August 2020 Social Impact Roundup: Innovation in Times of Change

Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity – not a threat.

Steve Jobs

We’re living in a rapidly changing world: The global pandemic and ongoing climate and social crises have forced us to re-examine our priorities on the individual, organizational, and societal levels. But amidst the challenges are rays of hope: as the World Economic Forum points out, “the intense innovation activity ignited by the global pandemic shows that some elephants can dance when they must.” 

Over the last month, we’ve been inspired by the examples of individuals and organizations who have looked at this crisis as an opportunity to build back better, rather than as a threat to the status quo. In fact, we’ve seen companies, governments, nonprofits, small businesses, and individuals become increasingly innovative, moving faster and taking bigger risks than could have been imagined a few months ago. After all, necessity is the mother of invention.

In our professional development program, we’ve seen changemakers like Stef leverage their unique talents and strengths to change careers for greater impact. We’ve also received a record number of applications for our October cohort from professionals at all stages of their careers who are inspired to do the same. 

Corporations are adapting, too, optimizing their CSR programs for long-term, sustainable impact and seeking new partnership opportunities to make the sector more sustainable. On the social enterprise side, we’ve received applications from more than 30 countries for our S-GRID support program, creating new opportunities to scale social enterprise thinking across sectors.  

Whether you’re an individual looking for your next opportunity to affect change or an organization with a world-changing idea, we’ve rounded up social impact news and opportunities that you won’t want to miss:

Opportunities with MovingWorlds

• We are currently accepting applications for our last Global Fellowship cohort of the year. Apply by September 30th to be considered for our October launch!
• Our S-GRID support program for social enterprises is accepting applications and offering its programming for free through the end of the year — learn more and apply here.

Opportunities from our Impact Partners

• On September 8th, Catalyst 2030 is hosting a fireside chat with Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, and Hilde Schwab, Co-Founder and Chairperson of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship. Register here to join the conversation about how COVID-19 can be the Great Reset toward global sustainability.
• Seed Spot is hosting a 2-Day startup bootcamp for entrepreneurs working in education September 17-18. Learn more and register here.
• Impact Hub and Adidas launched the Close the Gap program to empower impact-oriented entrepreneurs who are from and/or work with underrepresented communities or BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color). Apply here by September 17th.
• Sattva Consulting is accepting applications for #SkillEd, an initiative for EdTech or Skill Tech startups enabling tomorrow’s workforce for India. Learn more and apply by September 20th here.
• Village Capital joined forces with Habitat for Humanity to launch an Andean Region #ShelterTech accelerator program. Startups in Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru working towards building better and safer homes for Latin Americans can apply through September 30th here.
• SOCAP is seeking volunteers for its upcoming #SOCAPVirtual. Learn more about the opportunity to get involved behind the scenes and apply here.

As we head into the final quarter of this tumultuous year, we look forward to continuing to support our resilient, innovative, and courageous community. We’ll leave you with this final bit of inspiration as you embark on the challenge of leading social and sustainable innovation: Susan David’s TED Talk, The Gift & Power of Emotional Courage