Ottawa and Eastern Ontario Community Board in action

Our Ottawa and Eastern Ontario Community Board has donated $7.7 million since 2005 to 551 grassroots projects, charities and organizations.

View list of charities funded by the Ottawa and Eastern Ontario Community Board over the last year

How we made a difference in 2022

$400K

Budget allocated

27

Local charities

Manjit Basi (Chair)

Co-Founder and Executive Director, Synapcity

Manjit Basi is a sought after entrepreneur and paradigm shifter who uses ontology, narrative coaching and integrative development to create personal and systemic change across organizational and sector boundaries. A self-described “shift” disturber with a quirky brain that’s secretly run by a generous heart, Manjit believes in creating spaces for inquiry into how people and organizations create a sustainable and shared vision. By combining her business experience with her understanding of human and system dynamics, she is uniquely positioned to drive meaningful personal and organizational change.

From 1987 to 2008, Manjit focused her talents as a franchisee and owned 4 locations of The Body Shop where she learned that business was, and still is, a tool for good in the world. Her passion for purpose drove her to co-found Synapcity, a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to breaking silos, creating engagement and citizen centered communities. Most recently, Manjit launched a bespoke artisanal skin care line made with custom botanical infusions in collaboration with small-scale ethical producers and local artists.

Manjit is a recognized community champion having served on the boards of various key organizations in Ottawa including the Immigrant Women Services Ottawa, the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, and the Ottawa Community Foundation. Manjit currently serves as Chair of the Harry P. Ward Foundation, helping community-based organizations in the greater Ottawa area serving the homeless, women and children, the elderly, people with disabilities and those focusing on animal welfare. She enjoys mentoring homeless youth and working with social enterprises including Incubator 13 supporting youth from vulnerable populations to step into their entrepreneurial journey.

Manjit continues to be a trailblazer in social entrepreneurism and “business as unusual”, leaning into organizations where purpose, people, planet, and profits collectively thrive.