Building a stronger non-profit sector with 5 new partnerships

Software engineers working on project and programming at work.

Through the Partnership Investments program, the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is supporting five new partnerships with the non-profit, public, and private sectors to build a stronger non-profit sector in Ontario.

The Partnership Investments program mobilizes relationships and resources to create a more resilient and sustainable non-profit sector in Ontario. Partnerships fill critical gaps within the non-profit sector and address emerging issues across our communities. 

Today, OTF is announcing five new partnership projects formed with key stakeholders to offer innovative and different approaches to issues faced by communities in Ontario. 

Partnership projects

Advancing social finance 

Social finance provides critical investments to help non-profit organizations and communities address social issues. Two new partnerships will help advance social finance work in Ontario:

  • Catalytic Capital Lab: A network of funders, investors, and organizations will combine their funds to invest in a range of supports for community finance organizations. Also known as intermediaries, these organizations provide accessible lending and support for local projects and social impact initiatives. This work will help community finance organizations start-up, stabilize operations, and scale up to deepen investments and impact across the non-profit sector.  
  • Architecture for Systemic Finance: Led by TwinRiver Capital, this partnership brings together funders and investors to look at how we can evolve and shift how capital, including private, public, philanthropic, is invested so it can address the root causes of long-term issues that communities face. This innovative approach is called ‘systemic finance’. 

Strengthening supports for data, learning and action

  • Indigenous Evaluation Network: The Indigenous Evaluation Network will be established, drawing attention to the critical role of emerging and experienced Indigenous evaluators in the non-profit sector. By incorporating the knowledge and experiences of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples, more effective and culturally relevant data can be collected and used to improve the services offered to Indigenous communities and individuals.
  • Coaching for Shared Measurement in Child and Youth Sector: A new Shared Measurement Coaching Centre will be established to offer accessible evaluation support to children and youth service organizations. With the right tools and resources, organizations can strengthen their data collection practices and can be more effective in their planning to improve the programs and services offered to communities. This partnership is led by the Children and Youth Planning Table of Waterloo Region.

Strengthening multi-sector collaboration

  • Impact Networks: Investors, organizations, and thought leaders will collectively explore how stronger collaboration and relationships allow us to be more effective in tackling complex social issues and improve outcomes for communities. The Impact Network, led by the Wasan Network, aims to help non-profit organizations find new and effective ways to connect, engage and collaborate to achieve their shared long-term goals.

 Quick facts

  • The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities in Ontario. 
  • The Partnership Investments program connects the non-profit, public, and private sectors to build a stronger non-profit sector in Ontario.
  • In 2023-2024, OTF contributed $1.51 million towards 13 new partnerships, with 80 partners also contributing $8.67 million (cash and in kind). 

Supporting partners

  • Catalytic Capital Lab: Waterloo Wellington Community Futures, 10 Carden Shared Space, Scale Institute Society, Inspirit Foundation, McConnell Foundation, SVX, Catalyst Finance Collaborative, Realize Capital Partners, WES Foundation
  • Architecture for Systemic Finance: TwinRiver Capital, Dark Matter Labs, Community Foundations of Canada, Sustainable Innovation Foundation
  • Indigenous Evaluation Network: Indigenous Evaluation Network (IEN), Indigenous Works, Johnston Research Inc., McConnell Foundation, MakeWay Foundation, Indigenous Services Canada, RCMP, Future Skills Centre, Natural Resources Canada
  • Impact Networks: Wasan Network, Social Innovation Canada, Community Foundations of Canada, Bosch Foundation, Skoll Foundation, BMW Foundation, Equality Fund, Open Collective, University of California at Berkely, Together Institute, Aspen Institute, Northpine Foundation
  • Coaching for Shared Measurement in Child and Youth Sector: Children and Youth Planning Table of Waterloo Region, KW Habilitation, Astley Family Foundation, Lyle S. Hallman Foundation, United Way Waterloo Region Communities