A new foundation is bringing opportunity for innovation to the non-profit sector in southern New Brunswick.

The IF-ADAPT Foundation was recently created by Dave and Jane (Bourque) Grebenc.

Funding will help charities looking to enhance the way they deliver current services and future expansions.

The idea came after Dave heard a speech about the impacts of social entrepreneurship by entrepreneur, philanthropist and venture capitalist Desh Deshpande.

Funding for the foundation will come from the Grebenc and Bourque families and reflects their vision of supporting and elevating the social sector.

The families have teamed up with United Way Saint John, Kings & Charlotte to help identify potential projects.

“Partnering with the United Way allows us to leverage their knowledge and expertise in the non-profit sector in our communities,” Dave Grebenc said in a news release.

Various types of projects that could be pursued through the foundation include:

Facilitating partnerships among established charities, eliminating duplication of efforts and enabling the provision of improved, integrated services.

Establishing pilot programs that explore novel or alternative methods of service delivery, striving for enhanced effectiveness.

Investments in modernizing back-office systems are also considered, aiming to streamline operations and maximize the impact achieved with the same or reduced funding.

Innovative and disruptive approaches to service provision, exploring the use and development of technology or fundamental process changes that may eliminate the need for certain services or significantly enhance their delivery.

Alexya Heelis, executive director of the local United Way, said they are excited to see this partnership come alive.

“A key focus for the United Way is strengthening the non-profit sector in our communities and the grants offered through this foundation will certainly do that by fueling innovative thinking and sustainable growth,” Heelis said in the release.

Charitable organizations wishing to discuss their project idea can email ifadapt@unitedwaysaintjohn.com or call 506-658-1214.