Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about Innoweave? We've got answers.
Have questions about Innoweave? We've got answers.
Innoweave began in 2011 as a project to explore how social innovation tools and approaches could be more readily used in Canada. The McConnell Foundation launched Innoweave, and it remains a part of McConnell today.
Yes. We host events in both English and French. We also have many coaches who can operate in both languages.
We offer many info-sessions online or in-person at different points in the year. Our coach network includes individuals who are based or able to work in multiple locations. Check our events listing to find the next one near you.
Innoweave’s info-sessions are free. We also provide funding for organizations to access coaching support, but requirements and subsidy levels vary across coaching streams. Visit our funding page to learn more.
Your organization is eligible to apply for Innoweave coaching support if one of the following applies:
We do not support organizations outside Canada or whose primary activity takes place outside of Canada.
No, but attending one of our impact accelerators is encouraged before applying.
Eligible organizations can apply up to three* times annually (*only twice in 2023). Applicants will receive a response within 6-8 weeks of these deadlines. To learn more about eligibility and deadlines, and for links to apply for coaching support, please visit our funding page.
Innoweave funds are primarily intended to be used to access external support from an Innoweave-approved coach. In exceptional circumstances, some secondary or specialist coaching (e.g., working with an expert on a specific type of business for social enterprise coaching) and complementary support may be considered. The total value of the complementary support should typically not exceed 30% of the total value of Innoweave funding.
A list of coaches who have joined the Innoweave network can be found here. With the exception of the Impact and Strategic Clarity coaches, these coaches have not been formally certified by Innoweave. Organizations are encouraged to carefully assess fit with a coach and discuss a potential scope of work before applying.
If you want to work with someone who is not on our coach list, they can apply to be added by filling out an Innoweave coach application. Innoweave will then review their fit for your coaching engagement as part of your application.
The maximum amount of funding varies by coaching stream and is indicated on our funding page. Please note that value for money is an assessment criteria.
A number of factors will be considered in the assessment of your application. These include readiness to engage in the coaching process (e.g., having the time and resources to dedicate to the process) and having clear goals for the work you’d like to undertake with a coach (e.g., a clear understanding of your current situation, identification of challenges and key questions). For more info, read our blog post “Some Tips for Applicants!”
The length of time needed varies from stream to stream. For our most rigorous streams, including Impact and Strategic Clarity, participation typically begins and ends within a calendar year, with varying levels of time commitment and intensity during that period. Each team member from participating organizations should anticipate 1-2 hours of work for a period of five to six months. Other coaching streams may require less time commitment.
This may vary from stream to stream, however, generally your team should be made up of management-level staff. The Executive Director/CEO should also be on the team, although they don’t necessarily have to be the “lead.” One or more board members are also encouraged to participate.