The 2006 Harvard Business Review published articles on making a real difference that explored two vexing questions: how should executives think about corporate social responsibility? Why is it that the billions of dollars invested in social sector institutions haven’t begun to solve basic problems?
Stephen Lieff, BScHon/77, has been thinking about venture philanthropy and the allocation of resources in the not-for-profit sector ever since. As president of Royal York Capital, Stephen has successfully focused on the efficient allocation of capital in the private sector, but he believes that it’s time to invest in social innovation—and he’s starting at Carleton.
Stephen and Ann Lieff endowed the Graduate Award in Social Innovation, to be awarded for the first time in February 2010. The annual award will go to students pursuing research in civil society whose work may enhance program or process innovation and capacity building in the not-for-profit sector. The students must also be involved with a project through the Centre for Voluntary Sector Research and Development (CVSRD).
“We want this award to have a long-term impact on social innovation,” says Stephen. “The Faculty of Public Affairs produces thought leaders, and the CVSRD provides local engagement and outcomes. Together they will create a nucleus of people who develop the framework for innovative approaches that move society forward.”
In the short term, the Lieffs also want students to be engaged in the community and exposed to the not-for-profit sector.
“People often fall into the civil society sector without training,” says Ann. “We want to help develop professionals in the sector. One way is to provide students with exposure and field experience as part of their education.”
To do this, the Lieffs have allocated part of their gift to be used to fund student placements for social innovation. While the details of the program are still being worked out, the intention is to provide the CVSRD with funding to annually hire two or three graduate students enrolled in civil society courses to coordinate projects in the community, and to match these students with mentors who can help them translate classroom learning to the needs of the sector.
To sustain and expand the placement program beyond the initial funding they provided for three years, the Lieffs hope other donors and sponsors will contribute to the program.
To support the student placements for social innovation as a donor or mentor, please contact Ted Jackson, associate dean (research) at edward_jackson@carleton.ca or 613-520-3741.