Shows
Impact ConversationsEvolving Social Impact Planning in Uncertain TimesHow the world has changed! There are a lot of new challenges and opportunities these days as organizations look to clarify their purpose, strategy, and evaluation of their work to create social impact in these uncertain times. The work is more complex and challenging than it was say three years ago, the stakes are higher, and success is less certain. In this podcast, Andrew Taylor, Co-Founder of Taylor Newberry Consulting and Lynn Fergusson, Partner at Social Impact Advisors let you in on some insights from the kind of conversations they often have to better understand the sector and how to...
2022-09-0134 minImpact ConversationsLoosening the Reins on Funding to Enable Impact: The General Operating Support pilot Laura Manning, Executive Director at the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation (LSHF) shares the journey and lessons learned from a bold Canadian pilot started in 2018, granting significant additional, unrestricted General Operating Support (GOS) to known grantees. We hear about the time it takes to get boards comfortable with this approach and what’s behind that. We also hear how Laura and the Foundation see advocating for this approach as part of their work, to help shift the sector. Now issuing more than 70% of the Foundation’s grants in unrestricted General Operating Support, LSHF provides insights and a framework in a Canadi...
2022-08-1830 minImpact ConversationsPaulina Cameron: A changemaker supporting women entrepreneurs, individually and systemically In this episode, we talk to Paulina Cameron, a Globe and Mail ’22 Changemaker and CEO of The Forum, a Vancouver-based charity teaching, mentoring and supporting women entrepreneurs across Canada to take their businesses to the next level. We hear about the challenges and opportunities the organization and women entrepreneurs faced through COVID. We also hear about the systemic issues women entrepreneurs face, and work The Forum is doing in both supporting women to overcome these barriers, while at the same time providing training to banks to address systemic biases. We’re encouraged to learn that more and more, younger generat...
2022-08-0429 minImpact ConversationsSuccessfully bringing Indigenous ways to a traditionally science-based culture at Sierra Club BC, with Executive Director, Hannah AskewHannah Askew started as Executive Director at Sierra Club BC in late 2018 with a mandate to bring an Indigenous lens to the work of Sierra Club BC, alongside the traditional scientific lens. As a lawyer, prior to this role, Hannah practiced public interest environmental law and was deeply involved in learning from Indigenous communities about their systems of law and governance. You’ll hear that Hannah is a big proponent of the McConnell Foundation’s Innoweave program “Impact and Strategic Clarity”, which they completed in 2019. It’s how they developed a Theory of Change (see the podcast res...
2022-07-0733 minImpact ConversationsGord Downie’s Legacy of #ReconciliACTION!Sarah Midanik, Executive Director of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund shares a message of hope, as she reflects on the important work of reconciliation requiring us all, and non-Indigenous Canadians in particular, to take action. We hear about the important work to be done to address systemic racism and how this national charity found a way, working from the ground up, to address the history not previously being told in the school curriculum, providing tools and resources into some 6000 schools within 4 years. And that’s just one example. Resources Gord Downie & Chanie Wenja...
2022-06-2328 minImpact ConversationsInsights from Toronto’s Reconciliation Action Plan Selina Young, Director of the City of Toronto’s first Indigenous Affairs Office speaks with us about Toronto’s Reconciliation Action Plan, recently unanimously approved by Council. We hear about the process, informed by various Indigenous community leaders, which pushed Selina and her team to revise the plan, ensuring big, bold action towards reconciliation. It’s also made clear that this plan is not for Indigenous folks to undertake, but rather actions for non-Indigenous folks to be taking, namely by the City and its some 38k people, leveraging its role as service provider, policy developer, partner, system navigator, convenor, negotiat...
2022-06-0935 minImpact ConversationsCreating an increased and lasting sense of civic agency in youth Veronika Berlicki, co-founder and leader of CityHive, shares how they are transforming the way young people engage in shaping their cities. Based in Metro Vancouver, this 5-year old nonprofit has revisited its initial strategic plans, to assess the impact its been making and see what changes that might mean for the way forward. They’ve engaged key stakeholders along the way and had some tough conversations as a team, looking at the change they want to be making and considering the trade-offs. They’ve developed a Theory of Change that is not only guiding their work but provi...
2022-05-2629 minImpact ConversationsThe Prosperity Project: Creating a Prosperous Canada is Women’s Work Foreseeing COVID negatively impacting women’s ability to stay and thrive in the workforce, Pamela Jeffrey, Founder and lead of The Prosperity Project was concerned about the impact this would have on not just the women themselves, but Canada’s prosperity. So, she took action, focusing on women, and particularly women of equity-deserving communities, including Black, Indigenous, racialized, LGBTQ2S+, and physically challenged. Pamela shares how this project came to be and the unique seed funding approach, with 60+ senior professional women committing to the cause – personally and financially. She breaks down the 5-point plan laid out from the start...
2022-04-2831 minImpact ConversationsThe Home Depot Canada Foundation’s Commitment to Systems Change in Youth Homelessness The Home Depot Canada Foundation has recently revisited their role and plans by developing a Theory of Change and Strategic Plan. We hear about the journey and results from Amy Bilodeau, Sr. Manager, Community Investment for the Home Depot Canada, a role which includes supporting the Home Depot Canada Foundation's mission to eradicate youth homelessness in Canada. This mission has remained intact, and with a renewed commitment, with the Foundation continuing to aim higher on its fundraising goals, and then applying those significant funds for systemic change. We hear about the importance of engaging all stakeholders in thi...
2022-04-1431 minImpact ConversationsThe B Corp Movement, with PeaceWorks Technology Solutions B Corp is a global movement of more than 4800 companies, with almost 400,00 employees in 79 countries around the world, all focused on making business a force for good. Together, B Corps are working to shift our global economy from a system that profits few to one that benefits all: advancing a new model that moves from concentrating wealth to ensuring equity, from resource extraction to energy generation, and from individualism to interdependence. We are happy to have Ian Kelly and Elaine Adema from PeaceWorks Technology Solutions, a fellow B Corp, on today’s episod...
2022-03-3125 minImpact ConversationsHow B Lab is leveraging business for climate justice, racial equity, and a stakeholder-driven economic system Show notes: Kara Peck, Senior Director, Strategy + Partnerships, B Lab US & Canada shares their journey to strategic clarity for their organization and for making a real difference in the world. Leveraging a time of organizational and societal change, they have developed a Theory of Change, creating alignment around a new focus for the B Corp-certifying nonprofit, to support the business sector in taking collective action towards addressing racial equity, climate justice and stakeholder capitalism. Resources: B Lab US/Canada Theory of Change: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og0iYy52Zj...
2022-03-1733 minImpact ConversationsNon-Profit Leadership, with Shelley Zuckerman of North York Community House In this episode, Sally speaks with Shelley Zuckerman, who has been the Executive Director of North York Community House for the past 30 years, about her long career in the non-profit sector, how her organization has navigated the challenges of the past two years, and her advice for the next generation of leaders in the sector. Shelley shares what makes her optimistic for the future, both for our sector and more broadly. As she nears retirement this year, Shelley reminds us about how far we have come, and shares her confidence in the next generation to go f...
2022-03-0335 minImpact ConversationsBuilding unity on the future we want - with Sonia Theroux of Leadnow In this episode, Sonia Theroux, the Executive Director of Leadnow speaks with Sally about what progressivism means, the movement, and how activists and change makers can think about and stay hopeful about the moment we are in. Sonia is a campaigns and communications specialist, passionate about organizing and community building. She has seen the power of people talking to people about something they care about. She has led or advised on successful electoral campaigns at the municipal, provincial and federal levels. As a consultant with a digital civic tech company, she advised local governments on effe...
2022-02-0327 minImpact ConversationsA conversation with Dr. David Danto: Truth, humility, and the path to reconciliation Our guest on this episode is Dr. David Danto, who is the Head of Psychology at the University of Guelph Humber. Dr. Danto’s clinical and research interests include Indigenous wellness and culture-based approaches to addressing intergenerational trauma in local and global contexts. David is involved in allyship and decolonization efforts within the discipline and the academy. Dr. Danto has worked in psychiatric hospitals, counselling centers, private practice, and correctional facilities in Canada and the United States. In partnership with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, he developed a field course on Indigenous Mental Health, which he has deliv...
2022-01-2038 minImpact ConversationsThe Ontario Nonprofit Sector In this episode, we hear from the Ontario Nonprofit Network through Executive Director Cathy Taylor, and Policy Advisor Pam Uppal, They share the state of the sector in Ontario, from their most recent surveys and ongoing interactions, and what this means for the ONN’s policy priorities. We hear about the important role of looking out for the sector overall and being part of emergent issues. We also hear about the rise and importance of collaboration across the sector – although nonprofits may compete for funding at one level, they share challenges such as labour and volunteer shortages and a...
2022-01-0631 minImpact ConversationsA Systemic View to Reconciliation through Indigenous Youth In this episode, we hear from 4R’s Youth Movement Executive Director Jess Bolduc about the desire to address reconciliation, by engaging Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth, creating authentic relationships and addressing fundamental flaws in the system. We hear about the challenge many nonprofits face, of only having near-term funding, while the issue to be addressed is much longer term. She lets us know about a framework for cross-cultural dialogue created by youth, and how the challenges and approaches of other equity-deserving communities provide models, guidance and allyship for Reconciliation here, on Turtle Island. Have a listen. Resou...
2021-12-0925 minImpact ConversationsReSketching Charity Rudy Ruttimann, Founding Director of Sketch Working Arts, shares why and how she has stepped down after 22 years as the Executive Director, and the importance of succession planning. She also shares the exciting work she’s now taking on. The new role includes capturing learning from “Project Home”, buying their own studio space, through a community bond raise and traditional fundraising, all through COVID. Her work will also include conducting research around the impact of the arts, and developing Next Up, the Leadership Institute for youth not in traditional education opportunities. These sound like more of the dreaded...
2021-10-2828 minImpact ConversationsNational Day for Truth and Reconciliation In this episode, Lynn Fergusson and Sally Fazal, Partners at SIA, share their thoughts on the first annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. The day is a federal statutory holiday in Canada, and SIA is also recognizing it as a day for reflection and learning. To quote our federal government’s announcement: “The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.” In this episode...
2021-09-3025 minImpact ConversationsWe need Radical Accountability in the social impact sector In this episode, Mojdeh Cox, Executive Director of London, Ontario’s Pillar Nonprofit Network, shares a new lens she is bringing to the organization: radical accountability. She believes the organization (and everyone) needs to first look at ourselves, and hold ourselves accountable for our roles in today’s hot issues including systemic discrimination, reconciliation, and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). She shares that we also need to take a hard look at the nonprofit or social impact sector itself, to see the role it plays in continuing to support systemic issues, such as through an ingrained belief in low...
2021-09-1628 minImpact ConversationsSocial Robots are reducing seniors’ social isolation Lee St. James founded Social Robots to apply her tech background to a social issue, close to home. Not able to spend as much time with her father while seeing the effects of social isolation, she took action. Through this social enterprise, and with help from an Investment Readiness Program grant from the Community Foundations of Canada, through the Oakville Community Foundation, Lee is piloting the use of a friendly robot, complete with a tablet for interactive apps and photos, to engage seniors in retirement homes and long term care facilities. She’s addressing issues of social isol...
2021-09-0228 minImpact ConversationsResponding to Early Child Care Development Needs while Planning for Systems Change In this episode, Trevor McAlmont, Executive Director of the Macaulay Child Development Centre, shares the importance of providing affordable, universal child care to change the system in Ontario, and Canada. While directly serving 7000 children and 6000 parents through the multi-service agency, Trevor also invests in areas to strengthen the outcomes for these clients. He sees a need for nonprofits to be able to pivot to address emergency needs, as they did in providing food to their families through COVID, thanks to the emergency relief funds granted through United Way. Under Trevor’s leadership, the organization has als...
2021-08-1933 minImpact ConversationsHow B Lab is leveraging business for climate justice, racial equity, and a stakeholder-driven economic system Kara Peck, Senior Director, Strategy + Partnerships, B Lab US & Canada shares their journey to strategic clarity for their organization and for making a real difference in the world. Leveraging a time of organizational and societal change, they have developed a Theory of Change, creating alignment around a new focus for the B Corp-certifying nonprofit, to support the business sector in taking collective action towards addressing racial equity, climate justice and stakeholder capitalism. Resources B Lab US/Canada Theory of Change: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og0iYy52ZjE B...
2021-08-0530 minImpact ConversationsGuest Podcast: A Young Newcomer’s Perspective on Settling in Canada: from Together Project - Makeway We are happy to be sharing a podcast from an initiative whose work we admire. Together Project, on the MakeWay shared platform, connects refugee and immigrant newcomers and Canadians to build stronger, more integrated communities. Their podcast is gathering and sharing the stories of newcomers they serve. In this episode, Joudy, a young refugee woman from Syria, speaks with Natasha at Together Project about her experience coming to Canada as a young newcomer, continuing university and overcoming social isolation during the pandemic with the help of Together Project volunteers. Resources Show...
2021-07-0816 minImpact ConversationsBuilding Welcoming Community: An update from our friends at Together Project Our guests in this episode are Anna Hill and Andrew Lusztyk, co-directors and founders at Together Project, a charitable initiative on the Makeway Shared Platform. Together Project connects refugee newcomers and Canadians to build stronger, more integrated communities. Together Project is founded on the simple idea that social networks are an important factor for integration. We first spoke with Together Project back in 2019, about their strategy and goals for impact in community. Anna and Andrew introduce us again to the project and talk about how they adapted and innovated their welcome group...
2021-07-0826 minImpact ConversationsFoundation for Black Communities and Generation Chosen: Breaking Through Together with Dr. Joseph Smith In this engaging conversation, Dr. Joseph Smith shares his expertise and passion for equity and inclusion and the emotional intelligence needed for productive conversations between people of diverse backgrounds. He talks about the work underway to close the gap in philanthropy in Canada, in which the needs and assets of Black Communities have been overlooked. Dr. Smith is the co-founder of the non-profit organization Generation Chosen which focuses on Mental health and Emotional Intelligence within underserved communities. He is a founding member of the Foundation for Black communities, a non-profit organization designed to adjudicate grants, develop policy and...
2021-06-2436 minImpact ConversationsCatalyzing Social and Environmental Change: a conversation with SI Canada’s Andrea NemtinOur guest today is Andrea Nemtin, Executive Director of SI Canada. Sally and Andrea talk about what Social Innovation is, the history of the field in Canada, and how Social Innovation Canada (SI Canada) came to be. Andrea talks about the priorities of the organization as our country emerges from COVID, and how solutions to the complex challenges of social justice and climate change can be catalyzed and aligned through education, intentional networking at local and national levels across all sectors, and storytelling. Resources: Social Innovation Canada:
2021-06-1034 minImpact ConversationsUncovering & Addressing Mental Health Needs for Rural Youth This podcast shares the findings and experience of following a Collective Impact process for the Rural Ottawa Youth Mental Health Collective, led by Nicole McKerracher, Executive Director of O-YA, a youth association in a rural Ottawa village. We’re joined by Emily Dozois, a youth with personal experience trying to access mental health services in rural Ottawa, and Evaluations Coordinator for the Collective. In particular, we hear the actionable findings from their survey of over 300 rural Ottawa youth, along with challenges and tips for creating and administering a survey through social media. Overall, they share their reflections on w...
2021-04-2940 minImpact ConversationsBuilding a Business and Portfolio with Purpose, with Tim Nash, Good Investing Founder Tim shares insights into Socially Responsible Investing – about people looking to do less evil and perhaps more good with their investments. Even more importantly, we look beyond that, to his business model aimed at helping one million Canadians invest intentionally, because of the difference he sees that will make in the world. He’s creating a movement and shares how he’ll accomplish this,based on his Theory of Change or Change Theory. This approach has Tim acting as a coach, helping empower people to invest in line with their values. We see how, by having a big goal...
2021-04-1534 minImpact ConversationsCapturing your Secret Sauce in a powerful Theory of Change, with Melissa Sariffodeen, CEO of Canada Learning Code It’s evident in this conversation that Melissa is a strong proponent of a non-profit having a Theory of Change – having a clear objective and a road map to get there. She shares with us Canada Learning Code’s significant but achievable goal, and their journey of developing and living into a Theory of Change to deliver on that goal. It has continued to be their guide through a re-branding and the unprecedented times presented by COVID-19. You’ll hear how the Theory of Change has rigourously captured the organization’s secret sauce, to ensure that they s...
2020-11-2628 minImpact ConversationsSeizing the Moment for an Equity Movement, with Michael Bach, Founder & CEO, Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion Addressing equity is a hot topic right now as the COVID pandemic has highlighted undeniable inequities in our society, from who is contracting COVID, to who is most affected by job losses or slow returns, to evidence of anti-racism and police brutality. As Founder and CEO of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, having been the National Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at KPMG, Michael approaches solutions from an employer’s perspective. He reports seeing a sustained spike in demand from organizations across all sectors, to learn more and move towards action. The emo...
2020-10-0133 min