Social ventures are a phenomenal model for economic growth in Boston – organizations that are not only creating jobs and earning revenue but also doing good at the same time. The Social Innovation Forum has introduced me to some very creative social ventures, such as:
- InnerCity Weightlifting, an organization using fitness training as a tool to reduce violence and promote professional, personal and academic achievement among urban youth, empowering young people with the confidence to say no to violence and yes to opportunity.
- Catie’s Closet, which improves school attendance by providing clothing and basic necessities to students living in poverty in MA and NH
- Company One Theatre, aimed to change the face of Boston theatre by uniting the city’s diverse communities through innovative, socially provocative performance and developing civically engaged artists.
- GRLZradio, an after-school and summer program that gives girls from Boston the opportunity to learn radio technology and communication skills, and spread the message of possibility rather than despair; respect rather than abuse.
As we support other social ventures, we have been proud to support Root Cause, it’s Social Innovation Forum and the dozens of non-profits that have gone through their outstanding program throughout the last 12 years. Recently, the Social Innovation Forum announced that it will be branching out from its parent organization, Root Cause, to begin a new chapter. We couldn’t be more excited to see this program grow further.
RootCause was originally founded in 2003 with the objective of improving social problem solving. The organization has worked with other organizations in a variety of social service sectors, including economic empowerment, education and youth development, and health & well-being. RootCause works with the public and private sectors to develop solutions for today’s social issues by providing guidance on making the right choice when it comes to investing.
The Social Innovation Forum (SIF) was one of RootCauses first initiatives. Since it started in 2004, SIF has donated over $20 million in cash and support to Social Innovators and Impact Entrepreneurs. SIF annually selects 5-8 early-stage nonprofits (Social Innovators) and 4-8 for-profit and hybrid organizations (Impact Entrepreneurs) to take part in an intensive due-diligence course. SIF brings together over 1,500 philanthropists, investors and others with the goal of growing these organization that address social issues.
The Social Innovation Forum will become a separate organization over the course of this year, staying true to its original mission. Susan Musinksy will assume the position of Executive Director and Katie Barnett, SIF’s current Associate Director will also aid in the transition.
Learn more about the Social Innovation Forum:
