Carolyn Shaughnessy

As the Director of Network Engagement, Carolyn (she/her/hers) leads Social Innovation Forum’s (SIF) efforts to engage funders in social change work – and that of our portfolio organizations – in ways that advance their learning about local social issues, build their capacity to be true partners to leaders of mission-based organizations, and help them support real social change in greater Boston. In this role, she reports to the Executive Director and works in close partnerships with the Director of Strategy & Operations to strengthen existing programming and develop new initiatives in line with the organization’s three-year strategic plan. 

Carolyn joined the SIF team in 2012 as a Senior Manager following a career in higher education. In this role, she designed and led strategies to engage business leaders, philanthropists, and funders from greater Boston in SIF’s work. She managed SIF’s skilled volunteer program, helping to recruit and match business executives with social impact organizations, and has been the lead on several of SIF’s collaborative funding opportunities, bringing together groups of funders for collective learning and social impact. In 2018, Carolyn became a Donor Engagement Officer in which she continued her work with funders and helped them identify funding opportunities that align with their own learning and philanthropic goals.

Carolyn is currently a steering committee member for Advisors in Philanthropy (AiP) and an advisory board member for the Wily Network. She was a founding member of A Step Up (2006-2012), a group that encouraged women and their families to become involved with innovative nonprofits having an impact in their local communities. Carolyn enjoys building community and helping people find meaningful ways to engage with our portfolio of social impact organizations. She believes that SIF has something for everyone, and she loves helping people find their true passion for giving back.