Across Canada, social profit organizations are doing more than reacting to today’s challenges. They’re reshaping how we live, gather, and care for one another.
In particular, organizations like Evergreen Canada, the Centre for Social Innovation, and the Canadian Urban Institute are showing what’s possible when community leadership, creative collaboration, and bold thinking intersect.
Their work provides valuable insight for any organization that wants to deepen its connection to community, create inclusive spaces, and build structures that last.
1. Putting Community Leadership First
When it comes to sustainable change that lasts, leadership isn’t just about who’s in charge, it’s about who’s being heard.
These organizations are rebalancing power by making space for local leadership and lived experience in every part of their work:
- Evergreen works with communities, governments, and civic partners to reimagine cities as sustainable, inclusive places for everyone.
- Centre for Social Innovation’s community-owned buildings give social entrepreneurs more than a place to work. They provide agency and stability.
- Canadian Urban Institute’s initiatives elevate small business owners, civic leaders, and neighbourhood champions as vital voices in shaping urban life.
Takeaway: Trust local leadership, because when communities lead, solutions go deeper and last longer.
2. Rethinking the Role of Space in Social Change
Social profit leaders are paying close attention to place—not just as a setting for their work, but as a tool to advance it.
Whether it’s repurposing heritage buildings, revitalizing main streets, or building inclusive public infrastructure, these organizations know that thoughtfully designed spaces can unlock connection, creativity, and civic participation.
- Evergreen’s Brick Works campus is a model for how urban nature and community gathering can co-exist.
- Centre for Social Innovation reimagines office space as a platform for collective problem-solving.
- Canadian Urban Institute drives conversations on how public spaces shape belonging and economic recovery.
Takeaway: Spaces that invite collaboration and connection are essential to strong communities.
3. Collaborating Across Sectors and Silos
No one solves complex problems alone. That’s why these organizations foster collaboration between governments, businesses, nonprofits, and residents alike.
They understand that broad coalitions (not closed networks) are the key to scaling solutions that work.
- Evergreen’s Future Cities Canada brings together diverse sectors and communities to co-create innovative solutions for building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities.
- Centre for Social Innovation blends business tools with community organizing to build stronger, more equitable economies.
- Canadian Urban Institute connects policymakers with everyday citizens to bridge planning and lived experience.
Takeaway: Strong social profit organizations create bridges, not boundaries.
4. Leading with Innovation While Staying Rooted in Organizational Purpose
Innovation doesn’t need to mean disruption for its own sake. These leaders are using financial tools, digital platforms, and community-powered models to solve real problems, without losing sight of their purpose.
- Evergreen integrates climate innovation into civic life by transforming public spaces into resilient environments.
- Centre for Social Innovation’s Community Bonds is a community-driven investment tool that allows supporters to earn a financial return while helping the organization reduce debt and sustain its mission to foster social innovation.
- Canadian Urban Institute uses real-time data and storytelling to shape responsive policy and urban planning.
Takeaway: Innovation should be in service to people and the planet.
5. Planning for the Long Term
Finally, these organizations think in decades, not quarters. Whether investing in infrastructure, creating new policy dialogues, or shaping cultural narratives, they are working to shift the systems that influence how we live.
- Evergreen helps shape national conversations around sustainable urban planning.
- Centre for Social Innovation’s model ensures the permanence of physical and social infrastructure for changemakers.
- Canadian Urban Institute brings continuity to civic engagement efforts across election cycles and political change.
Takeaway: Sustainable change needs a long view, built on trust, continuity, and systems thinking.
Creating inclusive spaces, elevating local leadership, and driving meaningful innovation requires intentional support and guidance. At The Discovery Group, we work alongside social profit organizations to strengthen governance, advance fundraising, and develop the leadership that will carry your mission forward.
Reach out to explore how we can support your journey.