Opportunities to Participate in the Social Innovation Fund

A key aspect of the Social Innovation Fund is its emphasis on partnerships and collaborations to advance community solutions. There are multiple opportunities to be involved in the Social Innovation Fund including:

• As an intermediary organization interested in applying to the Social Innovation Fund for funds to invest in promising nonprofit organizations;
• As a qualified individual interested in serving as an expert reviewer for future grant competitions;
• As a nonprofit organization interested in applying to grantees of the Social Innovation Fund for funds to expand their work and impact in local communities; and
• As a donor or funder interested in making a financial contribution to support either grantees of the Social Innovation Fund or their subgrantees.

Intermediary Organizations

Organizations interested in participating as intermediaries are encouraged to apply for the 2012 competition. The Notice of Funds Availability for the 2012 competition is now available. Prospective applicants are encouraged to view materials from the 2010 and 2011 competitions to better understand the Social Innovation Fund and whether their organization may qualify as a Social Innovation Fund intermediary. These materials include applications from all organizations awarded grants and executive summaries of all proposals submitted by applicants in 2010 and 2011. They can be viewed here.

Individual Expert Reviewers

CNCS is seeking outstanding, qualified individuals to serve in the critical role of expert reviewers for the third grant competition of the Social Innovation Fund. If you have an interest and would like to receive more information or submit your name for consideration, please visit here.

Nonprofit Organizations

Social Innovation Fund grantees are completing competitions to identify high-performing nonprofits in geographies all across the country. To learn more about specific competitions please visit their organizational websites:

Economic Opportunity

• Jobs for the Future
• Local Initiatives Support Corporation
• Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City
• REDF
• NCB Capital Impact

Healthy Futures

• Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky
• Missouri Foundation for Health
• AIDS United (formerly National AIDS Fund)
• Corporation for Supportive Housing
• U.S. Soccer Foundation

Youth Development and School Support

• The Edna McConnell Clark Foundation
• New Profit Inc.
• Venture Philanthropy Partners
• Mile High United Way
• United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Multi-Issue

• United Way of Greater Cincinnati

Donors and Partners

There are many ways for donors and partners to support Social Innovation Fund-funded intermediaries and nonprofit organizations. Three of the most effective ways to support the organizations are:

• Contributing resources toward match funding requirements of intermediaries and nonprofit organizations;
• Making investments aligned with Social Innovation Fund priorities; and
• Partnering with an organization to advance their impact in local communities through service, joint initiatives or other methods.