In 2016, in association with Cardus, the City of Toronto Planning Department, Ryerson University's School of Planning and Urban Development and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, Sphaera Research published an initial study of the socio-economic impact of 10 congregations in the City of Toronto.
Inspired by similar research in the United States, the Halo Project examined how religious congregations act as local economic catalysts. What we found is that all congregations, regardless of tradtion, when measured using traditionally accepted economic development tools, are seen to make significant contributions to the common good of society.
The ten congregations we examined spent just over $9.5 million annually. But their "Halo effect", through providing public program and performance space, volunteerism, family support, services to seniors and youth, in-kind support, job training, and housing, along with all sorts of other programs that make our cities more liveable for all its residents, was estimated to be about $45 million per year.
That means that for every dollar a congregation spends its surrounding neighbourhood was receiving about $4.77 in social benefit.
To read more about our findings and to access the full report click on the link below.
Inspired by similar research in the United States, the Halo Project examined how religious congregations act as local economic catalysts. What we found is that all congregations, regardless of tradtion, when measured using traditionally accepted economic development tools, are seen to make significant contributions to the common good of society.
The ten congregations we examined spent just over $9.5 million annually. But their "Halo effect", through providing public program and performance space, volunteerism, family support, services to seniors and youth, in-kind support, job training, and housing, along with all sorts of other programs that make our cities more liveable for all its residents, was estimated to be about $45 million per year.
That means that for every dollar a congregation spends its surrounding neighbourhood was receiving about $4.77 in social benefit.
To read more about our findings and to access the full report click on the link below.