experience

The Client: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

The Need: The Computers for Schools Program Plus (CFS+) refurbishes donated computers and distributes them to schools, libraries, not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and eligible low-income Canadians across Canada. The program is part of the Government of Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan and aims to facilitate and encourage the participation of under-represented groups in the digital economy by investing in initiatives that provide them with the necessary tools, access and skills to participate. CFS+ is managed by the federal Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED). There are fourteen affiliate non-profits which are funded under this program. The program is now twenty-six years old and has repurposed over 1.6 million computers across Canada. In 2018 the program received ongoing core funding with an emphasis on continuous improvement, effective distribution strategies and strengthened partnerships. As part of this emphasis on continuous improvement, ISED needed to support affiliates by exploring best practices for non-profit success.

The Solution: AOR was brought in to conduct several workshops and webinars with the affiliates on topics of mutual interest: good governance, strategic planning and developing meaningful measurement frameworks. The sessions were an opportunity for affiliates to share best practices and learn from each other.

The Result: In fall 2018 Michelle developed and facilitated an in person workshop on organizational measurement and measuring for social impact. In winter and spring of 2019 Michelle developed and facilitated two training webinars on governance best practices and on strategic planning. CFS+ affiliates have continued the process of sharing best practices and continuous improvement of their individual non-profit organizations.