Possibility

We support individuals and organizations working on complex social problems.

We hope that together, these can be solved by radical new ways of thinking and organizing.

Our Changemaker Experience:

We strive to build a world anchored in equality, justice, and the power of collaboration. Where curiosity meets action, and brighter minds come together to drive meaningful solutions.

Our current philanthropic focus areas:

Global Anti-Corruption: Our founder, Alison Lawton, is a driving force as a member of the World Refugee and Migration Council's Canadian Task Force Against Global Corruption. We actively contribute to vital work aimed at improving human rights and reducing the displacement of citizens in developing countries.

Social Finance: We support impact investments including catalytic funds and Social Impact Bonds to increase resources to support social entrepreneurs and innovations. We partnered with Virgin Unite to become a driving force behind the MaRS Amplify Fund (formerly known as the Catalyst Fund).

Regenerative Models for Humanitarian Work: We are dedicated to supporting regenerative models for humanitarian work that focus on sustainable systems to restore, renew, and revitalize communities over the long term. We proudly support The Wayúu Taya Foundation as they work to strengthen community resilience through their innovative models, ensure emergency readiness, and help the Wayúu people of Venezuela and Colombia thrive in their homeland.

Mindset 101

Mindset Social Innovation Foundation (Mindset) is a registered Canadian charity founded in 2006 and based in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Founded in 2006 by Alison Lawton, our journey is rooted in a profound curiosity about how systems work and a relentless pursuit of equitable organization. Our small but mighty team is driven by a set of values - equality, justice, access to knowledge, and the transformative power of collaboration.

At Mindset Foundation, we thrive on exploring uncharted territories, dedicating time to commission research on issues that challenge human rights. As catalysts, we bring attention, energy, creativity, and resources to complex issues, inviting minds from diverse backgrounds to generate solutions that transform systems. Join us in our quest for a world where every voice is heard, every right is protected, and collaboration shapes a brighter future.

Highlights

Over the years, our focus has shifted and evolved. We have worked on a variety of different projects revolving around anti-corruption initiatives, social finance, LGBTQ+ equality, access to medicine and information, independent journalism, child soldiers, HIV and others. Below are some highlights of projects that we are very proud to have been a part of.

Current Focus Areas:

Global Anti-Corruption

World Refugee & Migration Council

Through our collaboration with the World Refugee and Migration Council, Mindset Foundation actively engages in the global effort to combat corruption, enhance human rights, and address the root causes of displacement, working towards a future where the rights and dignity of refugees are safeguarded. Mindset’s Founder, Alison Lawton, proudly sits on WRMC’s “Canadian Task Force Against Global Corruption”, with a mandate to promote the repurposing of frozen and seized assets, including under Canada’s Special Economic Measures Act and its regulations, as a complement to existing Magnitsky legislation and the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act.

Social Finance

MaRS, Amplify Fund

We have always been interested in alternative and transformative finance - ways that bring additional financial resources and partners to tackle social issues in systemic ways. In 2016 we partnered with Virgin Unite, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Public Health Agency of Canada, MaRS, and several other private investors to launch the Amplify Fund (formerly Catalyst Fund), Canada’s first health-related pay-for-success model (social impact bond) to support a new health program aimed at preventing hypertension.

Regenerative Models for Humanitarian Work

The Wayúu Taya Foundation

We are excited to welcome The Wayúu Taya Foundation into our family of grantees in recognition of their incredible work. The Wayúu Taya Foundation uses a regenerative model for humanitarian work to keep Wayúu people thriving in their homeland. The model aims not just to provide immediate relief but to create sustainable systems that restore, renew, and revitalize communities over the long term. Wayúu Taya initiatives include agroecology, renewable energy, water management, education and training, Indigenous cultural preservation, and local economic development with a focus on women and children.