Mission Statement:
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, as well as Indigenous institutions and local institutions, to community vitality. Through research, education and program management, 3ci investigates, strengthens and disseminates innovation on the part of geographic communities and communities of interest, in Canada and around the world. 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.
About us:
The Carleton Centre for Community Innovation (3ci) is a university research centre based at Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada. 3ci was originally established as the Centre for the Study of Training, Investment and Economic Restructuring (CSTIER) in 1993. It became 3ci in 1997. In 2011, 3ci incorporated the activities of the Center for Voluntary Sector Research and Development (CVSRD). For details on the history of 3ci, see the “history” page.
Recent initiatives of 3ci include:
- “Reaching for net-zero carbon emissions while reckoning with settler-colonialism: the case of dairying in Aotearoa New Zealand” led by 3ci director Peter Andrée
- Participatory Food Systems Governance, led by Dr. Charles Levkoe at Lakehead university. Research fellow Patricia Ballamingie and 3ci director Peter Andrée are co-investigators on the project.
- Rebuilding First Nations Governance project, with 3ci Senior Research Fellow Frances Abele as Principal Investigator
- The Common Approach to Impact Measurement project led by Dr. Kate Ruff, 3ci Co-director and Assistant Professor in the Sprott School of Business
- The Modern Treaty Implementation Research Project, for which Carleton University and 3ci, under 3ci Senior Research Fellow Frances Abele’s leadership, is the academic host organization. The project is led by Dr. Stephanie Irlbacher-Fox
- The Responsible Investing Initiative CURA and KIS program led by Distinguished Research Fellow (and former 3ci Managing Director) Dr. Tessa Hebb
- The Community First: Impacts of Community Engagement (CFICE) project led by 3ci Director Peter Andrée and previously led by 3ci Senior Research Fellow Dr. Edward Jackson.
In addition to grant-funded research 3ci takes on a number of contracted research projects for government and non-governmental organizations. In 2010, Dr. Abele and Professor Katherine Graham provided research and analysis to the National Committee on Inuit Education. Dr. Abele led a Canada-wide study in 2005, working with the National Centre for First Nations Governance on governance in First Nations communities. In the spring of 2012, Dr. Phillips and Dr. Hebb undertook a commissioned research study for United Way Toronto. 3ci has undertaken multi-year projects for Canada Revenue Agency, and Office of Literacy and Essential Skills (HRSDC), Gov. of Canada.
3ci Directors and Research Fellows are recognized for their expertise and are frequent guest speakers with leading organizations both in Canada and around the world. They are involved with a number of national and global networks, and are frequent conference key note speakers. They produce research papers, peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and books on an annual basis through their work at 3ci that can be found on the 3ci web page.
3ci plays an active role in encouraging student participation in research at Carleton University. 3ci co-ordinates a number of on-going student and faculty exchange programs funded by HRSDC. Dr. Phillips was instrumental in developing a new Master’s program in Philanthropic and Nonprofit Leadership that has been offered at Carleton University since 2013. Dr. Andrée was the founding chair of the Carleton Community Engaged Pedagogy Committee and other initiatives designed to strengthen relationships between Carleton University and community partners in Ottawa and beyond.