Foundations for Social Change Calls for Submissions Encouraging Canadians to Help Address Critical Societal Challenges; $52,000 in Prize Money for Top 10 Ideas

“The FSC Social Impact Challenge” invites Canadians to submit innovative ideas that help transform communities in need, pairing the winning idea with FSC’s proven platform to move from pilot to policy

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Foundations for Social Change (FSC) – a charitable organization dedicated to disrupting the cycles of poverty and social exclusion – announced today a national contest to find Canada’s next social innovation idea to pilot, measure and advocate for changes to policy. All social impact ideas are welcome and topics can include economic inclusion, health, justice, community belonging, environment, climate change, digital equity, education and cross-generational issues. Through innovative, evidence-based approaches, FSC’s initiatives empower Canadians to create real, lasting change on the issues that matter most to Canadians.

Challenging the Status Quo

FSC is known for its flagship initiative, the “New Leaf Project”, which proved that larger, one-time direct cash transfers to people experiencing homelessness could dramatically improve quality of life and create lasting opportunity. FSC’s first-of-its-kind data-driven approach to social impact has garnered widespread attention from policymakers and global advocates.

FSC is now on the hunt for its next social impact initiative. “The FSC Social Impact Challenge” invites Canadians to submit transformative ideas that rethink how Canada addresses social challenges—ideas that have the power to disrupt old systems and build a more inclusive future. The winning submission will reveal how to address an important social challenge and will win $52,000. FSC will bring the groundbreaking idea to life and transform lives and communities in need. A total of $52,000 in prize money will be awarded for the top ten ideas. Second place will receive $15,000; third place, $5,000 and the remaining top ten finalists will each receive $1,000.

“We see the conflict, hunger and political tensions occurring daily across Canada and it’s our mission to support initiatives focused on social innovation and research. We believe that Canadians care about their communities and that they know that we need to act,” said Frans Tjallingii, a co-founder of Foundations of Social Change. “By reimagining how we address critical societal challenges, we can disrupt the status quo and pave the way for a future that gives everyone the opportunity to thrive. There’s a desperate need for collective action, and we invite all Canadians to challenge current systems and share their ideas to drive social change.”

Foundations for Social Change is committed to breaking away from traditional, often ineffective approaches to social issues. Instead of relying on outdated models, the organization champions bold, evidence-based solutions that tackle root causes and creates lasting impact.

Results, Impact, Repeat

Using the Foundation for Social Change platform, the winning social impact idea will be tested to achieve data-driven results. The project will track outcomes and show the impact on Canadians’ lives while inspiring other communities in Canada to replicate and refine the idea for scalability and broader impact.

The judging panel is comprised of leaders in their respective areas who are known for bringing innovative ideas to life:

• Akshay Gupta, Founder and CEO of Bit Happier, a neuroscience-driven happiness technology company advancing well-being through visual arts and social connection.
• Arlene Dickinson is CEO at District Ventures Capital and a leading business voice and philanthropist. She invests in innovative companies in agriculture and food security, as well as in the health and wellness sectors. She is known for her role on Dragon’s Den.
• Dave Richardson, President and CEO of Octaform Systems Inc. and Co-Founder of the Stigma-Free Mental Health Society.
• Don Iveson, former Mayor of Edmonton and founder of Civic Good. Don also serves as Co-Chair of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness.
• Jason Pires, Co-anchor of Global News Morning BC and Edward R. Murrow Award-winner; supporter of multiple local charitable organizations including Canada Scores, Make-a-Wish Foundation and more.
• Jessie Lanigan, Senior Manager of Philanthropy for Plan International, specializing in building high‑impact philanthropic partnerships that advance children’s rights and gender equality.
• Jon Shell, Chair of Social Capital Partners, an independently funded non-profit founded in 2001, whose mission is to build a more resilient economy through broad-based ownership and quality employment.
• Karen Fonseth, a seasoned executive with 25 years of CEO experience, most recently leading one of Canada’s largest nonprofit organizations supporting people with intellectual disabilities.
• Peter Lantin, an innovative Indigenous leader and Chair for the Prince Rupert Port Authority and BC Ferry Authority.
• Praveen Varshney, CEO of Varshney Capital Corp and a Founding Director of Pyfera Growth Capital and Humanitas Smart Planet Fund, both with a social impact focus.
• Ray Bonnetrouge, Community Connector & Peer Coordinator at Foundations for Social Change and previous recipient of the cash transfer from the New Leaf pilot project.
• Robin Ashmore, Co-Founder and CEO of All Purpose, design and media for a more compassionate, joyful, nourishing and inclusive future.
• Scott McDougall, brings two decades of executive leadership in sustainability, social enterprise, and organizational transformation.
• Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO of Vancouver International Airport. An award-winning leader in both the private and public sectors, she is known for her bold positions on sustainability and inclusion.

Eligibility and Selection

Applications are now open and Canadians are encouraged to submit their ideas by April 12^th at midnight. On May 11, the top 10 contestants will be selected and notified and they will be asked to provide an additional round of information by May 24^th. The judging panel will narrow it down to the top three submissions by June 7^th and the winner will be announced on June 11.

Winning Submissions Must Clearly Demonstrate:

• A well-defined hypothesis – what specific problem or assumption the idea aims to test.
• A compelling vision for social change – how the concept will create meaningful, lasting impact.
• Expected outcomes and impact – what success looks like and how it will improve lives.
• Data-driven approach – the inputs and metrics that will be used to measure results.
• Measurable success criteria – specific indicators that will show whether the project works.
• Key success factors – what will make the idea feasible and scalable.
• Risk mitigation strategies – how to overcome potential challenges.

Apply now

Applications for The Social Impact Challenge are open until April 12 at 11:59 PM PST.

Learn more here: www.forsocialchange.org/

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About Foundations for Social Change

Foundations for Social Change is a Vancouver-based charitable organization that develops innovative programs helping vulnerable populations in our communities. We seek solutions to ongoing social issues, such as homelessness, with a bold entrepreneurial mindset using data and evidence to evaluate our work and measure impact. Bound by our shared humanity, we stand for an inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their full potential. For more information, visit: forsocialchange.org

We believe that economic inclusion is critical to being able to participate in society and that no one should be left behind. This requires disrupting the status quo, and compels us to think radically and test innovative solutions that have not been tried before.

How to Apply

• Visit www.forsocialchange.org
• Click “Apply Now” on the homepage.
• You’ll be redirected to our online submission platform.
• Complete the application by responding to structured prompts about your idea, its potential impact, feasibility, and implementation.
• Submit before April 12 at 11:59 PM PST.
  (Applications can be edited up until the deadline.)