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Looking back at last year, and what is coming!
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Members of the Kapwa Centre (Kapwa Rising)
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Investing with intention
In 2022-2023, our funding programs were redesigned to prioritize relationship building and in-kind support, to better meet the long-term needs of community-led projects.
We invested into new relationships and renewed our partnerships with previously funded projects.
Here’s an overview:
- Gateway Program: a peer-based mentoring program where new projects are paired with existing SHIFT members. Five new projects joined the Gateway, each receiving $5,000 in funding.
- Ongoing Connections Grant: a renewable resource available for previously funded projects that remain tightly connected with the SHIFT ecosystem. Our commitment was renewed with six projects, each receiving $10,000.
- Deep Investment Fund: a new program designed for pre-existing funded teams that had reached a stage of readiness to leverage SHIFT and Concordia resources to amplify their work. Four projects received $50,000 with the possibility of a one-time renewal.
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Our Steering Committee sets the course for Year 5
In June, SHIFT staff and the members of our Steering Committee met for our annual retreat. As per tradition, it was an occasion to look back at the previous year and to refine the strategic orientation for the year ahead.
In response to the fundamental question: “What role does SHIFT play in advancing social transformation?”, the Committee voted to focus more on SHIFT’s role of “Connecting to Amplify”.
With this orientation, SHIFT will draw on its strength in relational impact to implement approaches centred on multi-level relationship building, convening and influencing, in order to take a more proactive role in systems change.
View our strategic plan for Year 5
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Are you interested in joining SHIFT's governance?
We are currently recruiting new members for our Steering Committee.
To complement the skills and expertise already present on the committee, we are seeking individuals with lived experience, knowledge or interest in the following areas:
- Concordia faculty members perspective
- Concordia staff members perspective
- Community organisers, grassroots organisers and people engaged in front-line community or activist work
- Entrepreneurs or “intrapreneurs” working towards social transformation in the public, parapublic or private sector
- Strong understanding of the health sector, particularly within public health institutions or policy initiatives
If you or someone you know could be a good fit, apply now! We are accepting applications until October 16, 2023.
Find out more about the application process
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Launching the Advocacy & Action Fund
In line with our strategic plan, we are launching a special funding program for the under-supported groups who are confronting systemic challenges and institutional barriers.
The Advocacy & Action Fund (AAF) offers unrestricted financial support to coalitions and collaboratives committed to addressing societal issues through mobilization, public advocacy and direct action.
Please note: The AAF is only open to groups that are based in Montreal and that have not received funding from SHIFT before.
The deadline to apply is October 16, 2023.
Learn more about the program
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Keeping up with SHIFT's programming
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Our Coworking Days return this fall
Coworking Days are ideal to meet with like-minded peers, discover about other folks’ work, exchange ideas, and simply connect with members of the SHIFT community.
Come make use of the SHIFT collaborative space to advance your work; it is open to everyone working on social change and community engaged projects!
Fall schedule
- Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- No reservations required; first come, first-served basis.
If you have questions while using the space, feel free to ask our front desk team: Abby and Valentina!
Learn more about how you can use the SHIFT space
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The Lunch & Learn series is back, starting October 3!
Every first Tuesday of the month, join us at the SHIFT space to discover more about the work led by members of the SHIFT Learning Community to advance social transformation.
The upcoming Lunch & Learn features Kapwa Rising and the Buckskin Babes, two projects that draw on cultural practices to nourish their visions for a just and thriving future for their communities.
Learn more and register here
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The Office of Community Engagement launches Dewemaagannag/My Relations
Created by Concordia's Office of Community Engagement, this guide for researchers, academics, and students features key principles and values to help in building and deepening their relationships with Indigenous individuals, organizations, and communities.
Join the launch event online or in person at SHIFT on Wednesday, September 27, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Learn more and register here
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Upcoming events at SHIFT and beyond
All events are free - Registration may be required
See more events
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