The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation and Laidlaw Foundation recently announced the launch of Youth CI: an initiative that strengthens existing and emerging collaboratives that are working to advance outcomes for youth in Ontario by fostering collective action between organizations serving youth locally. Youth CI is generously supported by the Government of Ontario to improve outcomes for youth as a part of its Ontario Youth Action Plan.
Youth CI is an extension of Innoweave's Collective Impact module, which was developed by Tamarack and born out of the notion that organizations are too often operating in the realm of isolated impact. Through this initiative, youth-led and youth-serving organizations will be able to access content and customized coaching resources on collective impact and related supports through online portals, in-person information sessions, workshops and one-on-one interaction. Eligible organizations will have further access to grants supporting the exploration, launch and execution of their collective impact initiative.
"Innoweave is proud of bringing organizations together in partnership to address major challenges," says Innoweave Managing Director, Aaron Good. "We have found that a small investment in organizations can provide huge value to them and their network. Youth CI is a big leverage opportunity."
Laidlaw Foundation will be working with a variety of partners who support youth throughout Ontario including small-scale grassroots and community organizations that are looking to enhance their capacity, resources and infrastructure through Collective Impact activities within their local community." It's remarkable to see how far Laidlaw has come," says Laidlaw Foundation Executive Director, Jehad Aliweiwi. "We are thrilled to be working with Innoweave and we look forward to continue playing a bigger role in supporting the development of youth across Ontario."
Youth CI will be holding regional launch events throughout Ontario in December with information sessions already scheduled in Ottawa, London, Hamilton, Kingston and online on December 11th. The initiative will begin with a schedule of workshops in February 2015 - and a Fast Track granting program for established collaboratives is already open. Interested stakeholders can learn more about Youth CI granting opportunities and its schedule of regional events by emailing info@youthci.ca.
