Arthritis Society Canada achieves Imagine Canada Standards re-accreditation 

March 19, 2025 – Arthritis Society Canada today announces that it has been accredited under Imagine Canada Standards. With this achievement, we become part of a network of nonprofit and charitable organizations dedicated to continuous improvement, transparency and operational excellence. 

Since 2012,  Imagine Canada Standards serve as the only comprehensive guidelines created by the sector, for the sector, to address key areas of governance and operations: board governance, financial accountability and transparency, fundraising, human resources, and volunteer engagement. These Standards are designed to promote best practices and transparency within charities and nonprofits seeking to continuously improve. The goal is to foster resilience and bolster public confidence in both individual organizations and the sector overall. 

“Earning Imagine Canada re-accreditation reaffirms Arthritis Society Canada’s commitment to strong governance and transparency," says Trish Barbato, president & CEO at Arthritis Society Canada. "It underscores our responsibility to our community, donors, and partners as we continue driving bold solutions toward a pain-free future.” 

The accreditation process involves meeting 73 rigorous standards spanning financial management and accountability, fundraising, board governance, human resources, and volunteer engagement. The accreditation process is adaptable for organizations of all sizes due to a three-tiered structure allowing nonprofits and charities to get accredited at any level based on their needs. Standards oversight is ensured by the Standards Council, an independent group of sector representatives responsible for maintaining and evolving the standards. 

Our policies and procedures in the five areas of compliance were evaluated by a group of independent reviewers from the sector and were found to be compliant with the Standards. Accredited organizations are required to complete full reaccreditation on a five-year basis. Compliance and continuous improvement during the accreditation period are supported through a reporting process that requires organizations to submit evidence demonstrating selected standards are being met. 

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About Arthritis Society Canada
Arthritis Society Canada represents the six million people in Canada living with arthritis today, and the millions more who are impacted or at risk. Fueled by the trust and support of our donors and volunteers, Arthritis Society Canada is fighting arthritis with research, advocacy, innovation, information and support. We are Canada’s largest charitable funder of cutting-edge arthritis research. We will not give up our efforts until everyone is free from the agony of arthritis. Arthritis Society Canada is accredited under Imagine Canada’s Standards Program. For more information, visit arthritis.ca. 

Media Contact:
Jenny Ng
Senior Manager, Public Relations & Media
jng@arthritis.ca
416-455-1182 

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