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Building capacity for innovation in the social sector

Building capacity for innovation in the social sector
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Building capacity for innovation in the social sector

Charities and nonprofits are trying to address some of society's most challenging problems: poverty, homelessness, addiction, mental health, and environmental degradation, to name just a few. Tackling these problems requires both innovation and systems-level change.

Universities hold significant potential as partners for charities and nonprofits seeking innovation. Indeed, there are numerous instances of successful campus-community collaborations. However, these partnerships often prioritize the 'campus' over the 'community.'

This report discusses the social sector’s interest in innovation and the factors affecting its innovation capacity. The authors argue that it is time for campus-community partnerships that build on reciprocity and genuine collaboration to foster real innovation and systems change.

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This fall, Imagine Canada launched a national public awareness campaign to close that gap, with a simple message: you're already part of it. In this episode, host Bruce MacDonald is joined by two leaders who see the disconnect from very different vantage points. Heather McDonald, President and CEO of United Way Greater Toronto - one of the country's largest community funders; and Patti Pon, President and CEO of Calgary Arts Development - a corner of the charitable sector that millions pour into their lives without ever calling it charity.

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