Social Innovation Country Report:
Commonwealth of Dominica
In the Commonwealth of Dominica, social innovation is broadly recognized but lacks an official definition.
Legal and Policy Frameworks

Commonwealth of Dominica has adopted the following legal frameworks, strategies, and vision documents related to social innovation

  • Non-profit organizations and charities
  • Welfare sector
  • Community based
  • led organizations
  • SDG
Current stage of implementation:
Stage4: Community based/led organizations
Stage5: SDG

with:

  • Stage1: “No Policy or Recognition: No formal recognition, discussion, or policy exists. The sector operates informally or without government involvement.”;
  • Stage2: “Initial Discussions & Awareness: The government acknowledges the sector and has started discussions or consultations, but no formal policy framework or regulation exists.”;
  • Stage3: “Draft Policy or Framework in Development: A draft policy, strategy, or regulatory framework is currently being developed. The government may be conducting research, stakeholder consultations, or legislative drafting.”;
  • Stage4: “Pilot Programs or Limited Implementation: Some initiatives, pilot projects, or partial government-backed programs exist, but full implementation has not yet been achieved. Policies may be tested in select regions or for specific groups.”;
  • Stage5: “Policy Adopted but Not Fully Implemented: A formal law, policy, or regulation has been passed, but it has not been fully implemented, enforced, or funded. Gaps in execution may still exist.”;
  • Stage6: “Policy in Effect & Actively Implemented: The policy is fully enacted and actively being implemented. There is clear government support, funding, and enforcement mechanisms in place.”;
  • Stage7: “Policy Reviewed & Strengthened: The existing policy has been evaluated and improved over time based on feedback, data, or evolving needs. New funding, incentives, or structural reforms may have been introduced.”; and
  • Stage8: “Leading in Policy Innovation: The country is recognized as a leader in this policy area, with best practices, strong regulatory frameworks, and incentives that actively promote and support the sector.”
More details:
Ecosystem Actors
Key Actors in the Ecosystem

The leading actors driving social innovation in the Commonwealth of Dominica include government ministries, social enterprises, NGOs, philanthropic institutions, academia, and other ecosystem builders.

Examples: Government of Dominica, Government Agencies like CHANCES, NGOs like Lifeline Ministries, Dominica Red Cross Society, UN Agencies like UNICEF and UN Women etc.

Education and Capacity Building

Formal and informal education programs that support social innovation exist in the following forms in Commonwealth of Dominica:

  • Limited or informal programs:“ Some training programs, workshops, or university courses are available, but they are not widespread or systematically integrated into the education system
  • University-level courses or degrees:“ Social innovation, social entrepreneurship, or impact-driven business programs are offered as courses, degrees, or research tracks in universities or technical institutions
  • Government-supported training programs:“ The government has launched or funded capacity-building programs, incubators, or skill-development initiatives to support social innovation
  • Private sector or NGO-led programs:“ Non-governmental organizations, incubators, or private sector actors actively run training, mentorship, or acceleration programs for social innovation
  • Comprehensive national framework:“ The government has integrated social innovation education into national curricula, vocational training, or entrepreneurship development programs, with structured support and funding.

Examples:

  • Available programs at the Dominica State College
Coordinating Bodies

A centralized body responsible for coordinating social innovation efforts across sectors does not exist in the Commonwealth of Dominica.

Details:

The Ministry for Social Services primarily, and other non-state actors

Ecosystem Communication
The level of communication and coordination among key actors in Commonwealth of Dominica’s social innovation ecosystem is currently Moderate:“ some collaboration, but existing gaps in coordination.
Support Mechanisms for Policy and Finance
Policy Incentives and Support Mechanisms

To support social innovation, Commonwealth of Dominica has implemented the following incentives and mechanisms:

  • Government-backed funding programs (e.g., grants, subsidies, social impact funds),
  • Social security measures for social businesses,
  • Special levies for individuals

Further information:

  • Duty free concessions on imported goods from charitable organizations
Financing Mechanisms
Impact
Flagship Programs and Achievements

Notable achievements and flagship programs in social innovation in Commonwealth of Dominica include:

  • Care for the Elderly Programme,
  • Non-Pension Grant,
  • Yes We Care,
  • National Employment Programme,
  • Education Trust Fund etc.

Details are provided in the specific ministries’ websites

International Collaborations
Tech for Good Innovations
Impact Measurement Frameworks
Economic Contribution of Social Innovation
Reports on Social Impact
Policy Momentum

Momentum for social innovation as a public policy issue in Commonwealth of Dominica is currently rated as:

Some Momentum: There is growing awareness and initial efforts in public policy, but implementation remains limited or fragmented.

Barriers to Growth

The following barriers are currently hindering the growth of social innovation in Commonwealth of Dominica:

  • Lack of sustainable funding model,
  • Lack of awareness and understanding of social innovation,
  • Weak collaboration between public, private, and civil society sectors,
  • Difficulty in measuring and demonstrating impact,
  • Limited access to skilled professionals in the sector
Collaborative Ideas
Stay Updated
Receive fresh insights, stories, and calls-to-action directly to your inbox.
About GCSIGCSI MembersStrategic ObjectivesAction PlanKnowledge HubCareers
ContactAccessibilityPrivacy Policy