Last August, a grant from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario enabled Pillar Nonprofit Network, along with partners the Centre for Social Innovation (CSI) , SVX and NORDIK Institute’s Social Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (SEE) , to launch an ambitious project to support and develop women social entrepreneurs – the Women of Ontario Social Enterprise Network (WOSEN). WOSEN offers a suite of programs for... Read More
August 4, 2020
July 20, 2020
As nonprofits and social enterprises navigate the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, there are a number of key issues leaders should be thinking about, as well as steps they can take to not only react to severe financial shocks now but also reshape their finances and plan for recovery. The uncertainties of the current environment serve as a powerful reminder to decision-makers of the need for risk management and crisis planning. Organizations... Read More
July 8, 2020
LONDON, ON – With London’s post-secondary institutions moving many courses online for the upcoming fall semester, and potentially the entire school year, COVID-19 is changing the student experience in unprecedented ways. CityStudio London enables students to remain engaged with the London community, even as many will be studying from their hometowns. CityStudio London works with city staff and post-secondary school faculty to create and integrate city projects into the faculty’s... Read More
July 8, 2020
By Eaman Fahmy, Inclusive Program Designer, Pillar Nonprofit Network, ALLY acronym attributed to Kayla Reed on Twitter At this tipping point in history, those of us who possess power and privilege are being called upon to act. But before action, we must first pause and reflect. We must reflect upon how we operate at the intersection of complex identities, and how those identities are attached to different privileges in different... Read More
June 30, 2020
For many, the toughest leadership test is now looming: how to adapt your nonprofit or social enterprise in these uncertain and rapidly changing times. Many community-based organizations are in the midst of responding to COVID-19, and we are now preparing for the recovery phase. While we don’t yet know the full extent of the virus’ impact on our communities, uncertainty is the new standard. Whether you are currently operating at... Read More
June 27, 2020
Beecuz , a nonprofit organization founded by Lena Schreyer, is the main recipient of the $20,000 Recovery & Rebuilding the Region Design Challenge Two. Established in 2019 by a young female entrepreneur, Beecuz offers innovative, skill-based workshops and educational curricula to support youth with the tools they need to proactively address and care for their mental health. This critical need has emerged as youth and children are disproportionately affected by... Read More
June 17, 2020
As talks turn to reopening the economy across Ontario, and how we will rebuild as a sector, we wanted to take the opportunity to provide insight into our plans and process moving forward. While we acknowledge that there are many individuals and organizations still very much in the response stage of this crisis, there are also growing numbers in the impact sector who are looking towards a reimagined future. We... Read More
June 9, 2020
Communities everywhere have felt the impact of COVID-19 — Southwestern Ontario among them. Along with crisis comes c reativity, and we are seeing countless acts of selflessness, resourcefulness and resilience in our communities across Southwestern Ontario. That’s why Libro Credit Union , Pillar Nonprofit Network and TechAlliance have partnered on the Recovery & Rebuilding the Region Design Challenges, to accelerate and scale select “Made in Southwestern Ontario” products, services and... Read More
June 3, 2020
We want to acknowledge the significant global events affecting members of the Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC) communities and that racism is happening right here in our own community. We stand in solidarity with the BIPOC communities – we are here, we are listening and we’re trying to do better . At Pillar, addressing racism and xenophobia is core to our mission. We will continue as an organization to... Read More
May 21, 2020
The Social Enterprise Incubator, sponsored by Libro Credit Union (a Certified B Corporation ), is as much an entrepreneurial support program as it is a community of people creating positive change through work at the intersection of purpose, prosperity, and measurable benefit. The Spring 2020 cohort brings together change makers who are passionate about strengthening community, food systems, and personal resiliency through their work. During program orientation, Pillar team members... Read More
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