Social Innovation Fund

Thank you for your interest in the Social Innovation Fund. Please read the questions and answers below. If you feel you meet the eligibility criteria and wish to apply for a grant, please go to the Social Innovation Fund grant guidelines page.

What is the purpose of the Social Innovation Fund?

The guiding concept and purpose of the Social Innovation Fund is to foster initiatives that fall within the context of our mission statement and that have the capacity to further economic, environmental, and cultural sustainability. This Fund is directed to the recognition or creation of new initiatives that have the capacity for growth and eventual financial independence.

Who is eligible to receive a grant?

RSF accepts proposals from individuals and organizations that have an IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or a fiscal sponsor.

How are “new initiatives” defined?

A “new initiative” can be a newly created project or organization, or can emerge as a new program from an existing organization.

What is the average amount of the grant?

The Social Innovation Fund is a modest-sized fund, which is supported annually by unrestricted gifts to RSF rather than from an endowment. Requests for grants far exceed funds available. The average grant amount has ranged from $1,000–$5,000.

What are the deadlines?

The deadline to submit a grant proposal to the Social Innovation Fund is March 15th.
Are there any exclusions?

Yes, the Social Innovation Fund will not be used to make gifts for ongoing capital or operating needs, scholarships, travel, conferences, or workshops. The Fund does not make grants to foreign organizations or to U.S. for-profit companies.

If we receive a grant, do we need to submit a grant report?

Yes, we require that all grantees submit a report within a year of the date the grant was awarded.