UCeed Social Impact Fund
A unique partnership in social finance that supports a growing ecosystem of social purpose organizations focused on making positive changes in our communities.
UCeed Social Impact Fund is powered by the generosity of the United Way of Calgary and Area and their mission to mobilize communities for lasting social change and the Government of Alberta’s Creative Partnerships bold initiative to support arts and non-profit sectors.
About the Fund
UCeed invests in social enterprises that are working to solve pressing social and human problems with innovative and tested solutions. This could include, but not limited to, poverty alleviation, education, financial inclusion, health and wellness, re-skilling and up-skilling the next generation workforce, innovation to promote social, gender and economic equity, and innovation in the arts and cultural sectors. Enterprises solving issues related to agriculture, finance, energy, and the environment may be eligible, but are most aligned to UCeed Social Impact if they are making a meaningful impact for populations with barriers to access.
As an early-stage investor, we are looking for evidence that your innovation and business model have been tested with the customers and beneficiaries you seek to serve. We are looking for social entrepreneurs who are using innovative approaches to solving pressing social issues and have a desire to measure and manage their intended social impact. We value social innovation, equity and inclusivity, collaboration, and those who bring perspective and a growth mindset to their approach.
UCeed Social Impact supports entrepreneurial thinking for students through a collaboration with the Calgary Social Value Fund.
What is Social Innovation?
Social innovation is an initiative, product, process or program that profoundly changes the basic routines, resource and authority flows or beliefs of any social system.
Successful social innovations have durability and broad impact. While social innovation has recognizable stages and phases, achieving durability and scale is a dynamic process that requires both emergence of opportunity and deliberate agency, and a connection between the two. The capacity of any society to create a steady flow of social innovations, particularly those which re-engage vulnerable populations, is an important contributor to the overall social and ecological resilience.1
UCeed accepts applications on an ongoing basis.
Social Impact Fund
Investment
$30,000 up to $300,000
Minimum Criteria:
- Social enterprises including, non-profits, for-profit, charities, and cooperatives with demonstrable community benefit commercializing evidence-based solutions to issues.
- UCeed Social Impact is open to a broad interpretation of social impact; however, priority will be given to opportunities that address pressing local and international issues. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals is a useful reference.
- Must be incorporated prior to receipt of funds.
- Must have demonstrable impact or operations in Alberta.
- Minimum one (1) full-time employee within six (6) months of UCeed investment.
- Ability to report on impact measures within six (6) months of UCeed investment. The Impact Management Project and Common Approach are helpful resources to begin learning.
Our Investments
Learn more about our investments and how they are making an impact.
Investment Advisory Group - Social Impact Fund
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Social Impact Fund
Areto Labs
Areto Labs is making digital spaces safer by protecting companies and their employees from online abuse through their cybersecurity software.
Fledge
Fledge provides web-based — and research-backed — programming that teaches children in elementary school the essential skills for maintaining mental health.
Included by Design
Included by Design works with organizations to create more inclusive and accessible spaces for everyone using universal design.
LyfeMD
LyfeMD is empowering people with chronic digestive and inflammatory diseases to take control of their health and wellness through an online platform developed by gastroenterologists, hepatologists and registered dietitians.
Monark
Monark is automating the science of leadership development through its digital platform that gives new and emerging leaders access to personalized training backed by research.
Shoelace
Shoelace is gamifying learning content through their evidence-based technology that helps kids grow their reading skills and build their confidence with literacy.
Stagehand
Stagehand is reimagining live performances through an integrated web-based platform that allows businesses and other nontraditional venues and artists to work together to create meaningful experiences for the community.
Immigrant Services Calgary
Immigrant Services Calgary supports newcomers through the Gateway initiative, helping them access the right resources as they build a new life in Canada. The community collaboration brings together a network of partners to streamline the onboarding process for immigrants.
Knead Technologies
Knead Technologies is a revolutionizing food-rescue operations by connecting excess food to those who need it, helping to fight poverty, reduce food waste, and save the environment.
Ask Me Anything About Social Enterprise
Ask Me Anything About Social Enterprise (AMAASE) is an interactive monthly session hosted by the Trico Foundation Social Entrepreneurship Centre at the Haskayne School of Business.
Bring your questions about building, developing, and funding your business to a panel of experienced experts.