In-kind partnerships are an important component of the Social Innovation Forum (SIF) model, which strengthens the value of our programs. In-kind partners use their unique professional skills and experiences to provide meaningful, hands-on support to current and past Innovators, helping them to build their capacity to improve our communities. Over the years, our in-kind partners have provided millions of dollars worth of services to SIF Innovators.

Social Innovators have access to a range of in-kind services, both through the Accelerator Program and additional pro-bono support upon request, from the following partner organizations:

Ariel Group - Presentation Skills

Ariel is an international training and coaching firm. It is comprised of performing artists and business professionals who believe that the workplace functions better when people interact generously and communicate well. Ariel provides group and individual presentation coaching to our newest cohort of Social Innovators each year, helping them make stronger presentations at the Showcase to potential investors and supporters and to build sustainable relationships. When possible, Ariel opens up extra slots in their regular trainings to nonprofit leaders in the SIF community. 

For examples of previous presentations, please visit SIF’s Social Innovators page and select an organization to watch a recording of their Showcase presentation. 

Opus Design - Graphic Design

Opus Design supports organizations through elevated graphic design work that draws people in. They understand that authentic visual storytelling welcomes people in and makes them want to linger. Opus Design supports Social Innovators in the development of their model graphic and presentation design. 

For examples of previous model graphics and presentations, please visit SIF’s Social Innovators page and select an organization to see their deliverables. 

TypeCoach - Personality Type Assessment

TypeCoach delivers practical applications of personality types to drive business results, including onsite corporate training programs, consulting, executive coaching, and online tools and products. Every year, TypeCoach provides pro bono personality assessment tools to SIF volunteer executive coaches in order to enhance and deepen their coaching engagements with Social Innovators.

TypeCoach is a tool used as part of the Executive Coaching engagement in Phase 2 of the Accelerator Program. To learn more about SIF’s Executive Coaching program, check out BLOG.

Additional Pro Bono Support 

Analysis Group - Data Collection, Management, and Analysis

Analysis Group (AG) is one of the largest economics consulting firms in North America. Through its partnership with SIF, teams from Analysis Group provide support with data and analytics needs. Some of AG’s past projects with organizations include developing database management systems, designing surveys, and conducting a variety of statistical analyses to help evaluate their programs’ effectiveness and demonstrate their impact to potential investors and foundations.

Working with Analysis Group

Organizations currently participating in the Accelerator Program may email Tanya Inwald to inquire about working with Analysis Group.  This service becomes available to all Innovators after an organization’s first six months in the Accelerator Program. Access to Analysis Group’s pro bono services continues after graduation from the Accelerator Program, allowing organizations in SIF’s Alumni & Nonprofit Network to seek support as legal needs arise.

DPA Communications - PR Advising

DPA Communications is a full-service public relations and marketing firm. Clients of DPA Communications are industry leaders who rely on the firm's expertise leveraging communications strategies to meet their unique business goals in a complex and cluttered media landscape. DPA provides public relations guidance and advising to Social Innovators on an as-needed basis, helping organizations connect with relevant media sources, creating innovative event marketing strategies, developing impactful social media campaigns, and building relationships in the public relations space.

Organizations currently participating in the Accelerator Program may email Tanya Inwald to inquire about working with DPA Communications. 

Goodwin - Legal Support

Goodwin is a global law firm that has been partnering with the Social Innovation Forum since 2005 to provide pro-bono legal assistance to members of SIF's nonprofit network. The types of legal assistance that Goodwin has provided in the past include contracts, intellectual property (website terms of use and privacy policies, release forms), real estate (lease reviews) and nonprofit corporate governance (board presentations, nonprofit formations and filing for tax exempt status). 

Working with Goodwin

Organizations currently participating in the Accelerator Program may contact Tanya Inwald to explore opportunities for pro bono legal support through Goodwin. This service becomes available to all Innovators after an organization’s first six months in the Accelerator Program.

Because Goodwin’s support is provided on a pro bono basis and subject to attorney availability, organizations are encouraged to submit requests as far in advance as possible. 

Access to Goodwin’s pro bono services continues after graduation from the Accelerator Program, allowing organizations in SIF’s Alumni & Nonprofit Network to seek support as legal needs arise.

PROMUS+ Consulting - Fundraising and Metrics Assessment

PROMUS+ Consulting is a Boston-based development consulting firm. With 30 years of development experience, PROMUS+ applies a strategic, multi-disciplined approach to assess our clients’ nonprofit development strengths and opportunities for growth. With this knowledge, PROMUS+ identifies efficient, effective, and practical solutions for Social Innovators’ immediate and long-term development goals.

Working with PROMUS+ Consulting

Organizations currently participating in the Accelerator Program may email Tanya Inwald to inquire about working with PROMUS+ Consulting. This service is available exclusively to current Social Innovators in the Accelerator Program. 

Innovators are eligible to access PROMUS+ services beginning six months into the program and may continue working with the firm through their graduation at the conclusion of the two-year Accelerator Program. Organizations are encouraged to reach out early to discuss their fundraising and development needs and explore whether PROMUS+ support is a good fit.