What is Social Innovation?

It’s a big buzz word right now, but what does it mean? Is it just a bunch of hype?

Social innovation is a whole group of big, ambitious, new ideas and models for solving social problems. Social innovation is about changing institutions, organizations, approaches, systems in fundamental ways so that we can fix the many problems facing us. It includes things like:

• Creating new financial vehicles where nonprofit and for profit organizations that are working to solve social problems can have ready access to all kinds of funding (seed funding, growth capital, debt, etc.)
• Removing the hurdles placed in front of organizations working to solve social problems (accounting standards, IRS regulations, etc.)
• Restructuring philanthropy to be more effective at supporting real change
• Revamping government so that it can support, rather than thwart, change leaders
• Reforming nonprofit organizations to break out of the starvation cycle and become more effective at creating social impact

And that’s just the beginning.

Social innovation is big.  It’s bold. It is a movement of people and organizations from all three sectors (public, private, nonprofit) who are taking a completely different approach, who are turning the status quo on its head, who are building new systems, who are asking hard questions, who are creating a new way forward.

If you are going to be in Dallas, Texas next week, consider joining me at the Governor’s Nonprofit Leadership Conference where I am leading two sessions on the social innovation movement and what it means for the nonprofit sector.  I hope to see you there!

Social Innovation for Nonprofits

2009 Governor’s Nonprofit Leadership Conference
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 1:30-3:00pm, or
Thursday, December 10, 2009 10:15-11:45am
Sheraton Dallas Hotel
Dallas, Texas

In this seminar, attendees will learn how to employ new models in the social and philanthropic sectors (including social entrepreneurship, growth capital, strategic fundraising) so they can more effectively address the social issues in their communities. If nonprofit organizations are strategic with the resources at their disposal, they will be better able to confront social challenges. Particularly in the midst of the economic downturn, nonprofits need new ideas and models for doing what they do more effectively and sustainably.

Click Here to Register for the GNLC

Tags: GNLC, Governor's Nonprofit Leadership Conference, reforming nonprofits, restructuring philanthropy, social innovation, Texas