April 11, 2007
THE
S
OCIAL
I
NNOVATION
F
UND
is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2006 inaugural
Awards for Social Innovation
. T
HE
S
OCIAL
I
NNOVATION
F
UND
(SIF) is a new collaboration of private investors dedicated to recognizing organizations that creatively respond to some of our most challenging social ills. These unsolicited awards are a one-time, no-strings-attached cash prize that the social organizations can use to fund ongoing or new projects.
According SIF director, H. Luke Shaefer, “SIF wants to cut through the red tape and months-long lead time involved in the usual grant application process to recognize and aid innovative projects that are meeting real time, immediate needs.” Shaefer said, “We were excited to find five organizations to honor with the SIF’
S
first
Awards for Social innovation
. These groups represent the very best of social innovation, bringing creativity, thoughtfulness, and energy to bear on social problems.” These organizations include The Student Hurricane Network, Assemblies in Motion, the Epiphany School, Chicago’s Westside Health Authority, and Stand for Children.
“The Student Hurricane Network is a great example of a creative response to a concrete, but often overlooked community need,” Shaefer added. “In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, a group of law students from across the country formed a national association to provide assistance to poor residents of the devastated Gulf Coast region. These students assisted in projects involving housing, FEMA claims, and helped established programs focused on rebuilding a safer and more just New Orleans. The
SIF Award for Social Innovation
was given to help fund the group’s 2007 Volunteer Leadership Conference. As the interest of other organizations and efforts in support for the Gulf Coast wanes, the Student Hurricane Network has continued to grow and build on its efforts.”
In response to receiving the award, Morgan Williams, Co-Founder of the Student Hurricane Network said “This award was completely unexpected and much appreciated. The money will go to good use in serving those for whom we work.” For more information on the Student Hurricane Network, visit www.studenthurricanenetwork.org.
For more information about T
HE
S
OCIAL
I
NNOVATION
F
UND
and its
Awards for Social Innovation
, contact T
HE
F
UND
director, H. Luke Shaefer.