The Community Housing Transformation Centre partnered with the Infrastructure Institute at the University of Toronto and United Way Greater Toronto to launch the Social Purpose Real Estate (SPRE) National Accelerator. This national program builds on the Ontario-based Groundwork: SPRE Accelerator, which has already supported more than 40 mission-driven organizations in developing their real estate projects.
What is Groundwork?
The Groundwork Initiative of the Infrastructure Institute brings together both an ecosystem of partners and a structured series of capacity-building programs. Its goal: to help non-profit and charitable organizations move more quickly through the pre-development stage when investing in their own spaces.
Through networking, specialized training, mentorship, and professional supports, Groundwork helps advance social purpose real estate projects that provide tangible solutions to urgent community needs in housing, services, and social infrastructure.
A free national program
The SPRE National Accelerator expands this approach across Canada. This free public program supports organizations in preparing strong and realistic proposals for their community-based development projects.
The Accelerator is aimed at organizations that:
- Are developing community-centered projects,
- Already have a confirmed site, partnerships, or funding,
- Are currently in the pre-development phase.
Over a six-month period, from October 2025 to May 2026, participating groups will take part in a series of live virtual sessions, offered bi-weekly, to strengthen their knowledge and capacity to move projects forward.
Beyond training, the program connects organizations with partners, funders, investors, and government agencies, helping them turn ideas into concrete steps.
An entry point for motivated organizations
No prior development experience is required to participate. The program is designed to be accessible, while also providing tailored support to meet the specific needs of each organization.
Applications are open now and will close on September 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM (EST).
An information session will take place on August 28, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM (EST).
