NL Social Innovation Landscape

Through this project, Mapping Financing Opportunities and Experience Among Community Organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador, we are focusing on understanding the role and interest in social enterprise and social finance as a means to bolster financial stability for these important organizations.

This initiative brings together the expertise of Community Sector Council N.L. (CSCNL), Memorial University's Centre for Social Enterprise (CSE), Propel Impact, and Community Foundation N.L (CFNL). Our primary objective with this project was to explore the size and stage of the social innovation ecosystem in Newfoundland and Labrador to understand the potential demand for social finance tools.

As we embarked on an exciting journey to foster a thriving social innovation ecosystem in Newfoundland and Labrador, our mission was threefold:

  1. Understanding: Engage with community organizations across the province to map the current landscape.

  2. Empowering: Pave the way for collaboration as a catalyst of change.

  3. Educating: Equip organizations with tools that will support them in thriving.

FINANCIAL RESILIENCY SURVEY REPORT

Mapping Financing Opportunities and Experience Among Community Organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador

SUMMARIES & CASE STUDIES

“Our focus isn’t just on overcoming hearing loss; it’s about ensuring every individual we support can lead a full and active life. We’re here to empower, educate, and advocate for a world without auditory barriers. We don’t see problems; we see solutions that have not been found yet.”

“Our mission has evolved to not only create cohousing communities but to empower individuals across the nation to develop their own community projects, turning ideas into tangible improvements.”

"We are dedicated to supporting the empowerment and well-being of women and gender-diverse individuals in Labrador. By focusing on both immediate needs and long-term solutions, we strive to create a community where everyone can thrive free from violence and discrimination."

“We’ve transformed a simple need for physiotherapy services into a comprehensive community resource that supports both health and social engagement. Our goal is to continue expanding these services to foster an even more connected and healthy community.”

"Our proudest achievement is building enduring relationships with our clients, enabling us to extend their impact goals through our specialized services in climate action."

"Our aim is not merely to sustain but to expand the economic and social fabric of the Great Northern Peninsula through strategic partnerships and community-focused projects."

"We're more than just a credit union; we're a community builder that believes in giving back to our members and investing in our communities. This ethos is central to our operations and our commitment to ethical and sustainable practices."

"Our goal is to transform the Bonavista Peninsula into a hub of innovation and entrepreneurial success, harnessing the power of community collaboration and strategic economic initiatives to enhance the prosperity of the region."

"Home Again is not just about furniture; it's about giving people a sense of pride and stability in their lives. We are building homes from houses by filling them with hope as much as with furniture."

"Our approach to growth has been both gradual and responsible, ensuring that as we expand our reach and services, we remain financially healthy and true to our mission of supporting the urban Indigenous community."

This project is funded by the Investment Readiness Program of ESDC, via program partner Canadian CED Network, and developed in partnership between the Community Sector Council of NL, the Centre for Social Enterprise, Propel Impact and the Community Foundation of NL.