Become A Social Innovator

Applications for all six 2012-2013 social issue tracks are now closed.

Root Cause believes that social innovation is critical to ensure that our public and private resources are leveraged in the most effective ways to address our nation’s social problems. Yet, it is often difficult for emerging innovations to receive the recognition and support they need to develop and spread their impact.

Root Cause’s Social Innovation Forum provides a unique opportunity for innovative nonprofit organizations and social enterprises to gain visibility, expand their networks, and build capacity.

How it Works

We will select one Social Innovator for each of five 2012-2013 "social issue tracks." (A sixth track, called "Impact Investing: Connecting Social Enterprises to Capital," will engage a small cohort of innovators. Please see below for more information on this track.)

Lead Sponsors: The Margaret Stewart Lindsay Foundation and Fiduciary Trust Company

Expanding Access to Classical Music in Greater Boston
Sponsoring Partner: Free for All Concert Fund

Healthy Aging: Vibrant Lifestyles for Adults Ages 60+
Sponsoring Partner: Tufts Health Plan Foundation

Healthy Lifestyles: Promoting Healthy Behaviors in Our Community
Sponsoring Partner: Highland Street Foundation

Women and Girls: Promoting Education, Economic Opportunity, and Self-Sufficiency
Sponsoring Partners: Anna B. Stearns Charitable Foundation & Vesta Vanguards

Youth Violence Prevention Through Workforce Development
Sponsoring Partner: State Street Foundation

Benefits to Chosen Social Innovators

The chosen Social Innovators for the above tracks will present their work to leaders from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors at Root Cause’s Social Innovator Showcase on Thursday, May 9, 2013. In addition, each Social Innovator will receive access to:

• $10,000 from the social issue track sponsor

• A package of consulting, executive coaching, and other in-kind services valued at more than $110,000

• Long-term support from Social Innovation Forum staff on performance tracking and relationship building

• Opportunities to participate in various networking events and become part of the Social Innovation Forum’s growing circle of nonprofit, business, government, and foundation leaders

Click here to view the All-Applicants' Guide

Impact Investing: Connecting Social Enterprises to Capital

Sponsoring Partner: The Devonshire Foundation
For this track, the Social Innovation Forum will select a cohort of four to six “Impact Entrepreneurs” who will receive a distinct package of consulting, coaching, and in-kind support, as well as access to the Social Innovation Forum’s investor community. One member of the Impact Entrepreneur cohort will be selected to present his or her work at Root Cause’s Social Innovator Showcase on Thursday, May 9, 2013.

Click here to view the Impact Investing Applicants' Guide

How to Apply

Organization leaders must be nominated or nominate themselves via our online nomination form. Each nominee will then receive an email that includes a link to the application. Click here to nominate your organization or another organization.

To Learn More

Attend one of our information sessions:

All Applicant's Information Session

Wednesday, July 18th, 8:30 - 10:00 am
Microsoft New England Research & Development Center | Cambridge, MA

This session has already happened. 

Impact Investing Information Session

Wednesday, August 15th, 1:00 - 2:30 pm

MassChallenge | Boston, MA

This session has already happened. 

Contact Zeina Fayyaz, program coordinator, at socialinnovationforum@rootcause.org or 617.649.1518.