Social Innovation Forum

Reimagining the Role of Nonprofits in Communities of Color

Nonprofit roundtable features Black nonprofit leaders from Transformative Culture Project, Urban Farming Institute, and Black Economic Council of Massachusetts

• By Syed Raza & Kassandra Goncalves
• Published on September 09, 2020

On August 13, SIF hosted a Nonprofit Roundtable with Black leaders in the sector to discuss their role in communities of color. Among the topics discusses were: nonprofit communities and leaders, economic sustainability and funder partnerships, and racial equity targets for nonprofit organizations. Thank you to all of those who participated in the conversations. 

Notes From the Field #10

Hear from More than Words (2009 Social Innovator) and Silver Lining Mentoring (2014 Social Innovator)

• By Kassandra Goncalves
• Published on September 04, 2020

In this week's Notes From the Field, we hear from More than Words (2009 Social Innovator) and Silver Lining Mentoring (2014 Social Innovator),  about how their organizations are pivoting, addressing challenges, and achieving successes amid COVID-19. 

Notes From the Field #9

Hear from Social Capital Inc. (2003 Social Innovator) and Disability Policy Consortium (2019 Social Innovator)

• By Kassandra Goncalves
• Published on August 11, 2020

In this week's Notes From the Field, we hear from Social Capital Inc. (2003 Social Innovator) and Disability Policy Consortium (2019 Social Innovator),  about how their organizations are pivoting, addressing challenges, and achieving successes amid COVID-19. 

Event Summary: Moving Towards Social Justice Philanthropy

Key takeaways and lessons learned from Surdna Family Foundation's journey towards social justice philanthropy

• By Susan Musinsky
• Published on August 06, 2020

A brief summary of our event on June 30, "Moving Towards Social Justice Philanthropy: One Family Foundation's Journey, Challenges, and Lessons", in partnership with Philanthropy Massachusetts. Thank you to Kelly Nowlin and Sam Downes, members of the Surdna Family Foundation, who shared some key insights and resources to help other mission-based organizations understand pressing social issues and make more effective philanthropic decisions. 

Evaluating Progress: Key Takeaways

SIF's In-kind partner Analysis Group reflects on 2018 Social Innovators responses to data-related challenges, adaptations, and successes

• By Natalie Bina & Natalie Fox
• Published on July 30, 2020

After attending the virtual funder session, "Evaluating Progress for Continuous Learning: Lessons from our 2018 Social Innovators",  Natalie Bina and Natalie Fox from Analysis Group (SIF's In-kind partner) decided to write up a reflection on the 2018 Social Innovator responses to data-related challenges, adaptations, and successes. 

Notes From the Field #8

Hear from Shelter Music Boston (2013 Social Innovator) and Community Boating Center (2018 Social Innovator)

• By Kassandra Goncalves
• Published on July 30, 2020

In this week's Notes From the Field, we hear from Shelter Music Boston (2013 Social Innovator) and Community Boating Center (2018 Social Innovator),  about how their organizations are pivoting, addressing challenges, and achieving successes amid COVID-19. 

Notes From the Field #7

Hear from Groundwork Lawrence (2013 Social Innovator) and Catie's Closet (2015 Social Innovator)

• By Kassandra Goncalves
• Published on July 20, 2020

In this week's Notes From the Field, we hear from Groundwork Lawrence (2013 Social Innovator) and Catie's Closet (2015 Social Innovator),  about how their organizations are pivoting, addressing challenges, and achieving successes amid COVID-19. 

Recap of 2020 Virtual Social Innovator Showcase

Connect with one or more of our amazing 2020 Social Innovators today!

• By Kassandra Goncalves
• Published on July 16, 2020

This year, we brought our community online for our annual Social Innovator Showcase featuring the 2020 Social Innovators. In the two-part virtual series, these eight Innovators presented their pitches to an engaged audience of more than 380 people. Thank you to our full staff, 2020 Social Innovators, event sponsors, and community leaders for being a part of this special event. 

Notes From the Field #6

Hear from 2020 Social Innovators Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association and Community Economic Development Center

• By Kassandra Goncalves
• Published on June 29, 2020

• This is the second of two emails that will feature several organizations in our portfolio who are making important pivots to their work with the goal of keeping immigrants safe, protected, and increasing their access to critical resources during the crisis. Last week, we heard from Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (2016 Social Innovator), Center for Economic Development (2017 Social Innovator); this week we will hear from Project Citizenship (2017 Social Innovator) and English For New Bostonians (2019 Social Innovator). 

Notes From the Field #5

Hear from 2020 Social Innovators Project Citizenship and English for New Bostonians

• By Kassandra Goncalves
• Published on June 22, 2020

The next couple of stories in Notes From the Field will feature several organizations in our portfolio who are making important pivots to their work with the goal of keeping immigrants safe, protected, and increasing their access to critical resources during the crisis. We'll hear from Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (2016 Social Innovator), Project Citizenship (2017 Social Innovator),  Center for Economic Development (2017 Social Innovator),  English For New Bostonians (2019 Social Innovator).