JANUARY 1, 2018 - APRIL 30, 2019...1 | THE MOWAT CENTRE Mowat NFP In 2012, the Mowat Centre established a research hub to provide evidence-based research and analysis on systemic issues

NFPMowatMOWAT’S NOT-FOR-PROFIT POLICY RESEARCH HUB

Impact ReportJANUARY 1, 2018 - APRIL 30, 2019

Contents

Mowat NFP 1

Impact Methodology 2

Research Activities 4

Impact 5

Idea Generator 5POLICY IMPACTS 5GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CITATIONS 6OFFICIAL ACCESS 7

Communicator 8ONLINE PERFORMANCE 8PRESENTATIONS 9KNOWLEDGE BUILDING 9MEDIA MENTIONS 10RESEARCH REFERENCES 10

Convenor and Partnership Engagement 13STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS 13KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER ACTIVITIES 14

Appendix: Research Activities, 2015-2019 15

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Mowat NFPIn 2012, the Mowat Centre established a research hub to provide evidence-based research and analysis on systemic issues facing the non-profit sector in Canada, with a particular focus on Ontario. As part of an independent think tank with strong partnerships with government and the sector, Mowat NFP brings a balanced perspective through which to examine the challenges facing today’s sector and to support its future direction. Mowat NFP works in partnership with umbrella organizations such as the Ontario Nonprofit Network (ONN) and Imagine Canada to ensure our research and policy recommendations are timely and relevant to the sector and reflect its values.

The substantive focus of Mowat NFP’s research agenda for 2018-2021 will assess the policy drivers and enabling conditions that can strengthen, accelerate and scale the NFP sector’s contributions to build thriving communities and improve well-being. The research will look at long-standing structural, foundational and systemic issues relating to how governments and the non-profit sector work together from a systems-lens. The research focuses on issues relating to legislation and regulation, finance and funding, data and information, and people/labour force.

Mowat NFP works with key stakeholders, including the Mowat NFP advisory committee, practitioners and sector leaders, for input on the research focus. Mowat NFP implements the research agenda by:

• Conducting research, publishing and presenting findings (min. four reports per year).

• Convening and facilitating events to discuss policy issues.

• Offering education courses to practitioners and the broader public on policy developments and their relevance in Ontario.

Mowat NFP has three strategic priorities:

• Partnership engagement: Where possible, identify partners with complementary research goals and engage them in the Mowat NFP research agenda.

• Leverage policy thought leadership within the Mowat Centre and the University of Toronto: As the Mowat Centre expands its agenda, there is an opportunity to collaborate internally and bring the sector lens to relevant research at the Centre, and to bring the skills and expertise of the Centre to the work of the NFP hub.

• Proactive and strategic communications and outreach: While Mowat NFP has established recognition and credibility, more effective communication of the research agenda and its fit with the overall vision of the Centre would strengthen its identity and profile.

Beginning fiscal1 2018-2019, United Way Greater Toronto, Ignite NPS and the McConnell Foundation have committed core funding to the hub for three years. In 2018-2019, Mowat NFP sourced the balance of its budget through project-based funding.

1 Mowat NFP’s fiscal year is May 1 to April 30.

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Online Performance• Website Activity (number of page views and users).

Presentations• Invited presentations and keynotes in public conferences and professional association

meetings and AGMs.

Knowledge Building• Use of papers for various events, presentations or development of ideas by

stakeholders other than government.2

2 Mowat NFP has added ‘Knowledge Building’.

POLICYIMPACT

Impact MethodologyWhat impact are we having? We analyze our impact in three performance categories:

Idea Generator Mowat NFP’s objective is to develop actionable recommendations, thought leadership, and short and long-term agenda-setting. To what extent are we influencing actual policymaking in the long-term? We analyze:

CommunicatorMowat NFP’s objective is to spark and influence public discussion, and transfer policy knowledge to the NFP sector, sector leaders and the general public. To what extent are we part of the public policy conversation in our areas of research? How deep and wide is our public footprint and reach? We analyze:

Policy Impacts• Demonstrated influence on policymaking.

Government and Political CitationsCitations in official government documents, citations in parliamentary proceedings, citations in political communication.

Official Access• Presentations and submissions to legislative committees, participation in stakeholder

consultations, briefings and presentations to government officials.

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Media Mentions• Mentions in print, electronic and online media.

Research References• References in research-based or academic work.

Convenor and Partnership EngagementMowat NFP’s objective is to invest and engage in partnerships that advance research and learning opportunities in the sector as it relates to public policy. To what extent are we able to convene, collaborate and consult with a large and diverse universe of stakeholders? We analyze:

Stakeholder consultationsMowat NFP-organized consultations and convening with other stakeholders.

Knowledge transfer activitiesMowat NFP-organized events to transfer cutting edge public policy research and insights, from both Mowat NFP research and external experts, to invited stakeholders or the general public.

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Research ActivitiesWithin the chosen time-frame for this year’s report, Mowat NFP released a total of six papers, delivered three events, produced two key takeaways documents and three articles, and convened three focus group sessions. The papers, events, and additional research activities conducted this year are part of Mowat NFP’s Enabling Environment Series and Innovation in Evidence Series:

Enabling Environment SeriesOn April 12, 2017, Mowat NFP launched the Enabling Environment Series in partnership with Imagine Canada. The series defined an enabling environment for the non-profit sector and explored issues relating to charity regulation, data and measurement, governance and more.

The series concluded on January 17, 2019 with the release of the final report, Breaking the Inertia: Repositioning the Government-Sector Partnership. Through the series, Mowat NFP delivered six papers, one key takeaways document, three focus groups and two convening events.

Innovation in Evidence Series Catalyzed by the release of Bridging the Gap: Designing a Canadian What Works Centre, the series aimed to identify opportunities to improve the use of evidence in policymaking and program delivery in Canada. It focused on the role of the non-profit sector in Canada’s evidence ecosystem.

The series concluded on March 29, 2019 with the release of Committing to Action: Next Steps for Canada’s Evidence Ecosystem. Through the series, Mowat NFP released a total of three research reports, one key takeaways document, three articles, and convened three major events (i.e. designed and co-led a learning tour in the UK with senior government officials, funders and non-profit leaders; an international conference and a provincial convening event in Ontario).

For a complete list of research activities and corresponding descriptions, please refer to the appendix on page 15.

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EnablingEnvironment

MOWAT RESEARCH #157 | OCTOBER 2017

Measuring Outcomes in PracticeFostering an Enabling Environment for Measurement in CanadaBY LISA LALANDE & JOANNE CAVE

Policy Impacts

ImpactIdea Generator Mowat NFP’s objective is to develop actionable recommendations, thought leadership, and short and long-term agenda-setting. To what extent are we influencing actual policymaking in the long-term?

UK Learning TourIn partnership with the Government of Saskatchewan, the Community Safety Knowledge Alliance is transitioning into an integrated social policy evidence hub, modelling practices outlined in Bridging the Gap and based on the strategic advice and support provided by Mowat NFP through the learning event in the UK.

Measuring Outcomes in Practice In its 2018 Fall Economic Statement, the Government of Canada proposed the creation of a Social Finance Fund ($755 million investment over ten-year period) and an Investment and Readiness stream ($50 million investment over two-year period) to help social sector organizations access finance to drive positive social change. This report recommended the creation of a national outcomes fund to mobilize capital for measurable social outcomes that align with emergent policy priorities.

Change Work

On September 24, 2018, the Ontario Nonprofit Network recommended OPTrust as the pension provider for Ontario’s non-profit sector, in line with ONN’s decent work agenda that was informed by this report’s call for a pension plan for sector employees.

Breaking the Inertia In its 2018 Fall Economic Statement, the Government of Canada proposed the creation of a permanent Advisory Committee on the Charitable Sector. This is consistent with Mowat NFP’s October 22, 2018 submission (based on findings from this report) to the Special Senate Committee on Charitable Sector to reinstate the sector advisory committee to support dialogue with sector on regulatory issues.

MOWAT RESEARCH #128 | OCTOBER 2016MOWAT RESEARCH #128 | OCTOBER 2016


Change Work: Summary & Promising Practices Moving Decent Work Forward in the Not-for-Profit SectorBY LISA LALANDE, ALEXA GREIG & JAMIE VAN YMEREN

MOWAT RESEARCH #181 | JANUARY 2019


EnablingEnvironment

Breaking the InertiaRepositioning the Government-Sector PartnershipBY JOANNE CAVE & LISA LALANDE

POLICYIMPACT

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EnablingEnvironment



EnablingEnvironment

MOWAT RESEARCH #150 | JUNE 2017

Turning a CornerLaying the Groundwork for Charity Regulatory Reform in CanadaBY DUNCAN FARTHING-NICHOL, LISA LALANDE & JOANNE CAVE


EnablingEnvironment

MOWAT RESEARCH #145 | APRIL 2017

Charting a Path ForwardStrengthening and Enabling the Charitable Sector in CanadaBY LISA LALANDE & JOANNE CAVE

Turning a CornerPassage of Bill C-86 in December 2018, which contains revisions to the rules relating to the non-partisan political activities of charities. Informally notified that report was referenced by the Canada Revenue Agency to explore the rules governing political activities.

Charting a Path ForwardConcept of “enabling environment” for the sector from this report referenced by Senator Omidvar in April 16, 2018 and April 23, 2018 meetings of the Special Senate Committee on the Charitable Sector.

Paths forward to support evidence-informed social policy in CanadaArticle referenced by witness at a November 19, 2018 meeting of Special Senate Committee on the Charitable Sector and addressed by Senator Seidman in follow-up question inquiring as to the role of the Government of Canada.

Breaking the Inertia

• Recommendation in Mowat NFP’s October 22, 2018 Senate submission (based on findings from this report) to expand proposed Social Innovation Office to enable the social sector referenced by Senator Omidvar in November 19, 2018 meeting of the Special Senate Committee on the Charitable Sector. The question of a “home” for the sector within the federal government is raised in several subsequent meetings of the Committee.

• Report also cited and endorsed by Hilary Pearson, CEO, Philanthropic Foundations Canada, at April 8, 2019 meeting of the Special Senate Committee on the Charitable Sector.

Government and Political Citations

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EnablingEnvironment



EnablingEnvironment

MOWAT RESEARCH #161 | FEBRUARY 2018

Collaborating for Greater ImpactBuilding an Integrated Data EcosystemBY JOANNE CAVE, TRACEY GYATENG, LISA LALANDE & TRIS LUMLEY

Collaborating for Greater ImpactReport mentioned in March 22, 2018 edition of the City of Toronto’s SPAR Monitor (Biweekly newsletter sent out by the Social Policy & Research Unit of the Social Development, Finance and Administration division).

Breaking the Inertia

• Submitted a brief of early findings of research to the Special Senate Committee on the Charitable Sector on October 17, 2018 which identified key issues for reform and outlined options for federal models/mechanisms that could create a more enabling environment for the sector.

• Presentation to Special Senate Committee on the Charitable Sector on October 22, 2018 discussing need to align legislative/regulatory reform with recommendations from Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy Co-Creation Steering Group.

• Submitted a brief of the Breaking Inertia paper (final research findings) to the Special Senate Committee on the Charitable Sector on February 21, 2019 that advanced recommendations for reform based on findings from report.

• Presentation to Special Senate Committee on the Charitable Sector on February 25, 2019 discussing need to create a one-stop-shop for the social sector within the federal government.

• Informally notified by policy analyst within Economic and Social Development Canada that report was circulated within and well-received by the department.

ReputationalExecutive Lead of Mowat NFP noted in Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Ontario Volunteerism Summit Report as member of steering committee that guided design of the Summit, as well as a moderator at June 2017 Summit.

Official Access


EnablingEnvironment



Measuring Outcomes in Practice • Presentation to the

House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women on January 30, 2018 discussing the importance of developing the evidence base to social finance tools such as social impact bonds.

• June 21, 2018 presentation to Markus Priesterath, Federal Ministry of the Interior, Civil Society (Germany) on Canada’s not-for-profit sector and outcomes measurement.

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Reputational• Executive Lead for Mowat NFP served as moderator at

the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council’s Future Global Challenges Forum on November 27, 2018. Stakeholders in attendance included senior officials from federal departments and agencies.

• Received an invitation from City of Toronto in April 2018 to be a panelist for the Expert Roundtable on the Economic Potential of the Not-for-Profit Sector.

CommunicatorMowat NFP’s objective is to spark and influence public discussion, and transfer policy knowledge to the NFP sector, sector leaders and the general public. To what extent are we part of the public policy conversation in our areas of research? How deep and wide is our public footprint and reach?

Online PerformanceOn the release date, Mowat NFP reports are e-mailed to individuals subscribed to the mailing lists of the Mowat Centre (nearly 4000 subscribers) and Mowat NFP (over 500 subscribers). The Figure below presents online performance metrics for five Mowat NFP reports released between January 1, 2018 and March 31, 2019:

Total Page Views and Total Unique Page Views for Mowat NFP Reports

Note: “Total Page Views” and “Total Unique Page Views” data is presented for January 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019. The latest Mowat NFP report, “Committing to Action,” has not been included as there is insufficient available data given its release date (March 29, 2019).

1302

1251

625

997

650

1165

1111

537

873

572

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400

Collaborating for Greater Impact FEBRUARY 6, 2018

Peering into the Future SEPTEMBER 27, 2018

IIE Conference Backgrounder OCTOBER 25, 2018

Evidence that Works NOVEMBER 15, 2018

Breaking the Inertia JANUARY 17, 2019

Total Unique Page Views Total Page Views



EnablingEnvironment



Evidence that WorksBuilding the Canadian evidence infrastructure for social policy

BY ANNE WHITE

MOWAT RESEARCH #176 | NOVEMBER 2018

Innovationin Evidence

CONFERENCE


Strengthening Canadian Efforts to Identify What Works (and What Doesn’t)

in Social Policy

BY LISA LALANDE & JOANNE CAVE

BACKGROUND PAPER FOR CONFERENCENOVEMBER 15 -16 | UNIVERSITY OF REGINA



CONFERENCE

MOWAT RESEARCH #171 | SEPTEMBER 2018


EnablingEnvironment

Peering into the FutureReimagining Governance in the Non-Profit SectorBY LISA LALANDE


EnablingEnvironment



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EnablingEnvironment




EnablingEnvironment


Presentations

Knowledge Building


EnablingEnvironment




Bridging the Gap Designing a Canadian What Works CentreBY JOANNE CAVE, KENT AITKEN & LISA LALANDE





Collaborating for Greater ImpactReport author Tracey Gyateng presents at event held in UK by OR in the Third Sector and the Royal Statistical Society. Speaks to actionable recommendations to build a more enabling environment for data collection, analysis and sharing.

Bridging the GapMarch 14, 2018 presentation on What Works Centres to multi-stakeholder group working to propose a governance structure that could accompany the implementation of the National Food Policy.

Bridging the GapContributed knowledge of What Works Centres at convening event on March 19, 2018 hosted by the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness to discuss their “Making the Shift” Networks of Centres of Excellence proposal.

Peering into the Future• Panelist at CPA Ontario’s

Not-for-Profit Conference held on September 11, 2018. Presentation on report findings.

• Panelist at the ONN’s Nonprofit Driven 2018 conference held on October 11, 2018. Presentation on report findings.

Peering into the FutureThis paper is being utilized as a foundational research document for a collaborative sector-led initiative, Reimagining Governance. The initiative seeks to advance new approaches to the governance of non-profit organizations. Executive Lead of Mowat NFP currently serves as a member of the steering committee to oversee implementation of initiative.


EnablingEnvironment



Measuring Outcomes in Practice June 20, 2018 presentation on the report’s findings to Beyond Philanthropy, a consultancy located in Berlin, Germany that specializes in maximizing impact of philanthropic and social investing activities.

Change Work Report referenced in August 2018 consultation paper on designing a national, portable retirement plan for the Canadian non-profit sector (“Common Good Retirement Plan”).




https://www.commongoodplan.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/common-good-consultation-paper-7aug18-1.pdf

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Media Mentions

Research References



EnablingEnvironment


Peering into the Future• Report strongly

recommended in Ecoethonomics October 1, 2018 blog post.

• Report referenced in Carters’ Charity & NFP Law Update, October 2018.



EnablingEnvironment


Breaking the Inertia• Report highlighted by

Imagine Canada in February 2019 newsletter.

• Report highlighted by Future of Good in their March 2019 Impact Insider newsletter, noting the report’s importance.

• Report highlighted by Philanthropic Foundations Canada in their January 2019 newsletter.


EnablingEnvironment



Collaborating for Greater ImpactReport mentioned by Philanthropic Foundations Canada in March 2018 blog post.

Innovation in Evidence ConferenceThree conference speakers (Dr. David Halpern, Dale McFee, and Sheldon Kennedy) interviewed by Global News Morning Regina November 15, 2018 on the Innovation in Evidence Conference.

ReputationalExecutive Lead of Mowat NFP appeared on podcast with Beyond Philanthropy in Germany, released on March 26, 2019. Discussed research on and relevance of impact measurement and integrated data ecosystems for the social sector.

Change Work • Hewitt, A. and Hassell, M. (2018). “Empowering the Next Generation Requires a Sector

Wide Culture Check.” The Philanthropist. https://thephilanthropist.ca/2018/05/effective-intergenerational-leadership-transfer-requires-a-sector-wide-culture-check/.

• Taylor, L. (2018). “Retain and Gain: Career Management for Non-Profits and Charities Playbook.” CERIC. https://ceric.ca/resource/retain-and-gain-career-management-for-non-profits-and-charities-playbook/.

• Stefanick, L., Best-Bertwistle, R., and Race, L.S. (2018). “Retaining Volunteers in the Age of Precarious Work.” Journal of Nonprofit & Public Sector Marketing. https://doi.org/10.1080/10495142.2018.1526747.

• Barakzai, A., Lai, A., and Mollenhauer, L. (2018). “Next Generation Governance: Emerging Leaders’ Perspectives on Governance in the Nonprofit Sector.” Pillar Nonprofit. https://pillarnonprofit.ca/sites/default/files/website_files/reimagining_governance_next_generation_governance_final_october_2018.pdf.




http://ecoethonomics.ca/reimaging-non-profit-governance/

http://www.carters.ca/pub/update/charity/18/oct18.pdf

https://mailchi.mp/imaginecanada/from-corporate-philanthropy-to-community-investment-1495121?e=da2fb8e809

https://pfc.ca/philanthropy-data-impact/

https://pfc.ca/philanthropy-data-impact/

https://www.beyondphilanthropy.eu/ideas/publications/beyond-podcast

https://ceric.ca/resource/retain-and-gain-career-management-for-non-profits-and-charities-playbook/

https://ceric.ca/resource/retain-and-gain-career-management-for-non-profits-and-charities-playbook/

https://doi.org/10.1080/10495142.2018.1526747

https://doi.org/10.1080/10495142.2018.1526747

https://pillarnonprofit.ca/sites/default/files/website_files/reimagining_governance_next_generation_governance_final_october_2018.pdf



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EnablingEnvironment



Charting a Path Forward• Institute for Community Prosperity. (2018). “Terra Cognito: 2018 Environmental Scan.”

Mount Royal University, prepared for The Calgary Foundation. https://calgaryfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018-Environmental-Scan.pdf.

• Association of Fundraising Professionals. (2018). “Asking Matters: Charitable Fundraising in Canada.” https://afpglobal.org/sites/default/files/attachments/2018-10/La%20sollicitation%20c%27est%20important%20-%20document%20de%20r%C3%A9f%C3%A9rence%20-%202018.pdf.




Bridging the Gap• Institute for Community Prosperity. (2018). “Terra Cognito: 2018 Environmental Scan.”

Mount Royal University, prepared for The Calgary Foundation. https://calgaryfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018-Environmental-Scan.pdf.

Diversity and Inclusion• Hewitt, A. and Hassell, M. (2018). “Empowering the Next Generation Requires a Sector


• Barakzai, A., Lai, A., and Mollenhauer, L. (2018). “Next Generation Governance: Emerging Leaders’ Perspectives on Governance in the Nonprofit Sector. Pillar Nonprofit. https://pillarnonprofit.ca/sites/default/files/website_files/reimagining_governance_next_generation_governance_final_october_2018.pdf.

Human Capital Renewal in the Nonprofit Sector• Struthers, M. (2018). “At odds or an opportunity? Exploring the tension the social

justice and social innovation narratives.” The Philanthropist. https://thephilanthropist.ca/2018/03/at-odds-or-an-opportunity-exploring-the-tension-between-the-social-justice-and-social-innovation-narratives/.

• Barakzai, A., Lai, A., and Mollenhauer, L. (2018). “Next Generation Governance: Emerging Leaders’ Perspectives on Governance in the Nonprofit Sector. Pillar Nonprofit. https://pillarnonprofit.ca/sites/default/files/website_files/reimagining_governance_next_generation_governance_final_october_2018.pdf.

Shaping the Future• Hewitt, A. and Hassell, M. (2018). “Empowering the Next Generation Requires a Sector


• Rahman, S. and Bahubeshi, R. (2019). “January 29: A Call to Action to the Philanthropic Sector on Islamophobia.” The Philanthropist. https://thephilanthropist.ca/2019/01/january-29-a-call-to-action-to-the-philanthropic-sector/.

https://calgaryfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018-Environmental-Scan.pdf


https://afpglobal.org/sites/default/files/attachments/2018-10/La%20sollicitation%20c%27est%20important%20-%20document%20de%20r%C3%A9f%C3%A9rence%20-%202018.pdf





https://thephilanthropist.ca/2018/05/effective-intergenerational-leadership-transfer-requires-a-sector-wide-culture-check/




https://thephilanthropist.ca/2018/03/at-odds-or-an-opportunity-exploring-the-tension-between-the-social-justice-and-social-innovation-narratives/







https://thephilanthropist.ca/2019/01/january-29-a-call-to-action-to-the-philanthropic-sector/

https://thephilanthropist.ca/2019/01/january-29-a-call-to-action-to-the-philanthropic-sector/

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Collaborating for Greater Impact• Philanthropic Foundations Canada. (2018). “Effective Giving: Using data to inform

philanthropy.” https://pfc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/english-pfc-data-infrastructure-brief-1-final.pdf.

Turning a Corner• Voices-Voix report on Enabling Civil Society: Democracy & Dissent Conference released

April 2019. Executive Lead of Mowat NFP presented at Conference held October 2017 about an enabling environment for non-profits, and served as a member of the conference steering committee.


EnablingEnvironment




EnablingEnvironment



https://pfc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/english-pfc-data-infrastructure-brief-1-final.pdf

https://pfc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/english-pfc-data-infrastructure-brief-1-final.pdf

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Convenor and Partnership EngagementMowat NFP’s objective is to invest and engage in partnerships that advance research and learning opportunities in the sector as it relates to public policy. To what extent are we able to convene, collaborate and consult with a large and diverse universe of stakeholders?

Stakeholder consultations



EnablingEnvironment


Breaking the InertiaSupported a convening event with the Ontario Nonprofit Network at its Nonprofit Driven 2018 conference, held on October 11, 2018. The event was held to seek feedback relating to the Special Senate Committee on the Charitable Sector’s study, and to inform the development of this report. Senator Omidvar from the Committee was in attendance.

UK Learning TourDesigned and co-led a group of 16 senior government officials, funders and non-profit leaders on a learning tour in London with UK experts in the Cabinet Office and in the What Works Centres over the course of a week to explore the What Works Centre approach and implications for Canada. Tour led to development of, and funding for, the Innovation in Evidence Conference held in November 2018.

Innovation in Evidence ConveningSecured $3,000 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to deliver an Ontario-based convening event as a follow-up to the Innovation in Evidence Conference. More than 40 individuals attended the convening, and it subsequently led to an additional convening session with 15 individuals in April 2019 hosted by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and Mass Culture to explore the What Works approach for the arts and culture sector in Ontario.



EnablingEnvironment


Peering into the FutureIn Winter 2018, Mowat NFP organized three focus groups in urban and rural areas with the support of United Way Greater Toronto, Ignite NPS, M. Struthers & Co., Community Foundations Grey Bruce, United Way Grey Bruce and Vantage Point in British Columbia.

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Innovation in Evidence ConveningConducted webinar on What Works Centres in advance of Innovation in Evidence convening event with logistical support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Webinar posted on Trillium’s Knowledge Centre on January 28, 2019.

Knowledge transfer activities

Innovation in Evidence Conference• The conference brought together Canadian and international experts in the evidence

sector to share their experiences and insights. The number of registrants for the event (i.e. 131) exceeded the initial projection (i.e. 80-120). The conference drew over 130 attendees from federal and provincial government, private and not-for-profit sectors.

• Funding was provided by The Government of Saskatchewan; the Community Safety Knowledge Alliance; the Calgary & Area Child Advocacy Centre; The University of Regina; ISM Canada; the McConnell Foundation; and the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.

• The conference encouraged strategic relationship building through networking opportunities designed to leverage stakeholder resources. Anecdotal evidence indicates that the conference led to new collaborations with international organizations (e.g. Nesta) and Canadian organizations (e.g. McConnell Foundation), as well as government discussions/partnerships (e.g. Calgary & Area Child Advocacy Centre and the Government of Canada).

• The conference encouraged knowledge transfer pertaining to social policy and social practice issues through numerous presentations and roundtable discussions.



EnablingEnvironment


Peering into the FutureCommunicated findings of report in Ontario Nonprofit Network-hosted webinar on April 17, 2019, in collaboration with Linda Mollenhauer.

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AppendixResearch Activities, 2015–2019




Change WorkValuing Decent Work in the Not-for-Profit Sector

NOVEMBER 25, 2015

This report explores the concept of decent work and its potential for the NFP sector.https://mowatcentre.ca/change-work/

Change WorkSummary & Promising Practices

OCTOBER 20, 2016

Completed a new summary of the 2015 Change Work report and expands on it to include six promising practices that NFPs can use as a tool when considering how to implement or advocate for decent work in their places of employment.https://mowatcentre.ca/change-work-summary/

Charting a Path ForwardStrengthening and Enabling the Charitable Sector in Canada

APRIL 12, 2017

The paper defines the current challenge in the relationship between the federal government and the not-for-profit and charitable sector; explores what an enabling environment could look like; identifies possible priorities; and presents different ways that the federal government and the sector can work together.https://mowatcentre.ca/charting-a-path-forward/

On the MendPutting the Spark Back Into the Government-Charitable Sector Relationship

JANUARY 14, 2016

The publication argues that mending the sector-government relationship requires transformational shifts that go beyond legislative changes and Canada Revenue Agency rules focused on political activity. https://mowatcentre.ca/on-the-mend/

Unpacking ImpactExploring Impact Measurement for Social Enterprises in Ontario

OCTOBER 27, 2016

Sector convening and report in partnership with the Ministry of Economic Development and Growth, Government of Ontario. It examines the concept of common impact measurement frameworks and standardization globally, and identifies specific opportunities to strengthen impact measurement practices for the social enterprise ecosystem in Ontario.https://mowatcentre.ca/unpacking-impact/


EnablingEnvironment



https://mowatcentre.ca/change-work/



https://mowatcentre.ca/change-work-summary/

https://mowatcentre.ca/change-work-summary/

https://mowatcentre.ca/charting-a-path-forward/

https://mowatcentre.ca/charting-a-path-forward/

https://mowatcentre.ca/on-the-mend/

https://mowatcentre.ca/on-the-mend/

https://mowatcentre.ca/unpacking-impact/

https://mowatcentre.ca/unpacking-impact/

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EnablingEnvironment




EnablingEnvironment




EnablingEnvironment






Turning a CornerLaying the Groundwork for Charity Regulatory Reform in Canada

JUNE 1, 2017

This paper reviews the federal charities regulatory regime, discusses the limitations of the regime as designed and administered today, summarizes past reform efforts and international lessons; and recommends high-level changes by which the federal government and the sector can begin to build a more responsive regulatory framework.https://mowatcentre.ca/turning-a-corner/

Measuring Outcomes in PracticeFostering an Enabling Environment for Measurement in Canada

OCTOBER 13, 2017

This paper examines current barriers to measuring outcomes, highlights key challenges, and explains why measuring outcomes is so difficult to do in the sector. It explores what is needed to create an enabling environment for Canada’s charitable and not-for-profit sector to participate more readily in measurement activities. https://mowatcentre.ca/measuring-outcomes-in-practice/

Bridging the GapDesigning a Canadian What Works Centre

SEPTEMBER 19, 2017

This paper builds on previous Mowat Centre work to provide a thorough exploration of the What Works Centre model in the Canadian context and to guide the decisions required to create such an organization in Canada.https://mowatcentre.ca/bridging-the-gap/

Collaborating for Greater Impact Building an Integrated Data Ecosystem

FEBRUARY 6, 2018

Using the concept of a “data ecosystem,” this paper articulates how Canada can move forward to advance charitable and not-for-profit sector data policy and enhance organizations’ ability to deliver programs and services that are evidence-based, outcomes-oriented and responsive to the needs of the communities they serve. In Partnership with New Philanthropy Capital, UK.https://mowatcentre.ca/collaborating-for-greater-impact/

UK Learning Tour JUNE 2018

Mowat NFP and the Community Safety Knowledge Alliance co-led a group of senior government officials, funders and non-profit leaders on a learning tour in the UK on designing Canadian What Works Centres. The week focused on seeking best practices and challenges in areas such as data, measurement and impact investing.

https://mowatcentre.ca/turning-a-corner/

https://mowatcentre.ca/turning-a-corner/

https://mowatcentre.ca/measuring-outcomes-in-practice/



https://mowatcentre.ca/bridging-the-gap/

https://mowatcentre.ca/bridging-the-gap/

https://mowatcentre.ca/collaborating-for-greater-impact/



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Peering into the FutureReimagining Organizational Governance in the NFP Sector

SEPTEMBER 27, 2018

Taking a systems-lens, this paper explores how organizational governance functions, structures, processes and practices in the NFP sector should adapt to today’s complex environment. Partnership with sector leaders Linda Mollenhauer, Ruth Armstrong, Heather Graham, ONN, and Imagine Canada (enabling environment series). Funded by Ignite NPS. https://mowatcentre.ca/peering-into-the-future/ Supporting Evidence-

Informed Policymaking and Service Delivery in Canada’s Non-Profit Sector NOVEMBER 12, 2018

In advance of the Innovation in Evidence Conference, this article asks six Canadian and international conference speakers to focus their expertise on addressing paths forward for creating an enabling environment for the not-for-profit sector to support evidence-informed policymaking and service delivery.https://thephilanthropist.ca/2018/11/supporting-evidence-informed-policymaking-and-service-delivery-in-canadas-non-profit-dector/

Peering into the FutureKey Takeaways

SEPTEMBER 27, 2018

Concise summation of key content drawn from Peering into the Future report. Innovation in Evidence: Conference Background Paper (October 2018). A context setting paper in advance of the Innovation in Evidence Conference in November 2018. It was designed to help inform and guide discussions at the conference. https://mowatcentre.ca/peering-into-the-future-key-takeaways/

Innovation in EvidenceConference Background Paper

OCTOBER 25, 2018

A context setting paper in advance of the Innovation in Evidence Conference in November 2018. It was designed to help inform and guide discussions at the conference.https://mowatcentre.ca/innovation-in-evidence-conference-background-paper/

https://mowatcentre.ca/peering-into-the-future/

https://mowatcentre.ca/peering-into-the-future/

https://thephilanthropist.ca/2018/11/supporting-evidence-informed-policymaking-and-service-delivery-in-canadas-non-profit-dector/






https://mowatcentre.ca/peering-into-the-future-key-takeaways/



https://mowatcentre.ca/innovation-in-evidence-conference-background-paper/




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Innovation in EvidenceNational Conference

NOVEMBER 15-16, 2018

A two-day event that brought international leaders and innovators in evidence-informed policymaking together to share emerging trends, discuss lessons learned, and provide fresh insight into the challenges facing policymakers, practitioners, researchers and academics in their quest to determine ‘what works.’Partnership with the Government of Saskatchewan, The Community Safety Knowledge Alliance, The University of Regina, The Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre, ISM Canada, Treasury Board Canada Secretariat and the McConnell Foundation.https://mowatcentre.ca/innovation-in-evidence/



BY ANNE WHITE

MOWAT RESEARCH #176 | NOVEMBER 2018


CONFERENCE


NOVEMBER 15, 2018

This paper provides a brief overview of Canada’s evidence ecosystem in social policy and identifies critical issues and opportunities for consideration to support evidence use in social policy in Canada. Released on the first day of the national conference – Innovation in Evidence. This project also involved crowdsourcing the Canadian infrastructure for evidence-informed decision-making institutions. The goal was to present the information to the evidence community to help advance the effort of mapping Canada’s evidence landscape.https://mowatcentre.ca/evidence-that-works/

Paths forward to support evidence-informed social policy in Canada NOVEMBER 14, 2018

In advance of the Innovation in Evidence Conference, this article draws on the perspective of six Canadian and international conference speakers to address the following question: What are paths forward in the Canadian context for building the infrastructure to support evidence-informed policymaking and service delivery.https://mowatcentre.ca/paths-forward-to-support-evidence-informed-social-policy-in-canada/

https://mowatcentre.ca/innovation-in-evidence/

https://mowatcentre.ca/innovation-in-evidence/

https://mowatcentre.ca/evidence-that-works/

https://mowatcentre.ca/evidence-that-works/

https://mowatcentre.ca/paths-forward-to-support-evidence-informed-social-policy-in-canada/




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EnablingEnvironment


Innovation in EvidenceConvening Event in Ontario

FEBRUARY 7, 2019

The event summarized key findings from the conference and explored how these learnings can be applied in an Ontario context; specifically focused on identifying practical ways to improve or strengthen the Ontario NFP sector’s role in collecting and mobilizing evidence. The event was used as critical input to the post-conference paper.

Breaking the InertiaRepositioning the Government-Sector Partnership

JANUARY 17, 2019

Given Canada’s federalist system, this paper explores what role the federal government should play in enabling the sector and where this responsibility should rest. Partnership with McConnell Foundation, Lawson Foundation and Imagine Canada.https://mowatcentre.ca/breaking-the-inertia/

Next Steps for Non-Profits in Canada’s Evidence Ecosystem Innovation in Evidence Conference Recap

MARCH 4, 2019

This article explores some of the key opportunities, promising practices and obstacles for the non-profit sector that were identified at the Innovation in Evidence Conference.https://thephilanthropist.ca/2019/03/next-steps-for-non-profits-in-canadas-evidence-ecosystem-innovation-in-evidence-conference-recap/

Committing to ActionNext Steps for Canada’s Evidence Ecosystem

MARCH 29, 2019

This report draws on learnings from the Innovation in Evidence Conference and related research and convening activities to provide recommendations for strengthening Canada’s evidence ecosystem. The report summarizes key challenges and promising domestic and international practices related to how evidence is generated, translated, adopted, funded and innovated. It also maps out the essential conditions for success, starting from the fostering of relationships, trust and meaningful engagement.Commissioned by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.https://mowatcentre.ca/committing-to-action/

Committing to ActionKey Takeaways

MARCH 29, 2019

Concise summation of key content drawn from Committing to Action report. https://mowatcentre.ca/committing-to-action-key-takeaways/



BY LISA LALANDE, JOANNE CAVE & ADAM JOG

MOWAT RESEARCH #188 | MARCH 2019


CONFERENCE



BY LISA LALANDE, JOANNE CAVE & ADAM JOG

MOWAT RESEARCH #188 | MARCH 2019


CONFERENCE

https://mowatcentre.ca/breaking-the-inertia/

https://mowatcentre.ca/breaking-the-inertia/

https://thephilanthropist.ca/2019/03/next-steps-for-non-profits-in-canadas-evidence-ecosystem-innovation-in-evidence-conference-recap/






https://mowatcentre.ca/committing-to-action/

https://mowatcentre.ca/committing-to-action/

https://mowatcentre.ca/committing-to-action-key-takeaways/



Mowat NFP undertakes collaborative applied policy research on the not-for-profit sector. As part of an independent think tank with strong partnerships with government and the sector, Mowat NFP brings a balanced perspective to examine the challenges facing today’s sector and to support its future direction. Mowat NFP works in partnership with umbrella organizations to ensure our research and policy recommendations are timely and relevant to the sector and reflect its values. ©2019

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JANUARY 1, 2018 - APRIL 30, 2019...1 | THE MOWAT CENTRE Mowat NFP In 2012, the Mowat Centre established a research hub to provide evidence-based research and analysis on systemic issues

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