Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.1.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site.

# Pillar

Just another WordPress site

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [A path of learning, recognizing and honouring truth and reconciliation](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/equity-and-inclusion/a-path-of-learning-recognizing-and-honouring-truth-and-reconciliation/) - It was the release of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission reports that nudged our organization to read, reflect and better understand how we could both as an organization and network learn our country’s history and advance truth and reconciliation. We had been intentional about recruiting someone to serve on our board of directors from the
- [A voice for nonprofits and social enterprise in public policy and government relations](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/leadership-and-governance/publicpolicygovernmentrelations/) - As our communities are changing and becoming more diverse, our leadership, strategy and approaches in nonprofits, charities and social enterprises are not keeping pace with this change. If we are going to address the persistent challenges facing our communities and advance the quality of life for all, our organizations and solutions need to represent the
- [What does it mean to act as an Ally?](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/equity-and-inclusion/what-does-it-mean-to-act-as-an-ally/) - By Eaman Fahmy, Inclusive Program Designer, Pillar Nonprofit Network | ALLY acronym attributed to Kayla Reed on TwitterAt this tipping point in history, those of us who possess power and privilege are being called upon to act. But before action, we must first pause and reflect. We must reflect upon how we operate at the intersection
- [Collaborating with government for community impact](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/collaboration/collaborating-with-government-for-community-impact/) - Nonprofits and social enterprises are uniquely positioned to be invaluable partners of government in developing programs, services, policies and funding support that are representative of community needs. With pre-existing connections to the communities they serve, nonprofits and social enterprises can effectively contribute to human-centered design approaches that lead to systems change.The following are examples of how
- [Reflective practice and research fellowship](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/leadership-and-governance/reflective-practice-and-research-fellowship/) - Written by Michelle Baldwin, Executive Director, Pillar Nonprofit NetworkWhat is a reflective practice and research fellowship? As the Executive Director of Pillar for more than 10 years, there was an intensity to my role during the growth phases of Pillar, Innovation Works and VERGE Capital that had me all in and firing on all cylinders. I
- [Connecting to the entrepreneurship ecosystem to fuel social enterprise growth](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/collaboration/connecting-to-the-entrepreneurship-ecosystem-to-fuel-social-enterprise-growth/) - At Pillar, we embed our network approach in the way we leverage the local, regional, national and global ecosystem for entrepreneurship and social enterprise to expand our social enterprise program. Connecting to these various networks has been a critical success factor in helping to support the development of social enterprises in our region and beyond.
- [Collaborating to build a local market for social finance](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/collaboration/collaborating-to-build-a-local-market-for-social-finance/) - We recently paused to reflect on our journey and the evolution of VERGE Capital as our regional place-based social finance intermediary. What were the key conditions that led to the successful roll out of a community bond, two loan funds and a new understanding of how caring wealth holders can invest for both a financial
- [A networked approach to strategic planning](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/leadership-and-governance/a-networked-approach-to-strategic-planning/) - Pillar has embarked on a three-year strategic planning process since our early days. At the time we developed our last strategic plan, we were growing at a fast pace and had many new board members and new staff. Before we started looking ahead, we wanted to make sure that our board, staff and network were
- [How Pillar convenes cross-sector collaboration](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/collaboration/how-pillar-convenes-cross-sector-collaboration/) - At Pillar, a core component of our ethos is our belief in the need for collaboration amongst the three pillars – private, public and nonprofit – to achieve systems change. We play a neutral facilitator role in bringing community together to engage in dialogue about the issues facing our city. Whether through a conference, program,
- [Mobilizing community and capital to build a social finance program](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/collaboration/mobilizing-community-and-capital-to-build-a-social-finance-program/) - VERGE Capital was created to mobilize capital – simply said, money – to help support organizations who aim to solve complex problems in our community. We began as a collective to find ways for local investors to make investments that have both a financial return and a positive social and environmental impact. So how did
- [Developing leadership skills in youth through volunteerism](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/equity-and-inclusion/developing-leadership-skills-in-youth-through-volunteerism/) - Engaging youth in volunteerism brings countless benefits for the participants, nonprofit organizations and the community. For participants, volunteering has been known to improve mental health, help cultivate valuable relationships and provide leadership opportunities. Organizations that engage young volunteers benefit from their diverse perspectives and innovative ideas.Youth volunteerism also benefits the community at large; by helping
- [Building, recognizing and enabling leadership development](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/leadership-and-governance/building-recognizing-and-enabling-leadership-development/) - Leadership development has been a core element of our programming since Pillar’s beginnings. In our early days, we focused solely on developing nonprofit leaders. Over time, we saw the possibility of recognizing and influencing leaders from various sectors with the overarching goal being to enable them all to hold a community impact lens. Our support
- [How to embed and embrace failure and learning in your organization](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/storytelling-and-impact/how-to-embed-and-embrace-failure-and-learning/) - Written by Michelle Baldwin, Executive Director, Pillar Nonprofit NetworkThroughout my time as Executive Director of Pillar Nonprofit Network, the use of the word failure has been met with eye rolls, people shifting uncomfortably in their seats and outright debates about using the “f” word. While opening up on this topic is still taboo for some,
- [Optimizing nonprofit-business partnerships](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/collaboration/optimizing-nonprofit-business-partnerships/) - When the three pillars come together to share their knowledge, assets and skills, the intentional collision of ideas that occurs can lead to transformational change. In recent years, we have seen a growing number businesses act as a force for good and a strong collaboration partner for nonprofits. Businesses are shifting towards considering their social
- [The art of communications and storytelling with a small team](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/storytelling-and-impact/communications-and-storytelling-with-a-small-team/) - In smaller nonprofits like Pillar, having a marketing and communications team or even one dedicated person may not be realistic. Over the years, we have relied on our entire staff team to contribute to our newsletter, social media and other marketing materials and some of us were learning as we went. As our team and
- [A journey of finding my foundation of purpose](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/leadership-and-governance/a-journey-of-finding-my-foundation-of-purpose/) - Written by Michelle Baldwin, Executive Director, Pillar Nonprofit NetworkI am the one who creates brave new spaces for play, belonging and connection.Do not proceed if you want your life to remain as it is. These are the words I heard a month before starting the Foundations of Purpose program in a preparation call. I remember
- [Tools for measuring network impact](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/storytelling-and-impact/tools-for-measuring-network-impact/) - Useful evaluation can deepen connection to community, establish sustainable change processes, and help to identify opportunities to better leverage human and financial resources. At Pillar, we take care to embed evaluation into the majority of our programs and initiatives. We have adopted a systems change mindset for our evaluation work. A systems mindset recognizes that
- [Building a network approach for positive community impact](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/collaboration/building-a-network-approach-for-positive-community-impact/) - As a nonprofit network, Pillar’s primary focus has always been to increase the visibility, credibility, capacity, and professionalism of the nonprofit sector. We know our sector is essential to building an engaged, inclusive and vibrant community, but also believe we must work with the business and government sectors to solve problems in our community. This
- [Learning from other networks: More questions than answers](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/leadership-and-governance/learning-from-other-networks/) - Written by Michelle Baldwin, Executive Director, Pillar Nonprofit NetworkMy reflective practice and research fellowship included the opportunity to meet with and learn from 17 impact and social innovation organizations across the globe (listed below) about network building principles that we had been exploring at Pillar including collaboration, leadership and governance, equity and inclusion and storytelling
- [Network Symbiosis in Action - CityStudio Vancouver shares their take on Pillar’s Network Approach](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/storytelling-and-impact/network-symbiosis-in-action-citystudio-vancouver-shares-their-take-on-pillars-network-approach/) - Our Network Approach outlines four essential principles for building networks that create positive impact – collaboration, leadership and governance, equity and inclusion, and storytelling and impact. While each of these principles are equally important in building strong networks, the value of connection and knowledge sharing amongst network members can’t be understated. At Pillar, belonging to a
- [Heart-centered leadership lessons: Michelle Baldwin reflects on building relationships, trust and a network of impact](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/leadership-and-governance/heart-centered-leadership-lessons-michelle-baldwin-reflects/) - Michelle Baldwin, a visionary leader, purpose-driven community connector, mentor and change-maker, has stood at the helm of Pillar Nonprofit Network for over 14 years and even before that was engaged as a founding volunteer. During that time, Michelle ignited countless projects and community collaborations that have had a positive social impact in our community and
- [Best practices in equity and inclusion for the nonprofit sector](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/equity-and-inclusion/best-practices-in-equity-and-inclusion-for-the-nonprofit-sector/) - In the early 2000s, nonprofit sector research showed that newcomers, visible minorities and under-represented groups were not receiving equitable representation in the sector. As a result of this research, Pillar began several initiatives to support equity and inclusion in our own organization and the nonprofit sector. Along with the development of our own internal best
- [Bringing diversity to volunteerism at leadership levels](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/equity-and-inclusion/bringing-diversity-to-volunteerism-at-leadership-levels/) - Typically a network responds to the needs and priorities of its members. In the case of Pillar’s work related to board diversity and volunteering for newcomers, visible minorities and under-represented groups, we were responding to research that showed a gap in representation in nonprofits. As London was increasingly becoming more diverse, our nonprofit sector leadership
- [Building a team culture that reflects your values](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/leadership-and-governance/building-a-team-culture-that-reflects-your-values/) - At Pillar, we are connected through strong values and a shared vision of creating a vibrant community, and we know that achieving that vision starts with us. We collectively put people first and we believe deeply that together we are better. Employees here have a genuine respect for each other and acknowledge each other’s differences
- [Pillar's journey to starting a dialogue about the realities of Anti-Black racism](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/equity-and-inclusion/pillars-journey-to-starting-a-dialogue-about-the-realities-of-anti-black-racism/) - Pillar’s Director of Equity, Inclusion & Governance, Dharshi Lacey, shares what she has learned so far about how we can best support the local Black community in the ongoing fight against oppression and racism. In the middle of a global pandemic, we watched and could not look away as George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis,
- [Storytelling tools and tips to amplify your network](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/storytelling-and-impact/storytelling-tools-and-tips-to-amplify-your-network/) - Storytelling is not a new tool. Our Indigenous brothers and sisters can attest to that. Stories have been told for thousands of years because of their capacity to provide a view into who we are, where we’ve been and what is possible. Stories are the connectors that give meaning, provide hope, build community, inspire and engage
- [The 5 e’s of co-creating communications with community](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/storytelling-and-impact/co-creating-communications-with-community/) - Written by Michelle Baldwin, Executive Director, Pillar Nonprofit NetworkPillar, in true network style, leads with collaboration and co-creation even for its communications and branding. Our Pillar, Innovation Works, and VERGE Capital brands have all been co-created with our members, collaborators, network, and the community. Co-creation involves purposefully engaging those relationships in our network and sharing
- [How Pillar approaches diversified funding](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/leadership-and-governance/how-pillar-approaches-diversified-funding-2/) - As traditional funding models for nonprofits are changing, diversified funding has become critical for the sustainability of many organizations. These changes are being felt across the sector with a reduction in government funding, a decline in donations and a shift to goods and services making up 45.1 percent of the total income for the sector.
- [Reimagining board governance at Pillar](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/leadership-and-governance/reimagining-board-governance-at-pillar/) - Every nonprofit and charity must have a board of directors to guide the organization, ensure it has adequate financial resources to be sustainable and advance its mission. Since its inception, Pillar has engaged in board research and played a capacity building role to support the development of high performing and diverse boards. Read about how
- [Moving towards network engagement in policy development](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/leadership-and-governance/moving-towards-network-engagement-in-policy-development/) - When Pillar began, we were modelled after the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations and, like them, a key objective in our organizational strategy was public policy. We had many discussions about being a “voice for the nonprofit sector” and not the “voice of the nonprofit sector.” The subtlety of “for” not “of” was about using
- [Leading with empathy and communications during organizational change](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/leadership-and-governance/leading-with-empathy-and-communications-during-organizational-change/) - Written by Michelle Baldwin, Executive Director, Pillar Nonprofit NetworkIt was two years ago when, in an executive leadership coaching session, the idea of a sabbatical or fellowship came up. It was with a laugh and the comment, “That does not happen in nonprofits,” then I brushed it off. Janet Frood, from Horizon Leadership, asked “Why
- [Building our community: Innovation Works from implementation to scale](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/collaboration/building-our-community-innovation-works-from-implementation-to-scale/) - This article is a continuation of From dream to reality: The start-up of Innovation Works, start there for more context on how it all began. Getting the keys to 201 King Street brought us one giant step closer to realizing our dream to bring a social innovation shared space to London; but first we had to
- [From dream to reality: The start-up of Innovation Works](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/collaboration/from-dream-to-reality-the-start-up-of-innovation-works/) - In 2008, London had been experiencing significant growth and change and was yearning for an innovative approach to explore solutions to the accompanying economic, environmental, social and cultural challenges. This type of social change doesn’t usually happen by doing the same old thing the same old way. Change occurs when we introduce something different; a
- [How to start a support network for social enterprise](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/collaboration/how-to-start-a-support-network-for-social-enterprise/) - With the economic recession in 2008, London’s nonprofit community expressed a desire to explore and learn more about social enterprise and its dual potential for revenue generation and positive impact. Pillar’s journey to become a support network for social enterprise began when Pathways Skills Development provided generous support for our Executive Director to attend the

## Pages

- [Home](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/) - CONNECTING FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT ​At Pillar Nonprofit Network, we believe leveraging the collective power of networks is the best way to create positive impact in our communities. When the three pillars of nonprofit, business and government come together to share resources, exchange knowledge and create meaningful connections, we can build an engaged, inclusive and vibrant
- [The Pillar Nonprofit Network Story](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/our-stories/the-pillar-nonprofit-network-story/) - ​It was 2001, the International Year of the Volunteer. The United Nations had established the global campaign to recognize the impact of and need for volunteerism to solve important social issues, and communities around the world were joining the conversation.In London, Ontario, Information London hosted a Community Volunteer Summit that same year. It was there
- [The VERGE Capital Story](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/our-stories/the-verge-capital-story/) - As early as 2008, Pillar Nonprofit Network was involved in social enterprise movement providing coaching to new businesses. Building on this commitment, in 2011, we partnered with Sarnia-Lambton, and Ottawa-Carleton, United Way London & Middlesex and the Ivey School of Business on a three-year project to look at how to support the development of social
- [The Innovation Works Story](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/our-stories/the-innovation-works-story/) - Innovation Works was born in a living room amid a small gathering of great minds. Together they imagined London’s very own co-working space, where change-makers and innovators could intersect and cross-pollinate – a space dedicated to social innovation.London had been experiencing significant growth and change and was facing complex economic, environmental, social and cultural challenges
- [Storytelling and Impact](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/network-building-principles/storytelling-and-impact/) - Stories are the single most persuasive tool that we have available to us. They have the power to evoke empathy and inspire action. We need to tell stories both to show the complexity of the unprecedented social injustices people are facing in our communities and the positive impact of our collective action. Network Symbiosis in
- [Leadership and Governance](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/network-building-principles/leadership-and-governance/) - Having strong leadership and governance practices sets the stage for success in any organization. We support individuals, organizations and enterprises to learn to establish and improve their practices in these areas so they can effectively harness the potential of their people – who ultimately are the engine of creating community impact. Heart-centered leadership lessons: Michelle
- [Collaboration](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/network-building-principles/collaboration/) - Collaboration is the foundation of a networked approach to social change. We facilitate connections across sub sectors in the nonprofit sector (including arts, culture, education, environment, health, social services, faith and sports) and with business and government to inspire ideas and action that can help solve our community’s pressing issues. Building a network approach for
- [Equity and Inclusion](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/network-building-principles/equity-and-inclusion/) - Increasing conversations and promoting community action around equity are core priorities for Pillar. We aim to increase the understanding of issues around equity and inclusion in our community, and offer support to nonprofits and social enterprises to develop inclusive workplaces. Pillar’s journey to starting a dialogue about the realities of Anti-Black racism Pillar’s Director of
- [About](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/about/) - What is The Network Approach?At Pillar Nonprofit Network, we believe that leveraging the collective power of networks is the best way to create positive impact in our communities. When the three pillars of nonprofit, business and government come together to share resources, exchange knowledge and create meaningful connections, we can build an engaged, inclusive and
- [Site Map](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/site-map/) - Pages About Home Site Map Terms and Conditions Collaboration Equity and Inclusion Leadership and Governance Storytelling and Impact The Innovation Works Story The Pillar Nonprofit Network Story The VERGE Capital Story Posts by category Category: Collaboration Building a network approach for positive community impact How Pillar convenes cross-sector collaboration Optimizing nonprofit-business partnerships Collaborating with government
- [Terms and Conditions](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/terms-and-conditions/) - Welcome to our website (the “Website”). Pillar Nonprofit Network (“Pillar”, “we”, “us” or “our”) provides the services available on the Website to you subject to the following terms and conditions (the “Terms and Conditions”). By accessing or using the Website, you are acknowledging that you have read, understand, and agree, without limitation or qualification, to

## Categories

- [Collaboration](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/category/collaboration/)
- [Leadership and Governance](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/category/leadership-and-governance/)
- [Equity and Inclusion ](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/category/equity-and-inclusion/)
- [Storytelling and Impact](https://network.pillarnonprofit.ca/category/storytelling-and-impact/)