The Social Innovation Fund (SIF) is a powerful approach to transforming lives and communities that positions the federal government to be a catalyst for impact—mobilizing public and private resources to find and grow community-based nonprofits with evidence of strong results.
The SIF makes grant awards of between $1 million and $10 million per year for up to five years to grantmaking intermediaries, selected through a rigorous, open competition. Intermediaries match their federal grants dollar-for-dollar and with those combined funds they then:
- Host open, evidence-based competitions to select nonprofits implementing innovative program models;
- Invest in expanding the capabilities and impact of the nonprofits they select; and
- Support those nonprofits through rigorous evaluation of their programs.
SIF has awarded grants to 20 intermediary grantmakers, which have selected 201 nonprofit subgrantees working in 34 states and the District of Columbia.
Why Does the SIF Matter?
By fostering private and public collaborations that identify, evaluate, and expand promising nonprofits, the SIF increases access to effective programs that enable people and communities in need to overcome their most pressing challenges in the areas of economic opportunity, youth development, and health.
The 2010-2012 Social Innovation Fund Investment Report shows how far we have come with this high-impact program in just the first few years.
Get Involved
The Social Innovation Fund can only succeed in collaboration with partners who share our vision of bringing transformative change to more people and more communities across the United States. Partners often include national and local foundations, nonprofit organizations, local public agencies, colleges and universities, interested individuals, and more. Please visit our Get Involved page to learn more about opportunities to participate in the SIF.
