The Québec Survey of Community Action Organizations (QSCAO) aims to provide an overall portrait of community action in Québec by measuring the importance of this sector and its economic contribution in Québec.
Frequency and editions
2024 edition, with results covering the year 2023
Type of survey
Cross-sectional survey with a provincial and regional scope
Target population
All community action organizations operating in Québec, meaning organizations in the community action field that meet the criteria set out in the Politique gouvernementale de reconnaissance et de soutien de l’action communautaire (PDF) (Government Policy for the Recognition and Support of Community Action). These organizations must:
- Have non-profit organization (NPO) status
- Be rooted in the community
- Be associative and democratic
- Have the freedom to determine their mission, orientations, approaches and practices
Note that the target population includes ACEF (associations coopératives d’économie familiale [cooperative home economics associations]), although they are legally cooperatives. However, it excludes other types of organizations that—historically or by consensus—are not considered to be in the community action field in Québec, even though some of them meet the criteria set out in the government policy.
Sampling and data collection
Sample size
8,858 organizations potentially in the field of community action
Data collection period
September 3, 2024 to January 13, 2025
Collection method
Online or telephone
Response rate
89% (4,860 completed questionnaires)
Themes or topics
- Revenues and expenses
- Assets and properties
- Employees
- Members and board of directors
- Social mission
- Activities and services offered and clientele served
