Social Innovation Forum
The beginning of a new year is always exciting for us here at Social Innovation Forum (SIF), because it means a new Accelerator cohort is coming together. However, this year, the launch coincided with a new federal administration and the implementation of a series of drastic changes to long-standing norms and policies.
Cuts to essential federal programs like SNAP and Head Start, the dismantling of government agencies, and restrictions on DEI-related programming have already begun to impact many organizations across our network, as well as their staff and communities on a personal level. One organization reported that one-third to one-half of their funding is “up-in-the-air,” while another shared that students in their programs aren’t showing up because parents are keeping them home from school, fearful of immigration raids.
We're collectively facing challenges here in Massachusetts and across the country, and there seems to be no end in sight. As we navigate these rough waters, SIF remains resolute in our commitment to advancing social justice and creating a more just, inclusive, and equitable society. We will continue to strengthen the Eastern MA’s nonprofit sector by working at the intersection of funders and nonprofits to build capacity, facilitate connections, and encourage learning together.
We also will not back down from our support of organizations that serve marginalized populations, particularly refugees and immigrants, members of the LGBTQ+ community, BIPOC-led organizations, the disabled community, and groups working to protect democracy and counteract hate. These organizations need all of us to stand beside them; to advocate for their protection, and more broadly for the entire nonprofit sector.
On Thursday, May 15, we are hosting our 22nd annual Social Innovator Showcase, our signature event that draws hundreds of business, philanthropic, and nonprofit leaders from communities in Eastern Massachusetts. It is always a joyful and hopeful event, and we are particularly looking forward to bringing our community together during this time of uncertainty.
The Showcase provides our Innovators with a platform to present their impactful solutions to society’s most pressing social issues, with the goal of attracting new investors, supporters, and volunteers. These organizational leaders are proximate to the communities they serve and deeply understand what is needed right now.
There are many opportunities available to support these Innovators in their efforts to thrive in these difficult times and create lasting change. We encourage you to get involved by:
- Making a gift to the Social Innovator Fund, which lets you support all seven organizations with just one donation
- Making a gift to the Innovator that most closely aligns with your interests and values
- Making a gift to SIF to help us continue supporting Innovators across our network
- Providing in-kind support to an Innovator by offering strategic planning, HR, legal, or other services
- Lending your time to an Innovator as a skilled volunteer. Some options include helping out at events or serving on a board or committee
- Introducing lead Innovators to individuals in your networks that may help them advance their missions
This year’s Showcase theme, “Building Connections, Accelerating Change,” reflects the real difference we can make when we all work to make a difference together. We hope you can join us on May 15th, and take action in a way that is meaningful for you.
If you are an Executive Director in SIF’s Alumni & Nonprofit Network looking for additional ways to support your team during challenging times, join us for our next workshop, "Executive Director Lunch: Team Leadership in Uncertain Times," on May 13 from 12-2pm at the SIF office.