Demonstrate by Doing, Engage Others: McConnell Foundation’s Strategy to Promote Social Finance
(Camille Jensen for Axiom News, March 29, 2011)
President Tim Brodhead shares opportunities, challenges from allotting $25 million to generate social and environmental impact. When stock markets plunged during the 2008 financial crisis, it was the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation’s program-related investment that outperformed all other investments held by Canada’s largest foundation. More
Businesses, social agencies moving closer together
(Don Cayo for Vancouver Sun, Feb 9, 2011)
The line between business and community goals has never been as distinct as some might think, but these days it's even blurrier.This seems to be especially true in Vancouver -"Canada's Silicon Valley" for this kind of stuff, according to Tim Draimin, a former Vancouverite who's deeply involved in this transition as executive director of the Toronto-based Social Innovation Generation National group. More
Leadership in Focus: Vickie Cammack
(Elisa Birnbaum for Charity Village, Nov 1, 2010)
This month Charity Village® speaks with Vickie Cammack, one of this sector's most dynamic, impactful and admired leaders. As executive director of PLAN Institute, Vickie was responsible for establishing PLAN groups in 40 locations globally. As the CEO of Tyze — which is just two years old this December and now working with 33 organizations in three countries — she's creating personalized online support networks for people facing life challenges. Vickie's work over the years has earned her a slew of accolades including the Meritorious Service Medal of Canada. Tyze was recently named by Ashoka as one of 25 initiatives ready to globalize. More
Social Entrepreneurship
(Matt Golloway on Metro Morning, CBC Radio One Toronto, Oct 21, 2010)
Matt Galloway spoke with Ilse Treurnicht, she is the CEO of MaRS Discovery District. The non-profit corporation is part of an independent Task Force on Social Finance. More
Canada playing catch up in social enterprise
(Simon Avery for Globe and Mail, Oct 19, 2010)
Canada is playing catch-up to other countries, including the U.S. and Britain, which is considered by many to be a decade ahead. In Canada, about one-third of social enterprises were started in just the last two years, according to Social Innovation Generation (SiG), a national project partnered with the MaRS Discovery District in Toronto. More
Why a social mission can be good for business
(Live Chat on Globe and Mail site, Oct 19, 2010)
Social enterprises - defined as organizations that make money and deliver social or environmental benefits - have proven to be profitable and sustainable on a global scale. Companies are no longer strictly concerned with lining shareholders' pockets. More and more, they're turning their attention to some of Canada's biggest social challenges. More
Leadership in Focus: Allyson Hewitt
(Elisa Birnbaum for Charity Village, Sept 7, 2010)
This month in our Leadership in Focus series, we speak with Allyson Hewitt, director of social entrepreneurship at MaRS Discovery District in Toronto. Leading the unique program, Social Innovation Generation (SiG@MaRS), Allyson develops capacity in the field of social innovation and social entrepreneurship, provides advisory services to social entrepreneurs and helps transform systems for greater impact. After 25 years of dedication, you could say Allyson knows the nonprofit sector well. Earlier roles included executive director of Safe Kids Canada at SickKids and executive director at Community Information Toronto, a position that garnered Allyson awards for public service commitment. More
Marc and Craig Kielburger's do-gooding social enterprise
(Josh Wingrove for Globe and Mail, March 19, 2010)
Canadian law bars charities from taking on projects intended to turn a profit, even if the profit is meant to be funnelled back to the charity. They must stick to donation- and grant-based funding, and spend only within their declared mandates. Tim Draimin, a veteran advocate of social enterprise who is now executive director of the Social Innovation Generation, a MaRS-affiliated agency, says Canada lacks “up-to-date” rules. The result is “a growing blurring of the lines between the operations of what I call public-benefit organizations... and the world of for-profits.” More
Creating a better world with business skills
(Michael Ryval for Globe and Mail, March 18, 2009)
"It was a very good match: they needed some business expertise and it was a fantastic opportunity for me. It's a very dynamic field," says Mr. O'Leary, 30, crediting his professor, James Tansey, with introducing him to the firm. "Society is realizing the importance of environment changes and being conscious about the environment." More
Our disability welfare system needs rebuilding
(Andre Picard for Globe and Mail, July 31, 2008)
In the 2007 budget, Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announced the creation of the registered disabilities savings plan. The RDSP is a taxation measure that allows families of children with physical, mental or development disabilities to invest up to $200,000 in a tax-free shelter, much like a registered education savings plan used to accrue funds for a child's university or college education. More
