Social Innovation Forum
Stay up-to-date with the Social Innovation Forum and our Social Innovators!
09/30/2026
Calling our beloved community of donors, philanthropists and supporters! Join us for our annual Warm Winter Welcome celebration on Thursday, December 3rd from 9:00-11:00 AM.
We’ll gather to welcome our newest cohort of social innovators and to celebrate the ongoing achievements of its portfolio organizations -- our changemakers turning bold ideas into social impact.
Save the date - more details coming soon!
Mark your calendars! We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
09/22/2026
Did you know that DAF Day is coming up on October 8th? DAF Day is the national giving day for donor-advised funds — the fastest-growing form of philanthropy in the country. DAF Day brings together donors, nonprofits, and DAF providers to inspire DAF giving for the causes that they care about most.
As more supporters direct their giving through DAFs each year, SIF wants to make it easy for donors to direct their contributions to a high-impact organization.
This DAF Day, make your gift go farther with a gift to the Social Innovation Forum. Through programs, events, and learning opportunities throughout the year, SIF strengthens the capacity of 250+ nonprofits across Eastern MA.
We heard from Alex Graora, Development Manager at Eastie Farm , a 2026 Social Innovator, speak about the alternative cost-saving options that could help any individual live more sustainably in MA. Eastie Farm has grown into a community model for climate change advocacy with the region’s first zero emissions greenhouse, an all-access produce share system that supports regional farmers, and an earn-to-learn green jobs program.
If you joined us at Showcase in May, we hope you had the opportunity to meet with Alex and other members of the Eastie Farm team and learn more about the organization’s resiliency through climate change. In the next two years, Eastie Farm has exciting plans for growth and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in the years ahead.
View Kannan Thiruvengadam, ED of Eastie Farm, presentation at Showcase here:
https://youtu.be/hITVBPQcyug?si=x-gLaPucIpUjYiG5
Nathan Rubin, works for the Umass Boston Gerontology department supporting data management and analytics. In his experience reviewing surveys from older adults, there’s a clear need for more intergenerational programming and that’s where the for Social & Demographic Research on Aging (CSDRA), a 2026 Social Innovator, comes in. CSDRA works to advance aging equity by centering voices most often excluded from traditional research, ensuring that innovations reach a diversity of older adults across MA.
If you joined us at Showcase in May, we hope you had the opportunity to meet with Rubin and other members of the team and learn about how the organization strives to provide innovative programs and services to aging adults. CSDRA has exciting plans for growth and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in the years ahead.
View Dr.Caitin Coyle, ED of CSDRA, presentation at Showcase here: https://youtu.be/hITVBPQcyug?si=UEYrT47S_IyLsEkb
We heard from Mike Rodriguez, Program Manager, at Ground Mixed Martial Arts (2026 Social Innovators) who shared the magic behind their expansive martial arts program -- seeing the transformation of students’ lives through physical training and job opportunity access. Level Ground Mixed Martial Arts combines athletics, academics, and employment opportunities to empower Boston youth.
If you joined us at Showcase in May, we hope you had the opportunity to meet with Mike and other members of the team and learn about how the organization strives to meet the needs of their youth. The work is just beginning—the organization has exciting plans for growth and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in the years ahead.
Watch Alexandra “Ali” Mercer’s, Executive Director, Showcase presentation here: https://youtu.be/TIu7hxlXujE?si=-3uqZbV7vYYpD9If&t=1
08/24/2026
Final Call: 2027 Accelerator Program Applications Close this Wednesday, August 26!
There’s still time to apply! We encourage nonprofits serving communities throughout Eastern Massachusetts to take advantage of this incredible opportunity.
Visit our Accelerator page to learn more about the program and eligibility requirements: https://socialinnovationforum.org/programs/social-innovator-accelerator
Have questions as you finalize your application? Our team is here to help, so please reach out!
Submit your application by Wednesday, August 26!
Meet Jennifer Johnson, Executive Director of Gaining Ground , a nonprofit organic farm in Concord, MA that addresses the food insecurity crisis present in our own communities. Gaining Ground donates 100% of the produce it grows to a network of nonprofit partners in 41 cities and towns across the Commonwealth.
If you joined us at Showcase in May, we hope you had the opportunity to meet with Jennifer and learn about how the organization is making a difference in the wellness of organizations and communities across MA. The work is just beginning—the organization has exciting plans for growth and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in the years ahead.
Watch Jennifer’s Showcase presentation here: https://youtu.be/mapaefF07Gc?si=xgS5eGgnBHk3GPg0
08/17/2026
For more than 23 years, SIF has been helping build a stronger, more connected nonprofit network across Eastern Massachusetts, and we couldn’t do it without the incredible leaders, partners, funders, and community members who make this work possible.
From our Accelerator Program and Alumni Network to our Funder Learning Program, we’re proud to create spaces where nonprofit leaders and funders can learn, connect, collaborate, and grow together.
Cheers to the changemakers doing this work everyday and to the partnerships that make lasting social change in our communities possible!
Tag a local nonprofit or nonprofit leader below who deserves recognition for their impactful work.
08/12/2026
2 WEEKS LEFT TO APPLY!
There’s still time to apply for the 2027 Social Innovator Accelerator Program!
Applications close Wednesday, August 26th.
Whether you joined one of our Accelerator infosessions or you are just hearing about the Accelerator for the first time, we encourage you to apply! This is an incredible opportunity for nonprofits to strengthen their organization, build capacity, and take their impact to the next level.
Be sure to visit our Accelerator page to learn more about the program and eligibility requirements: https://socialinnovationforum.org/programs/social-innovator-accelerator
Don’t miss your chance to take your organization to the next level. Apply by August 26th!
08/11/2026
We’re thrilled to welcome Allyson Lam to our team as the new Communications and Program Support Co-Op! We are excited to offer a hands-on role and impactful learning experience as she helps us across multiple teams to advance our mission of creating positive change across Eastern MA.
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