Tim Draimin

Executive Director, Social Innovation Generation (SiG) National Social Innovation Generation (SiG)

  • Toronto ON

SiG tackles social & ecological challenges by creating a culture of social innovation that develops entrepreneurship for the common good

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Biography

As Executive Director, Mr. Draimin supports SiG’s growing network of academics, practitioners, social entrepreneurs, allied institutions and partnerships in expanding Canada's Social Innovation ecosystem. Tim is the author of Canada's first national study of social entrepreneurship and a frequent advisor to government, non-profit associations and business.

A leader in the non-profit sector, Mr. Draimin was the founding CEO of Tides Canada Foundation. Mr. Draimin guided the Foundation’s expansion, established Canada’s first national support system for social entrepreneurs – Tides Canada Initiatives – and supported a world-renowned model of integrated conservation: B.C.’s Great Bear Rainforest initiative.

Tim Draimin brings to SiG over 30 years of international career experience. He has worked for or consulted in Canada and abroad with the Canadian Council for International Co-operation, the International Development Research Centre, Synergos, and Ford Foundation. He has served on many international delegations and participated at UN prepcoms. He was a member of Canada's official delegation to UNCED.

An active volunteer, Tim serves on the boards of the Catherine Donnelly Foundation (Toronto) and the TRICO Charitable Foundation (Calgary).

Tim is a senior advisor to the new MaRS Centre for Impact Investing (CII), a hub created to increase the awareness and effectiveness of social finance by catalyzing new capital, talent, and collaborative initiatives to deliver innovative solutions to Canada’s social and environmental challenges.

He was an advisor to Community Foundations of Canada's Responsible Investing Pilot Project and a past board member of the Social Investment Organization (SIO), Canadian Environmental Grantmakers Network (CEGN), IMPACS, and past member of the Voluntary Sector Forum's Finance Action Group.

Industry Expertise

Philanthropy
Corporate Leadership
Non-Profit/Charitable
Government Relations
Public Policy

Areas of Expertise

Social Innovation and Finance
Social Enterprise
Social Finance
Cooperatives and Economic Development
Social Entrepreneurship
Private Capital for the Public Good
Public Policy Development
Community Revitalization
Enterprise Development
Ethical Investing

Accomplishments

Executive Director – Social Innovation Generation (SiG)

2008-10-01

Social Innovation Generation (SiG) is a group who believes that serious social problems can be solved. In order to nurture the health, resilience and vibrancy of our linked social, economic and ecological systems SiG will work to develop a "living laboratory" of social experiments that have the potential to achieve system change and improve the well-being of Canadians. Our focus will be on social innovation that has the potential for impact, durability and scale.

Advisory Council Member – MaRS Centre for Impact Investing

2011-12-01

The Centre for Impact Investing provides a national hub to increase the awareness and effectiveness of social finance to catalyze new capital, talent and initiatives dedicated to tackling social and environmental problems in Canada. Delivering educational programs focused on research and policy as well as market and product development, the Centre aims to strengthen our collective ability to mobilize private capital toward public good.

Board Member – Catherine Donnelly Foundation

2011-12-01

The Catherine Donnelly Foundation, established in 2003, is the financial and human legacy of the tireless efforts of a remarkable community of religious women, The Sisters of Service, and a testament to their work in communities across Canada. An ecumencial alliance between concerned laity and the Sisters, the Foundation is a learning organization that supports projects and programs designed to promote positive social change and to advance the position and interests of the poor and marginalized.

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Event Appearances

The Challenge of Change: Funders and Sustainable Social Innovation

At the Heart of Philanthropy  Montreal, Quebec

2007-10-22

Global Philanthropy + Development Trends: Opportunities for Social + Financial Innovation

British Columbia Council for International Co-operation AGM  Vancouver, British Columbia

2008-11-28

Panel Moderator: Show Me the Money – Leveraging Assets for Social Change

The Pulse of Philanthropy Conference  Calgary, Alberta

2009-10-29

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Sample Talks

How the World Is Changed: Seeing and Shifting Patterns in Systems

People engaged in systems change recognize they are dealing with complex, interlocking systems which can’t be controlled but can be shifted and influenced. They use their deep understanding and trusted relationships to connect innovative ideas and initiatives with the broader context. In this way, they create an environment where social innovation can flourish. This presentation is for people who want to become more effective in implementing systems change, thus furthering social innovation.

Social Finance: Its Promise and Its Challenges

Tim Draimin, Executive Director, Social Innovation Generation (SiG) will lead a discussion on Social Finance: Its Promise and Its Challenges. Tim’s discussion will draw on his recent work with the Canadian Task Force on Social Finance. Using Canadian examples of social finance in action, he will outline why current and future business leaders should become more involved in social finance as a new and effective way to engage in the social economy and to bridge profit and social good.

Building a National Innovation Ecosystem

In this presentation, Social Innovation Generatin (SiG) Executive Director Tim Draimin will discuss how SiG is a leader in Canada towards a more fluid, supportive social innovation ecosystem. Tim will also reflect on what can cities, regions, and countries do, from the grassroots to the government, to better understand the unique needs and opportunities social enterprise holds for our future.

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Style

Availability

  • Keynote
  • Moderator
  • Panelist
  • Workshop Leader
  • Host/MC
  • Corporate Training

Fees

$0 to $10000*Will consider certain engagements for no fee