News

Events & News

Check back often for the latest Social Innovation Forum news and to stay up-to-date on the work of our Innovators and Entrepreneurs.

Receive blog updates

SIF Launches 2020-2021 Social Innovator Accelerator

Seeking nonprofits for our 24-month capacity-building program
- By Kassandra Goncalves
- Published on June 18, 2020
We are pleased to welcome six new Massachusett nonprofits into our 2020-2021 Social Innovator Accelerator cohort. Applications are now open to apply or nominate a nonprofit for our Social Innovator Accelerator. Please note that we are accepting applications through Monday, July 20.
Notes From the Field #4

Hear from 2020 Social Innovators OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center and PAARI (Police Assisted Addiction & Recovery Initiative)
- By Kassandra Goncalves
- Published on May 28, 2020
In this week's Notes From the Field, we hear from two of our 2020 Social Innovators, OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center and PAARI (Police Assisted Addiction & Recovery Initiative), about how their organizations are pivoting, addressing challenges, and achieving successes amid COVID-19.
Notes From the Field #3

Hear from 2020 Social Innovators Elevated Thought and WHALE (Waterfront Historic Area League)
- By Kassandra Goncalves
- Published on May 14, 2020
In this week's Notes From the Field, we hear from two of our 2020 Social Innovators, Elevated Thought and WHALE, about how their organizations are pivoting, addressing challenges, and achieving successes amid COVID-19.
Notes From the Field #2

Hear from 2020 Social Innovators The 1647 Inc. and Vital Village Network
- By Kassandra Goncalves
- Published on May 05, 2020
In this week's Notes From the Field, we hear from two of our 2020 Social Innovators, The 1647 Inc. and Vital Village Network, about how their organizations are pivoting, addressing challenges, and achieving successes amid COVID-19.
Notes From the Field #1

Hear from 2020 Social Innovators Adaptive Sports New England and Boston HERC
- By Kassandra Goncalves
- Published on April 30, 2020
In our first Notes from the Field we hear from two of our 2020 Social Innovators, Adaptive Sports New England and Boston HERC (Higher Education Resource Center), about how their organizations are pivoting, addressing challenges, and achieving successes amid COVID-19 crisis.
Celebrating SIF Funders' Proactive Response to COVID-19

Wellington Management, MassMutual Foundation, The Devonshire Foundation, and the Gross family react quickly to support their grantees in crisis.
- By Kassandra Goncalves
- Published on April 30, 2020
In response to COVID-19, we wanted to highlight Wellington Management Foundation, MassMutual Foundation, The Devonshire Foundation, and the Gross family who are among those setting an example of how the philanthropic community can respond proactively in a crisis.
A letter to our Social Innovation Forum Community

COVID-19 and the importance of supporting our local nonprofit organizations
- By Susan Musinsky
- Published on March 17, 2020
Dear Friends and Supporters of the SIF Community,
At this time of real challenge in the world and in Eastern Massachusetts, the health and well-being of our community members is our top concern. In order to help slow the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), the Social Innovation Forum (SIF) has stopped all convenings and programming through early April, and our staff team will be working remotely for the next two weeks. We will continue to evaluate our options for the Showcase, which is currently scheduled for Monday, May 18. We will keep you informed about any changes over the next few weeks.
Third Interview Pair: Toni Elka (Future Chefs) and Klare Shaw (Liberty Mutual Insurance)

Moving Forward Together interview series
- By Kassandra Goncalves
- Published on March 10, 2020
Our third interview pair for the Moving Forward Together interview blog series features Toni Elka, Executive Director of and Klare Shaw, National Director of Programs at Liberty Mutual Insurance. Toni and Klare's approach to resolving power dynamics began with an awareness of how their leadership presence would affect the quality of their relationship. As Klare mentions, Toni chose to be very direct and confident from the beginning. similarly, Klare was willing to help Toni through any of her challenges. We hope you enjoy reading more about Toni and Klare's journey towards a more trusting and stronger relationship.
In the Marketplace: Bernadette (Bernie) Hampton-Jones

From Social Innovator, to Track Partner, to Innovator Consultant
- By Kassandra Goncalves
- Published on February 19, 2020
In the Marketplace is a new occasional blog series to introduce readers to the unique individuals whose hard work and commitment help SIF achieve its mission to accelerate positive social change in greater Boston. We recently sat down with Bernadette Hampton-Jones to discuss her unique experience serving in multiple roles at the Social Innovation Forum.
Social Issue Talk Series begins March 2

Hear from social issue area experts on the most pressing issues in greater Boston
- By Kassandra Goncalves
- Published on February 03, 2020
This Spring, the Social Innovation Forum (SIF) will hold eight free, educational events across the city as part of our annual Social Issue Talk Series event.