The Ottawa Innovation Fund enables the Ottawa Community Foundation to proactively tackle critical issues, focusing on systems-level change and pilot projects that could scale toward greater social impact. Here are some examples:

  • An analysis of costs of policing and of alternative approaches for non-criminal and non-violent incidents, led by the Ottawa Coalition of Community Health and Resource Centres. As one outcome, resources are being invested in mental health crisis response capability.
  • The Community Laundry Co-op’s three-year plan to boost sustainability and impact. The Co-op offers low-cost self-serve laundry facilities, an on-site counsellor for support and referrals, and employment opportunities through a social enterprise. The Co-op’s gross revenues have grown over 100% in the past year.
  • Work by Ottawa ACORN, Southeast Ottawa Community Health Centre, and other community partners to advance meaningful community participation in developing and implementing a Community Benefits Agreement in Herongate.

Contact us to learn more about supporting greater impact in your community.