Organizational Readiness Program Description
The Organizational Readiness Program is a free, public program for non-profit organizations in Canada who are looking to assess project feasibility and organizational capacity to develop a Social Purpose Real Estate (SPRE) project.
By the end of the program, organizations will be able to:
- Articulate the vision and purpose of their SPRE project and a clear road map of their project’s next steps;
- Understand organizational strengths and needs-areas to develop a SPRE project;
- Navigate the development approvals process and local political and land use policy context;
- Determine potential project financing strategies and funding opportunities;
- Develop an internal decision-making structure and governance model to shepherd their project forward;
- Evaluate opportunities for long-term operational and financial sustainability.
Sessions are led by the interdisciplinary Infrastructure Institute team of urban planners, designers, project managers, and researchers, in partnership with industry leaders who have led SPRE projects from ideation to operation. Participants will have access to expert-led sessions, practical tools and resources, and the potential opportunity to work with a University of Toronto MScPl student on developing a planning assessment.
By the end of the 6-week program, participating groups have a better understanding of their capacity to develop a SPRE project and an action plan to address any areas needing strengthening.
This program is highly recommended for groups with an interest in joining the Infrastructure Institute’s National Accelerator Program.
Applications are currently closed and will open on July 15, 2026.
Details
The Organizational Readiness program is a 6-week program consisting of:
- 1.5-hour weekly online sessions
- Access to a program website with resources & materials to support further learning
- Network building and peer learning opportunities
Key Topics
Organizational Capacity & Systems
Communications & Partnerships
Financial Costs
Assessing Financial Capacity
Risk Tolerance & Management
Outcomes, Metrics & Objectives
Eligibility
The Organizational Readiness Program is open to groups that:
- Can commit to the full 6-week program;
- Are a registered Canadian charity, nonprofit or faith-based organization;
- Work in and are based in Canada;
- Have either a confirmed project site OR a project concept to assess through the program;
- Though not mandatory, groups are encouraged to complete the Infrastructure Institute’s SPRE 101 Modules to prepare for participation in the Organizational Readiness program.
How to apply
Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort will open on July 15, 2026.
Application will close on September 4, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Questions?
Please contact Raisa Masud, Program Lead, at Raisa.masud@mail.utoronto.ca