Capacity Canada announces new partnership to strengthen communities

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WATERLOO REGION – July 20, 2017 – Capacity Canada today announced a new partnership with the Suncor Energy Foundation for a unique program that aims to create strong, sustainable communities in Canada by strengthening the social profit sector. The Fueling Social Innovation program will help not-for-profit organizations build capacity in five Canadian communities over three years.

The program aims to energize the not-for-profit sector by helping organizations build leadership through board governance training, introducing a virtual social incubator to explore new ideas and by using Capacity Canada’s successful TechMatch and MatchBoard programs to strengthen their organizational core. The Suncor Energy Foundation will invest nearly $1.2 million in this national initiative over three years.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Suncor Energy Foundation in this venture and are excited about the wonderful opportunities this will mean for not-for-profits in several communities,” said Cathy Brothers, chief executive officer of Capacity Canada.

The Fueling Social Innovation program communities have yet to be selected, but will include Capacity Canada’s ongoing work in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, which includes Fort McMurray. The Alberta community continues to rebuild following last year’s devastating wildfire that destroyed at least 2,400 structures and forced more than 80,000 residents to flee.

“The social profit sector is at the core of communities, providing services and support to many when they’re at their most vulnerable. In our work, we’ve seen that effectively supporting and enabling this sector to become more resilient is what can help build community strength and sustainability,” says Lori Hewson, director, community investment and social innovation with Suncor and the Suncor Energy Foundation.

Contacts:

Cathy Brothers, CEO
Capacity Canada
[email protected]
Mobile: 226-808-7220
Office: 519-513-2606 x1

Suncor Energy
Media Relations
[email protected]
403-296-4000

 

Capacity Canada is a national registered charity that brings together the ideas, people and resources that fuel social innovation. Our vision is to change lives through courageous community organizations. We are accomplishing this by providing non-profit leaders new resources and professional support that enhances leadership skills, stimulates cross-sector collaboration, promotes knowledge sharing, and encourages social innovation.

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