A Collaborative Approach to Social Impact

Abstract

Since 2011, more than 10,000 refugees have come to Massachusetts to escape danger in their homelands, carrying with them both assets and challenges related to resettlement. The immigrant population plays a critical role in the Boston economy as consumers, business owners, employees, and taxpayers. Despite being such a substantial part of our society’s fabric, immigrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers often do not have access to adequate support for successful integration and advancement. Without guidance, navigating these issues can be challenging. Together, the Social Innovation Forum (SIF) and Greater Boston’s local funding community created a collective response to this issue via the creation of a Social Issue Track focused on organizations or programs that promote successful integration and advancement for immigrants, refugees, and asylum- seekers. Social Issue Tracks leverage funding, capacity building, and learning opportunities to engage philanthropists in supporting the focus area. The resulting collaborative and innovative marketplace allows funders to leverage their philanthropic investment and their community impact while learning from one another in the process.