Introduction

Our main goal is to speed up society’s ability to respond to changing needs through innovating and replicating new methods and models. Our work programme has three strands - Launchpad, Local projects and Research - all of which complement each other in the shared goal of finding practical initiatives to meet unmet needs.

The Foundation was launched in 2005, but builds on a long history. Our predecessor organisations under Michael Young were responsible for far-reaching innovations ranging from the creation of the Open University and Which? to the School for Social Entrepreneurs, as well as pioneering research on changing patterns of community and family life.

Since 2005 a new team has been brought together from NGOs, government, business and academia. Our focus is on fields where we see the greatest potential for social innovation. These include areas where problems are intensifying (from diversity to mental illness), where existing models are failing (such as criminal justice), and where new possibilities are arising (for example, because of new technology).

We are also working with partner organisations on a number of fronts to build the social innovation field internationally, including practical work, research, networking and new tools. Read more.