To bring about change at the necessary scale, we engage directly with social systems that have become dysfunctional or maladaptive, whether through rigidity, fragmentation or simply not working to full potential. We work with the many people and organizations that also seek change. Although we fund issue advocacy, we don’t stop there. Instead, we invite those with different viewpoints and diverse interests to come together with social innovators, other funders and investors, policy makers and so on, to co-create new solutions. We use this approach with all of the issue areas on which we work.
Re-designing systems calls for new financial arrangements, policy innovation, new relations between government, civil society and the private sector, equitable and effective engagement with affected populations, and alignment with values that foster social creativity and mutual respect.
Here are some of the roles we play in the change-making ecosystem in Canada:
McConnell funds initiatives, partnerships and collaboratives that advance lasting solutions to issues of generational significance.
McConnell seeks to activate its investment portfolio to advance change in alignment with our vision and mission. Our goal is to be a net positive force in the world. We seek opportunities to collaborate with partners from all sectors to expand available solution sets, reduce and share risk, and take certain initiatives to scale.
We believe collaboration is needed to effect lasting change. We participate in collaborations led by others, and in some cases take the lead to convene partners to share learning and work together to achieve impacts greater than any individual entity could achieve on its own.
Strong core capabilities are needed for social purpose organizations and the nonprofit sector as a whole to thrive. McConnell seeks to add value by supporting learning, leadership development, capability building in key areas, and field-building work.
McConnell seeks to leverage its privileged access to decision–makers in the public, philanthropic and private sectors to amplify the voices and leadership of those most impacted by systemic barriers. We identify opportunities to advocate for policy advancements on key issues of relevance to our focus areas and philanthropic mission.
We form relationships grounded in open communication and shared learning. We ask questions, challenge assumptions, and seek insights to improve our work, that of our partners, and collective efforts.
We believe that unleashing innovation, creativity and experimentation is critical to solving society’s problems. But innovation alone isn't enough to achieve impact. With a whole-systems view that reveals the interconnections between organizational, sectoral and disciplinary silos, it is possible to design and implement actions that shift systems to produce better outcomes for people and communities. Social innovation supported by such capacities will help us align many perspectives on a problem, see with fresh eyes, and then test, iterate and implement better responses to society’s toughest challenges.
Social innovation helps Canadians co-create, test and scale solutions that respond to complex challenges. In keeping with the dynamics of complexity, it helps us see ourselves as part of the
Social innovation helps Canadians co-create, test and scale solutions that respond to complex challenges. In keeping with the dynamics of complexity, it helps us see ourselves as part of the problem, and thus, affords us a role in its transformation.
We have a commitment to shared learning—asking questions, sharing ideas, and engaging in focused experimentation—to help create the conditions necessary for systems change
Learn More
In order to transition to a more just and sustainable future, we must adapt and in some cases reinvent our social infrastructure — the organizational norms and relationships that underlie
In order to transition to a more just and sustainable future, we must adapt and in some cases reinvent our social infrastructure — the organizational norms and relationships that underlie society’s systems and institutions.
Innoweave helps community organizations clarify their goals and scale their impact, collaborate with diverse partners, advocate effectively, and operate social innovation labs.
Learn More
Impact investing is an investment tool aimed at intentionally creating positive societal impact beyond generating financial return.
Learn More
Improving the lives of Canadians requires breakthrough approaches, strategies, collaborations, and continuous innovation. We support organization working in one of our focus areas wishing to consolidate, expand or scale up
Improving the lives of Canadians requires breakthrough approaches, strategies, collaborations, and continuous innovation. We support organization working in one of our focus areas wishing to consolidate, expand or scale up through social innovation.
A social innovation lab (abbreviated to social lab, or lab) is a process that enables multi-stakeholder groups to address complex social problems. There are many types of social labs.
Learn More
