Research · Strategy · Social enterprise & pricing
Common Good Strategies brings research, strategy and pricing expertise to organizations working for social good. We help nonprofits, funders, businesses and governments understand what is changing, choose a direction and build financially sustainable programs and services.
Discuss a project ↗Research
We study social trends, sector challenges and community needs through surveys, interviews and data analysis. Our reports and presentations help organizations understand what is changing and communicate the findings clearly.
Strategy
We bring evidence and stakeholder perspectives together to help organizations choose a direction. Our work informs organizational and sector strategies, program decisions and practical plans for what comes next.
Social enterprise & pricing
We help organizations assess social enterprise opportunities, strengthen their business models and make better pricing decisions. Our work includes financial and operational analysis, program and membership fees, and strategies that balance financial sustainability with social impact.
United Way Centraide Canada · 2026
Steve wrote this data roadmap for Canada’s nonprofit labour force. It brings together evidence on vacancies, wages and retention to help leaders decide where to focus workforce planning and investment.
Future of Good · 2025
Common Good Strategies led research design and report writing for this national study of nonprofit worker wellbeing. The Index helps leaders identify which issues, from burnout to financial strain, deserve a closer look when setting priorities for retention and job quality.
Volunteer Canada · 2026
Steve co-wrote this national report for Volunteer Canada with Paul Anderson. It helps nonprofits identify what keeps older adults from volunteering and design more flexible, accessible roles.
Waterloo Region Community Foundation · 2025
Steve was lead author and researcher for Waterloo Region’s report on social infrastructure. The research helps local leaders decide where investment in shared spaces, programs or partnerships could help more people connect.
President and Lead Researcher
Steven Ayer works with charities, nonprofits and funders to understand how communities and the sector are changing—and what those changes mean for their work. Through Common Good Strategies, he brings together research, sector knowledge and practical advice to help organizations work through important decisions.
Described by CharityVillage as “one of Canada’s leading experts on the not-for-profit sector,” Steven’s research clients and collaborators include Philanthropic Foundations Canada, United Way Centraide Canada, Community Foundations of Canada, Imagine Canada, CanadaHelps, Volunteer Canada and the Environics Institute for Survey Research.
Alongside that research, Steven advises funders and nonprofit leaders on questions of funding, organizational direction and financial sustainability. He takes time to understand what people are trying to achieve, the pressures they’re working under and the choices in front of them. He helps clients make sense of the evidence, think through possibilities and develop approaches that fit their organization and the communities they serve.
Tell Steve a bit about your organization, the question or decision you’re working through, and your timing. We can start with a short conversation about what would be most useful.
Based in Kitchener, Ontario. Working with organizations across Canada.