Ottawa, ON — The Digital Governance Standards Institute (DGSI) is pleased to announce the publication of CAN/DGSI 135:2026, Digital capability assessment framework for nonprofit organizations as a National Standard of Canada.
Previously published as DGSI 135, the standard has successfully advanced through the national standards development process. Its new designation as CAN/DGSI 135 marks an important milestone and provides nonprofit organizations across Canada with a nationally recognized framework for assessing and strengthening their digital capabilities.
CAN/DGSI 135 provides a practical, technology-agnostic approach that helps organizations understand their current digital capabilities, identify priority gaps, and plan for improvement. The framework addresses key areas including digital tools, data management, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and privacy, and digital leadership.
The standard uses three capability levels, Foundational, Practical, and Advanced, allowing organizations to establish digital priorities based on their needs, resources, and operating context. It also provides a structured assessment process to help organizations move from identifying gaps to taking action and measuring progress over time.
The publication of CAN/DGSI 135 follows a public review held from April 23 to June 22, 2026. DGSI thanks the members of Technical Committee 3 (TC 3 – Digital Skills) and all stakeholders who contributed to the development and advancement of the standard.
You can consult and download the national standard via CAN/DGSI 135.
About the Digital Governance Standards Institute
The Digital Governance Standards Institute develops digital technology governance standards fit for global use. The Institute works with experts, as well as national and global partners and the public, to develop national standards that reduce risk to Canadians and Canadian organizations adopting and using innovative digital technologies in today’s digital economy. The Institute is an independent division of the Digital Governance Council.