CESO Canadian executive service organization

The Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO), now known as Catalyste+, is a prominent Canadian charity and development organization founded in 1967. Its primary mission has been to promote economic and social growth both within Canada—including Indigenous communities—and in more than 120 countries worldwide.catalysteplus+5

Purpose & Services

Catalyste+ leverages experienced Canadian volunteer advisors, typically retired or senior professionals, to provide mentorship, technical assistance, and capacity building in sectors such as:

• Strategic Planning

• Business Development

• Accounting and Finance

• Organizational Development

• Community Development

• Governance

• Production and Operationsdevex

The organization delivers its impact through short-term, strategic assignments and projects, aiming to improve the economic and/or social wellbeing of marginalized and vulnerable populations, with a particular focus on gender equality, Indigenous capacity building, and sustainable development.canwach+1

Evolution and Partnerships

Originally named CESO (Canadian Executive Service Organization), the organization rebranded to "Catalyste+" as of December 1, 2022, to better reflect its modern, inclusive, and dynamic approach while maintaining its foundational vision and mission. CESO has partnerships with Indigenous organizations such as the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and works closely with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities throughout Canada.wikipedia+5

Funding & Implementation

Catalyste+ receives funding from Canadian government agencies like CIDA, corporate and foundation partners, and individual donors. Between March 31, 2020, and December 31, 2026, a major volunteer cooperation project is budgeted at nearly $50 million CAD, supporting thousands of volunteer placements and emphasizing inclusive, innovative, and environmentally sustainable initiatives, especially benefitting women and girls.wikipedia+1

Impact

Since its founding, CESO/Catalyste+ reports:

• Over 47,500 volunteer assignments in more than 125 countriesdevex

• Capacity-building for hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries

• Success stories measured through improved lives and strengthened community institutions well after project completionw05.international+1

In summary, CESO (Catalyste+) is a highly respected Canadian organization focused on strengthening local capacity for sustainable, equitable economic growth—working at the intersection of Indigenous partnerships, global development, and Canadian volunteer expertise.catalysteplus+7

1. https://www.catalysteplus.org
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Executive_Service_Organization
3. https://www.devex.com/organizations/ceso-canadian-executive-service-organization-22682
4. https://www.catalysteplus.org/media-and-news/ceso-becomes-catalyste-plus/
5. https://canwach.ca/project/ceso-volunteer-cooperation-2020-2027/
6. https://sk.211.ca/agencies/canadian-executive-service-organization/
7. https://uia.org/s/or/en/1100031517
8. https://w05.international.gc.ca/projectbrowser-banqueprojets/vendor-vendeur/index/30020?iatiid=CA-3-D001071001
9. https://w05.international.gc.ca/projectbrowser-banqueprojets/project-projet/details/d001071001
10. https://datastore.iatistandard.org/activity/CA-3-D001071001