What enables a healthy news and information ecosystem? This is a question we often ask ourselves. Inspirit supports several fledgling journalism organizations that address gaps in how their community is covered. InsideWaterloo, La Converse, IndigiNews, The Local, Peterborough Currents, and The Green Line are part of a new wave of local online news organizations that … Continued
Read our latest CEO Update, as originally published in our Spring 2022 newsletter. Spring has always been the most unpredictable season for me. This March was no exception; after two years of dodging COVID, the virus hit nearly every member of my immediate family. And it all started with my friends. I hosted a dinner. … Continued
By Jory Cohen, Director of Finance and Impact Investment The past two years have been a reminder of devastation, turmoil, and fear across the globe. This past year was also tumultuous for Inspirit’s portfolio. In 2021, energy (primarily fossil fuels) and financials were the biggest sector performers in Canada. Given Inspirit’s focus on companies that … Continued
In 2021, the Government of Ontario passed legislation for a dedicated week to recognize nonprofit organizations and their contributions to a more equitable economy and inclusive society. Nonprofit Appreciation Week is February 14 to 20. Throughout the week, we highlight various Inspirit grantees who are nonprofit organizations. We celebrate their work to create and maintain healthy, vibrant, and … Continued
Read our latest CEO Update, as originally published in our Winter 2022 newsletter. In Toronto, where the Inspirit office is located, 2022 began with yet another lockdown. The collective fatigue is overwhelming as public systems we imagined would be there for us are crumbling, even as we knew about their fragility well before a global … Continued
On January 29, 2017, a gunman entered the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City, opened fire and killed six men and seriously injured 19 others. In 2021, the federal government designated January 29 as the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia, to honour the victims and to express solidarity with … Continued
[View the complete Request for Proposal here] Inspirit Foundation, the Hamilton Community Foundation, and the McConnell Foundation are seeking the services of a consultant to support the adaptation of the Healthy News & Information Ecosystem Framework. The Healthy News & Information Ecosystem Diagnostic Framework, developed by Impact Architects, is a tool for: Assessing the health of news and information ecosystems Identifying specific opportunities … Continued
By Jory Cohen, Director of Finance and Impact Investment A lot has happened since my last post. As the pandemic’s fourth wave continues to persist, Jill and I welcomed our second (and almost certainly final!) baby into the world. Crosley was born in early September, and while we never really set out to do this, Jill and … Continued
September 30 has been declared the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The federal holiday commemorates and honours the experiences of those who survived the residential school system, as well as the children who died while at the schools. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation coincides with Orange Shirt Day, a day to raise awareness of the tragic … Continued
By Jory Cohen, Director of Finance and Impact Investment Despite the pandemic, by the end of 2020, Inspirit had transitioned 98% of our portfolio to increase positive social and environmental impact. The lone asset class that had yet to be transitioned to increase impact? That is our cash, approximately 2% of Inspirit’s assets and the … Continued
