We believe that community capacity and social impact can be enhanced through quality research that provides greater understanding of community need, best practice strategies, opportunities for impact and challenges for implementation. Examples of our recent research work include:

— Literature review of best and promising practices for social inclusion of vulnerable seniors (Prepared for FCSS Calgary) (2015) Full Report

—Literature review of best and promising practices for prevention of domestic violence (Prepared for FCSS Calgary) (2014) Full Report

We support organizations with the program design or redesign process including: background, need and best practice research; creation of detailed program logic models and theory of change materials; and development of evaluation plans. Since program designs are part of the internal program planning process, we aren't able to share examples of our work publicly. Please contact us for examples of our work.

Our evaluation work is person-centered, practical, and utilization-focused. We use a mixed-methods approach and ensure multiple stakeholder voices are reflected our final evaluation products. All evaluation work is overseen by a Canadian Evaluation Society Credentialed Evaluator, ensuring adherence to the highest standard of evaluation practice. Examples of our recent evaluation work include:

—Evaluation of Woodgreen Community Services' Homeward Bound Program (longitudinal study) Full Report Summary
Interview with Greg Clark

—Evaluation of the CCIS Cultural Brokerage Program (2014-2017) Full Report Summary

—Evaluation of Green Fools' Social Circus summer program (2017) Full Report

Using the internationally standardized Social Return on Investment (SROI) methodology, we support organizations to demonstrate the value of their social impact in relation to their social investments. All SROI work is conducted by an Accredited SROI Practitioner and final SROI products include detailed citations, full reporting of assumptions and demonstration of verification of the validity of results. Examples of our recent SROI work include:

—SROI of affordable housing development investment by BC Housing (2016) Full Report

—SROI and impact assessment of IAPO (microfinance for Indigenous farmers in Ontario) (2016) Full Report

All of our work involves elements of capacity building, but we also provide a variety of topic-specific training opportunities, including presentations and workshops, for individuals and organizations. If you’re looking for advice or support on a particular project, we offer individual and organizational coaching and review of analyses.

Leveraging our expertise in research and evaluation, we help position organizations to attract investment and expand their funding base. We have successfully supported organizations in securing funding from: Public Safety Canada, the Department of Justice, Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Calgary, the Calgary Foundation, Status of Women Alberta, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, United Way, and other donors, investors and funders.