Every year, Capacity Canada invites applications from social good organizations across the country that want to benefit from its Capacity By Design program. With the support from the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation, and Suncor Energy Foundation, Capacity Canada has developed Capacity by Design, a design thinking program to help social good organizations rethink how they approach problem-solving to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges.
This year, the project received more than a dozen enquiries and indications of interest. After careful consideration, three non-profits were selected. The Wilmot Family Resource Centre (WFRC), Muslim Association of Canada (MAC), and Friends Of Ruby were the social good organizations selected this year.
As part of the program, the team from the MAC focused on developing culturally responsive solutions intended to improve the experience of Muslim youth in foster care. They successfully developed two prototypes – one focusing on creating a youth champions program and the other focused on creating an online interactive guide called “Hope Away from Home.” Read more about their project here.
A leading provider of social support services for families and individuals living with low income and food insecurity, the WFRC has served communities in the Wilmot and Wellesley Townships for over four decades. Through the Capacity By Design program, the WFRC has developed two prototypes to address the issues of racism and discrimination in the communities. Read their story here.
Friends of Ruby, dedicated to the progressive well-being of LGBTQI2S youth (aged 16-29) through mental health services, social services and housing, developed two prototypes through the program. One in the form of a digital app focused on peer connection for youth and a board game focused on opportunities for youth to interact with the organization. Read more here.
What is Design Thinking?
Design thinking is a flexible and powerful framework for innovative problem-solving. Designing for Impact was developed by Capacity Canada with support from the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation and Suncor Energy Foundation. Throughout the process, facilitators from Capacity by Design support and guide team members to develop solutions to the issues close to their hearts that bring a positive change in the community.
Design Sprint Hosted Virtually
This year, the design sprint was held using an online platform. The program’s success was a result of the dedication of the participating non-profit.
Capacity Canada invites applications from social good organizations across Canada that want to benefit from the program every year. This year, the project received more than a dozen enquiries and indications of interest. After careful consideration, three non-profits were selected. The Wilmot Family Resource Centre, Muslim Association of Canada, and Friends Of Ruby were the social good organizations selected this year.
To learn more about Capacity by Design, please visit our page.
