes. The Brian Martin Housing Resource Centre offers counselling, advocacy and other support services to help people find secure housing. Jess’s Place offers a safe, supportive, independent transitional housing for women over the age of 18 in recovery from addiction. Naomi Centre is a temporary shelter and support for women aged 16-29 within a harm reduction model. Need counselling or support? We offer Real Help. Emmanuel House is a residential counselling program, offering individual counselling, therapeutic groups and life skills in a supportive environment. The Community Support Program provides intensive assistance to people living independently in the community with complex mental health needs. The Just Us Women’s Centre offers programs and support for women who have been in conflict with the law. Services are also offered at the NL Correctional Centre for Women in Clarenville. Need work or job training? We offer Real Work. Our Social Enterprise Training Program offers training to help people work in food service, as trades helpers, or as cleaners. CanDo Enterprises offers flexible on-the-job work experience. Employment Transition Groups help participants to engage in a range of options to address their varying needs as they move towards employment. Job Development and Employment Maintenance ensures opportunities for successful employment for participants who are ready to enter the workforce. Adult Basic Education Level I helps adults complete their schooling. Need to make new connections? The Stella’s Circle Inclusion Choir welcomes participants to learn about the joy of singing.