National SPRE Organizational Readiness Program Description
The National SPRE 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 will be accepted from July 15 until September 4, 2026. Applications will be approved on a rolling basis with limited capacity, so we encourage you to apply early.
Details
The National SPRE Organizational Readiness program is a 6-week program consisting of:
- 2 hour weekly online sessions
- Access to a program website with resources & materials to support further learning
- Network building and peer learning opportunities
Upcoming Info Session
Thinking about developing a Social Purpose Real Estate (SPRE) project, but aren’t sure where to start? Join us for an interactive virtual information session to learn more about the National Organizational Readiness Program and how participating can support your SPRE goals.
Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from 12-1 PM EST
Program Dates
The program will take place online between October 1 through November 5 (6 consecutive weeks). The program dates and session dates are as follows:
- October 1, 2026 from 1-3 PM ET
Session 1 | Mission, Community, and Project Fit - October 8, 2026 from 1-3 PM ET
Session 2 | Processes, Governance, Organizational Capacity - October 15, 2026 from 1-3 PM ET
Session 3 | Planning, Policy and Process - October 22, 2026 from 1-3 PM ET
Session 4 | Costs, Early Stage Funding & Financing SPRE Construction - October 29, 2026 from 1-3 PM ET
Session 5 | Feasibility & Long-term Sustainability - November 5, 2026 from 1-3 PM ET
Session 6 | Wrap Up (Final Session)
Key Topics
Organizational Capacity & Systems
Communications & Partnerships
Financial Costs
Assessing Financial Capacity
Risk Tolerance & Management
Outcomes, Metrics & Objectives
Eligibility
The National SPRE 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;
- Are based in Canada (organizations from all provinces and territories are eligible; please note the program will be delivered entirely in English, and we encourage francophone applicants to consider their comfort engaging in an English-language learning environment);
- 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 SPRE Organizational Readiness program.
How to apply
Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort open on July 15, 2026.
Applications close on September 4, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Questions?
Please contact Raisa Masud, Program Lead:
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This work is made possible by our partners and funders:
