Partner with Social Innovation Projects

During the summer semester, our team works with community partners to develop projects for the upcoming year.

• Project Brainstorm Sessions: Meet with the program coordinator to discuss SIP in more depth, brainstorm how SIP could support your organization, and get support for completing the SIP Project Submission.
• SIP Project Submission: Complete our project submission form online. Please email marlo.young.sponga@utoronto.ca if you are interested in submitting a project to get access to the submission link.

During the fall semester, we launch the program moving all the way from recruitment to each group creating a prototype by end of semester.

September

• Program Recruitment:  Our team begins program recruitment and project matching.
• Community Partner Orientation: This is a chance to get oriented to the program and get set up to have a great experience with the program.

October-November

• SIP Kick-Off: Meet your student volunteer team and support them to understand your project goals in detail, so that they can create a great project plan and a final project that aligns with your vision.
• Fall Check-Ins: The Community Partner and SIP Mentor will meet with the volunteer team at least twice during the fall semester to review their progress and provide feedback.
• Project Plans & Budget Submissions:  The project team prepares a project plan to guide their work throughout the program and a project budget, which they will submit to request funding to deliver their projects. These documents are reviewed by their Community Partner, SIP Mentor, and the program coordinator.
• Fall Reading Week: The SIP program pauses for the reading week, so that students can focus on their midterms.
• Prototype Submissions:  By the end of the fall semester, all groups are expected to submit a "prototype" to their Community Partner and SIP Mentor. This looks different for every group based on their project work. This allows them to get early feedback, so that they are set up to deliver great work in second semester.

December

• Exams & Winter Break: The SIP program wraps up early December, so that students can focus on their exams and then enjoy a well-deserved winter break. The program restarts in January. 

During the winter semester, the bulk of project work is completed; volunteer teams focus on following the project plan they created in the fall semester and executing their projects. We conclude this semester by celebrating everyone's wonderful work at the SIP Wrap-Up event.

January-February

• Winter Reset Event: Our team hosts a program-wide event the first week back of classes to jumpstart project work for the winter semester; reenergizing our volunteers, scheduling weekly meeting times and helping them refresh their project goals. Community partners and SIP mentors are not expected to attend this event.
• Winter Check-Ins: The Community Partner and SIP Mentor will meet with the volunteer team at least twice during the winter semester to review their progress and provide feedback.
• Project Delivery & Funding Use:  Throughout this time volunteer teams will be delivering various aspects of the project and using the funding they have been awarded.
• Winter Reading Week: The SIP program pauses for the reading week, so that students can focus on their midterms.

March

• Projects Complete:  One week before the SIP Wrap Up event all projects are completed and delivered to community partners.
• SIP Wrap-Up: We gather together for student volunteers to present their projects in a poster-fair style event. Community Partners, SIP Mentors, other student volunteers, and the general public are invited to join the celebration.

Do you have a big idea or challenge, but not the time to explore it? 
Have our students explore possibilities and propose new directions. This path works well, if you have a curiosity about a new venture, but are not sure what options are available and how you might tackle this challenge.

Sample Deliverables: Proposal, Business Case, Solution Analysis

Sample Project: A local food security organization wants to expand into mobile food delivery but isn’t sure what model would be sustainable. Students explore different approaches, analyze similar programs, and propose a scalable solution.

Do you want to dig deeper into an emerging trend or new facet of your work?
Have our students delve into the latest research and best practices to inform how you enter this new area. Students can also conduct interviews or focus groups with members of your community to tailor their recommendations to the population you work with.

Sample Deliverables: Literature Review, Best Practices Report, Community Interviews or Focus Groups, Recommendations Report.

Sample Project: A youth mental health organization wants to better understand barriers to accessing services among newcomer youth. Students conduct research and synthesize findings into actionable insights and recommendations.

Are you looking to launch or revamp a program or service? 
Have our students create step-by-step plans to help you execute smoothly. From reviewing program goals, to developing session content & facilitation guides, your team of students can prepare everything you need for a smooth launch.

Sample Deliverables: Project Plans, Facilitation Guides, Session Content

Sample Project: A community center wants to launch a mentorship program for high school students but needs structure. Students develop a full program plan, including session outlines, timelines, and facilitator resources.

Are you looking to create a new resource or tool for your organization or community? 
Our students can design and develop it for you.

Sample Deliverables: Website, Toolkit, Curriculum, Videos

Sample Project: A non-profit supporting caregivers needs a central hub of resources. Students design and build a user-friendly toolkit with downloadable guides and digital content.

Are you ready to try something new, but want to run a test phase before you fully launch? 
Have our students help pilot a new initiative and provide feedback before you scale.

Sample Deliverables: Pilot Report, User Feedback, Improvement Suggestions

Sample Project: An organization develops a new workshop for youth but wants to refine it before a full rollout. Students pilot the workshop, gather participant feedback, and provide recommendations for improvement.