The Plank Foundation
A Strategic Investment in the Making
A Strategic Investment in the Making
Much has been learned and compiled since the inception of the feasibility study for The Plank Foundation (TPF) in October 2020.
Targeted for completion at the end of March 2021, the Internal and External Stakeholder consultations are complete and compliment a thorough scan and research of the current (domestic and international) landscape and environment, as well as investigation into potential organizational models.
The conversations with key stakeholders and changemakers across Canada, along with the internal work, has helped to put a number of key variables and factors for the aspirations of TPF into focus.
We are happy to share the key takeaways and focal points of this work in the update that follows.
We are grateful for the time and most generous and insightful feedback and input we have received from those we have spoken with to date and will be sure to keep in touch on the outcomes of this study.
Warren Wilansky and David Moss
The following points have emerged regarding the approach and potential direction and mission of the Plank Foundation:
The pandemic has amplified many existing systemic issues in the arts and cultural sector and brought forth a general and widespread acceptance that digital is no longer optional, or a nice to have.
Further, within the domestic and global environment, there is increasing recognition given to the potential the arts and culture has to contribute to addressing social justice and environmental issues.
Notwithstanding the on-going and significant negative impacts that COVID-19 has had on Canadian artists, creators and cultural workers and organizations of all kinds, there is a general sense and potential opportunity to support a number of shifts—to “build back better” and to invest in fostering a new resiliency and impact that the sector can have in advancing our society—by empowering artists and creators to do what they do best in new meaningful, inclusive and sustainable ways.
Taking action and addressing issues related to the Health, Economic, Social and Environmental crises are in Plank’s DNA and aspirations.
Ten years ago, we discussed the idea of finding a way for Plank to more formally invest in, not just working with non-profit organizations, but finding ways to help them directly. While we were proud of our annual pro-bono work, we felt like we could do more.
A few months ago, in collaboration with David Moss, we decided to embark on a feasibility study to explore how this aspirational investment might be best organized as well as who else in our community might be interested in embarking on a pilot project together.
Working through partnerships, the aim of the Plank Foundation (working name) would be to:
Although we are building on some experiences we have had in the past, we want to conduct an external consultation. This process will give us the chance to speak with trusted members of our business community. As well as foster discussions with changemakers and leading organizations in Canada and the U.S. to explore where Plank’s investment might have the most impact.
We should note that we have a particular soft spot for arts and culture, education and non-profits. Based on our experience coming into this exploratory process, we see the possibilities in three spheres of activities for the Plank Foundation and its partners:
Plank donates and adapts existing technology it has built to help fill an identified need for target groups by making it Open Source. Examples include:
Plank expands on its Plank Gives Back and the Diversity & Inclusion mentorship programs.
Plank supports the development and deployment of education and training tools, services and programs.
In the same vein, Plank co-produces events to convene and help organizations (and people) make the web a more effective resource for their organizational success and personal fulfilment.
(This expertise/resources could also be directed in support of the first two initiatives.)
Plank is an award-winning digital design studio making the web a better place since 1998. We strive for long-term relationships with clients we value, on projects we believe in. Our team is passionate about numerous industries, but we specialize in building websites and mobile applications for Arts & Culture, Non-profits, Higher Education and Sports & Health.
Since its inception, Plank has been drawn by work that has an impact on people’s lives. With social responsibility and social justice embedded in its DNA, Plank was a forerunner in what is now a growing international trend of social enterprise, and is a running thread through its work.
Over the course of his career, David has established himself as an engaging and visionary arts and cultural leader, senior executive and advisor. Driven towards strategic action-based change-making at the crossroads of Culture and Community, David has successfully led major arts and cultural institutions through change to boost their impact and reach, including the Saidye Bronfman Centre for the Arts and l’Opéra de Montréal. As Founding National Executive Director of Culture Days, he led the establishment of a first-ever pan-Canadian grassroots arts and cultural participation movement and annual event that takes place in some 800 cities and towns and draws 2 million participants each year.
David is recognized for his passionate sensibilities for social development, education, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. Amongst other projects, he is currently leading a project with Plank, a Montreal-based creative agency for meaningful digital projects, to explore the creation of a foundation that will work in partnership to develop innovative digital solutions that support organizations in becoming more effective in the digital space, and in their work towards increased socially, culturally and environmentally responsible practices and outcomes.