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

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Introducing Our First Interview Pair: Leah Hong (Letters Foundation) and Tania Shabazz (Compass Working Capital)

Moving Forward Together interview series
- By Kassandra Goncalves
- Published on August 01, 2019
The first interview pair of the Moving Forward Together interview series, Leah Hong of Letters Foundation and Tania Shabazz of Compass Working Capital, share with us intimate details of their experience in resolving power dynamics. Both Leah and Tania openly share the challenges in forming the relationship and the many changes that preceded in order to maintain an even stronger partnership.
Announcing SIF's Three Newest Board Members!

We welcome Julia Satti Cosentino, Nageeb Sumar, and Colby Swettberg to the Social Innovation Forum Board!
- By Kassandra Goncalves
- Published on July 30, 2019
SIF is pleased to announce the addition of three new board members - Julia Satti Cosentino, Trusts and Estates attorney at Nutter; Nageeb Sumar, Vice President, Philanthropic Strategies at Fidelity Charitable, and Colby Swettberg, Chief Executive Officer of Silver Lining Mentoring.
Let's Continue to Address Power Dynamics in the Social Sector

Introducing the blog series, Moving Forward Together
- By Kassandra Goncalves
- Published on July 22, 2019
Over the last few years, SIF has brought together many stakeholders, including Vu Le, nonprofit leader and blogger, for conversations around decreasing power dynamics in the social sector and opportunities to build stronger relationships among funders and nonprofits. As the next step in this conversation, we are launching a blog series called Moving Forward Together. The series will feature interviews with local nonprofit/funder pairs who discuss communication processes, prospective challenges, and progress tracking openly!
We are all just people who like donuts...

Continuing the Nonprofit/Funder Relationship
- By Carolyn Shaughnessy
- Published on July 03, 2019
On June 21, SIF convened a small group of funders and nonprofits to coffee and donuts to continue the discussion of building a stronger nonprofit sector. Following the conversation, we recognized action is just as necessary as raising awareness of the issue. Our action is to explore other ways we can continue to have these conversations.
You Can Always Find Me in the Marketplace

Anna Trieschmann reflects on seven years of growth and change at SIF
- By Anna Trieschmann
- Published on June 11, 2019
Anna Trieschmann left behind a personal memoir of her seven-year experience in the SIF community. We wish you the best of luck on your new venture!
Social Innovation Forum Awarded $100,000

SIF one of 100 nonprofits to receive the Cummings Foundation grants
- By Kassandra Goncalves
- Published on June 10, 2019
The Social Innovation Forum (SIF) is one of 100 local nonprofits to receive grants of $100,000 each through Cummings Foundation’s “$100K for 100” program. SIF was chosen from a total of 574 applicants during a competitive review process.
The Devonshire Foundation Extends a $25,000 Match Challenge to the Social Innovation Forum!

Please consider making a gift to the Social Innovation Forum today!
- By Allison E. Picott
- Published on May 29, 2019
The Social Innovation Forum (SIF) has received a $25,000 match challenge from The Devonshire Foundation to be matched by $25,000 in unrestricted gifts from individual donors to SIF. SIF hopes this match challenge will inspire gifts from first-time donors as well as re-engaged donors. Gifts between $1 and $499 will be matched 1:1, while gifts of $500 or more will be matched 1:2.
A Call for Action and Accountability Emerges from 2019 Social Innovator Showcase

Connect with one or more of our amazing 2019 Social Innovators today!
- By Kassandra Goncalves
- Published on May 17, 2019
On Tuesday, May 14, the Social Innovation Forum put on its annual Social Innovator Showcase featuring the fantastic 2019 Social Innovator cohort. These eight Innovators presented their pitches to an audience of more than 350 people. Thank you to our full staff, 2019 Social Innovators, event sponsors, and community leaders for being a part of this special night.
Vu Le calls on funders and nonprofit leaders to strengthen the sector

What will you change?
- By Michelle Lineberger
- Published on April 30, 2019
Nonprofit AF blogger Vu Le joined the Social Innovation Forum for a discussion on improving funder and nonprofit relationships.
Seeking Funding Partners for Social Issue Tracks

The Social Innovation Forum team is actively recruiting partners for our 2020 “social issue track” process.
- By Carolyn Shaughnessy
- Published on March 27, 2019
Are you a philanthropist eager to get to know effective local nonprofits? Would your foundation benefit from the support of SIF to source and vet potential grantees? Do you want to broaden your understanding of critical social issues and work with others to identify and accelerate solutions?