The third and final retreat for the SPARK Initiative 2.0 took place between May 3-5, 2019, in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, at St. Stephen’s University. Eight of the nine SPARK participants were present, five of the nine SPARK donors were present, as were the SPARK director, Matt Wilkinson of the CBOQ, and Stronger Philanthropy CEO, Mark Petersen, who organized and … Read More
Spark Initiative finalists announced
The Spark Initiative – a granting and mentoring opportunity for next generation Christian social innovators hosted by the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec (CBOQ) – was pleased today to announce its list of finalists for this honour. Nine individuals were named in this announcement. Each one will be invited to attend three retreats over this next year to enhance … Read More
Update on the Spark Initiative 2018
The window for receiving Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) by interested applicants for the Spark Initiative is now closed. Thank you to all who showed interest in this opportunity. By the deadline of January 26, 2018 we had received 24 LOIs from millennial social entrepreneurs from across Canada. At the time of this post, staff are working behind the scenes to … Read More
The Spark Initiative is back for round 2
The Spark Initiative, a granting and mentoring opportunity for millennial social entrepreneurs, is back for a second round after a successful conclusion to round one earlier this year. The Spark Initiative was recently adopted by the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec (CBOQ), and their Next Gen Director, Matt Wilkinson, will lead it going forward. Grants of up to $10,000 each … Read More
Christa Hesselink: Walking together (Episode 017)
Christa Hesselink is the Director of Next Generation Engagement at BIC Canada, a nimble, innovative Canadian denomination that took a leap of faith this year in offering a round of grants for young social entrepreneurs. Stronger Philanthropy walked together with them by providing a grant process and infrastructure as well as financially supporting the endeavour. The Spark Initiative attracted 43 applications from across … Read More
Celebrating the spark in young social entrepreneurs
We’re pleased to announce the awarding of seven Stronger Together Grants totaling $100,000 to eight young social entrepreneurs who will be honoured at a gala on October 28, 2016. Social enterprises include a variety of creative approaches to reach marginalized groups: Turning restaurant meals into funding for reducing hunger Printing books for the elderly with dementia Providing industrial cleaning jobs … Read More
Come and celebrate the Spark Initiative
This October 28, come hear dynamic pitches from the finalists of the Spark Initiative. These young social entrepreneurs are inspired by their faith to make an important social change for those most vulnerable. Stronger Philanthropy has partnered with BIC Canada, Muskoka Woods, and World Vision Canada to award grants and mentoring to these innovative leaders. Gourmet desserts, a coffee/tea bar, live music by … Read More
7 tips for sparking interest in a proposal
Over my past 16 years’ work in philanthropy, I’ve had both the joy and distress of reading over 2,000 proposals. (A quick check on my database shows 2,035 to be exact.) Some of these made my heart sink. Others made my heart soar. The best ones were well-written, and followed these tips: Know your reader. Pitch an idea close to the … Read More