Social Innovators building a more equitable Canada

Winter 2026 Newsletter

Social Innovators building a more equitable Canada

In our latest newsletter we share the stories of four innovative organizations that are adept at identifying systemic problems, offering just and sustainable solutions and activating those ideas. These creative change agents are supported by the Catherine Donnelly Foundation through our Civic Engagement for Social Change stream. These featured initiatives and approaches foster active citizenship and promote personal and social change to build a more just, equitable and sustainable Canada.

Black Women’s Institute for Health is breaking new pathways by identifying systemic barriers for Black women and girls and building a network of allies and advocates to address those challenges. Social change organization IslamicFamily is leveraging tradition, lived experience and new cultural perspectives to serve Muslim communities in Edmonton and working with others to connect isolated neighbours. New Majority, meanwhile, is engaging youth to disprove the adage that young people don’t want to vote or engage in political and policy action and Climate Caucus, through their Women’s Caucus, uplifts and connects women in climate leadership across Canada.

These organizations champion innovative solutions in different areas but together share a belief in change through networking and collaboration. “The day-to-day challenges we have are enormous, but it’s important we reserve time to work on systemic issues,” says Omar Yaqub, who leads IslamicFamily. “If we were doing it by ourselves, it would be almost impossible, but if we’re going hand in hand with other agencies, other communities, [then] many hands make light work.”

We hope you’ll be inspired by the work and vision of these four organizations.

Claire Barcik, Executive Director

Read the Winter 2026 Newsletter in its entirety here.