Communicopia is part of a growing community of social entrepreneurs who aim to build profitable, sustainable enterprises that balance social change objectives, environmental impact minimization, and fair financial returns.
We believe a better world is possible and we’re doing our part to help tip social and environmental movements into the mainstream and help transition our society towards a more sane and sustainable future.
Leading change
As one of the world's first new media firms, we helped create the Internet culture that continues to drive innovation and change in our society. We built some of the first sites on the web way back in '93, survived the .com meltdown with stamina and a focus on delivering results for our clients, and have watched ideas like "corporate social responsibility", "sustainable business" and "enterprising non-profits" move from quaint ideas to powerful movements driving change into the mainstream.
We are plugged into a dynamic network of business and activist leaders who are working at the forefront of social and business change in North America. Through our own leadership in this sector, we continue to build rewarding relationships with organizations that share our values and inspire us every day. What’s more, we can leverage the experience and relationships from this influential, visionary network to help our clients succeed.
Highlights of our long time leadership in social responsibility:
- Founding member, early board member, and donor to Canadian Business for Social Responsibility
- Past sponsor, adviser, and selection committee member of the Ethics in Action Awards
- Winner of the first Leadership in Social Responsibility Award from the BC Technology Industries Association
- Member of San Francisco based Social Venture Network, we helped bring their Business Alliance for Local Living Economies chapter to BC
- Sponsor and presenter of both the Social Venture Institute and Social Change Institute at Hollyhock Retreat Centre
- Long-time portfolio company of Renewal Partners, one of North America’s leading social mission based venture capital firms
- Founder, convener, and main sponsor of the annual Web of Change conference at Hollyhock which brings together a community of leaders who use technology to drive social change
- As a member of the Electronic Recycling Association we send them our our old computers and electronic equipment for donation to local charities, children's facilities and non-profit organizations.
Change yourself
We strive to tread as lightly on the earth as we can. Our purchasing guidelines always favour local, ethical, and sustainable sources. We’ve been using old-growth-free recycled paper, fair trade organic coffee, supporting transportation alternatives, and using sustainable building materials for a decade.
Our human resource practices support a balanced lifestyle. We work flexible hours, share our profits equitably and take pride in a work environment where no one has to check their values at the door.
Giving generously
Our head office is in Gastown, a block away from the innovative Woodwards mixed-use development and the challenges of the Downtown Eastside, Canada's poorest postal code. We walk, ride, and live in this neighbourhood every day so are never far from the harsh realities of people missing out on the benefits of our modern, wealthy culture.
Through our involvement with BC Technology Social Venture Partners and other charitable organizations, we work with other donors to give grants and managerial expertise to non-profits working to improve the lives of people. At BCT SVP we helped co-create Canada's first second stage capital source for enterprising non-profits, the BC Social Enterprise Fund (see our promotional video here) which has given over $500,000 in growth capital to social enterprises in BC.
Unlike other corporate donors who just write cheques, we’ve always preferred a more hands-on approach to our own philanthropic giving. We like to get to know the organizations we help — their staff, their issues and the people they serve. Then we draw on our experience as business people, interactive experts, and social activists to support them to achieve greater sustainability and success.
Over our 13-year history, we have delivered over $500,000 to our community through discounts, in-kind, and cash donations. Highlights of our charitable work:
- Supporting over 100 organizations since 1993 to achieve their online goals with direct donations or discounts of time on projects. Recent recipients include Sierra Legal, the Goldie Hawn Institute, Hollyhock, the Centre for Social Innovation, and the Pembina Institute
- As a board member and active partner of BC Technology Social Venture Partners, we give time, money and entrepreneurial expertise to help non-profits succeed, including co-founding the BC Social Enterprise Fund that in two years has donated over $500,000 in growth capital to second stage social enterprises in BC (see video here)
- Our Communicopia Fund at the Tides Canada Foundation makes cash donations to community groups
Founder and main sponsor of the Web of Change conference, which we manage with no admin fees and direct over 50% of sponsor dollars raised towards supporting non-profit participants
Our experience as a funder provides a unique perspective on what makes organizations and social purpose business plans succeed, how to align those with the interests of donors, and how to produce scalable, lasting models of change.
Communicopia has always aspired to be the change we wish to see in the world. These small acts — integrated into the core of our business — help us advance our mission to tip the movement towards global harmony into the mainstream. We hope they also inspire others to direct more of their passions, talents, and capital towards making the world a better place.
-- What do you think about our corporate social mission? Are we missing something? Are there ways you think we can extend our expertise and giving in new ways? We'd love to hear your thoughts, please leave a comment below.