Preamble

Carleton University was born out of the community over 60 years ago. Since then, it has forged strong links and developed a positive reputation within its local community, nationally and internationally. Carleton’s most recent Strategic Plan (Defining Dreams 2009) identifies four pillars of identity for our institution:

The Carleton Centre for Community Innovation is a university research centre building on Carleton’s four pillars of identity. Further, it is directly committed to realization of the Carleton Academic Plan (2010) that sets research and teaching goals for the University in the frame of Critical and Creative Inquiry and Engagement.

Mission Statement:

Through research, education and program management, to investigate, strengthen and disseminate innovation in non profit and philanthropic management, social finance, responsible investment, community-based economic development, and local governance, on the part of geographic communities and communities of interest, in Canada and around the world.

Acting as a catalyst and convener, and linking research to practice and policy, the Centre seeks to enhance understanding and knowledge of the distinctive contributions of the non-profit, voluntary, and philanthropic sectors and local institutions to the quality of life of citizens and community vitality. 

We invite community leaders, policymakers, business executives, trade unionists, non-profit managers and engaged scholars to join us in producing action-oriented knowledge that will empower communities to build better lives for their citizens.