commons.ca - for civil society

In their pursuit of a better world, civil society organizations face many challenges - finding funds, getting their word out, building effective networks, working globally. Commons is dedicated to strengthening organizations and helping them confront these challenges.

Civil society organizations provide us with a ray of hope. They are demonstrating that another world is possible.

Open Sourcing Education
This paper provides an overview of the current landscape in open education, and outlines challenges and opportunities for the future. It is based on discussions during the iSummit 2007 open education track, which took place in Dubrovnik in June 2007. Article » Download 145k PDF

From the Ground Up
Print and electronic book on the future of the telecentre movement. Written by Andy Carvin and Mark Surman. Published by IDRC. Article » Click here to see ebook.

Beyond the Box: technology grantmaking in Canada
An overview of the potential -- and challeges -- of funding technology use by non-profits. Includes an analysis of the current situation as well as practical tips for grantmakers. Co-authored with IMPACS as a part of Canada's Voluntary Sector Initiative. Article » View PDF

Planning, Partnership and People
Developed for the 2004 Voluntary Sector Community of Inquiry Symposium, this paper documents general findings from a review of best practices from projects funded through the Government of Ontario's Volunteer@ction Online grants programt. It aims to capture and share information about how voluntary organizations can most effectively use the Internet. It also includes a number of conclusions that are intended to guide future strategic technology projects within the voluntary sector. Article » View PDF

With a focus on supporting capacity builders, we provide a variety of services to civil society organizations:

Consultation: Effective projects and services are always grounded in a clear understanding of community need. We develop and implement consultation strategies using facilitated meetings, interviews, surveys and the review of existing research.

Business planning: Civil society capacity builders are under increasing pressure to become self sustaining. We work hand in hand with organizational leaders to develop realistic business plans that balance community values with the need to generate revenue. We also offer training and mentoring to groups that are developing business plans of their own.

Strategic technology planning: Used strategically, the Internet can provide a platform for whole new approaches to collaboration, research and constituency building. We help organizations connect up their vision with the right technology solution by developing strategic technology plans, detailing software requirements and helping to find the right technology providers.

Project development and fundraising: Marshalling people and resources requires a clear and articulate plan. We have a proven track record developing visionary project plans and successful grant applications for civil society projects.

It's a pleasure working with the Commons Group. Collaborative, analytic -- they understand the complexity of the voluntary sector business environment.