About Us
Founded in 2013, Groundforce is a purpose-driven consultancy, helping charities, not-for-profits and social impact organizations work more efficiently through digital strategy, operational innovation, and now—ethical AI.
With deep roots in third-sector digital transformation, we support organizations streamline internal workflows, launch campaigns, and adopt technology that amplifies their impact. Our clients include national and regional organizations, associations and coalitions, such as: OCAD University, Canadian Alliance of Student Associations, Creative Calgary, Evergreen CityWorks, Dying with Dignity Canada, Police Association of Ontario, United Church of Canada, and Responsible Gambling Council.
Whether it’s improving internal systems or exploring how AI can increase productivity, we help your team do more with less—safely, ethically, and with purpose. Explore our past projects.
Chris Cowperthwaite
Founder & Principal
Chris is a purpose-driven executive and entrepreneur with a passion for building systems that serve people and drive social impact. As the Founder and Principal of Groundforce, he leads the firm’s strategic direction – helping clients improve operational capacity and adopt ethical, AI-enabled productivity solutions.
Chris brings over a decade of experience advising national and regional not-for-profits on digital transformation, public mobilization, and high-stakes communications. His work has spanned sectors including education, arts & culture, labour, politics, sport, and 2SLGBTQ+ rights, with a consistent focus on making technology work for mission-driven teams.
Chris serves as Chair of the Open Democracy Project and is a Co-Founder DemocracyXChange – Canada's Democracy Summit. He is an advisor to the Art Canada Institute as a member of the Technology Committee and volunteers with the Loran Scholars Foundation and the McCall MacBain Scholars at McGill.
Chris holds an MBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University, a B.Sc. (Honours) and Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Waterloo, and is a Jostens Loran Scholar (1999).
