The Social Innovation Fund is preparing to launch its third annual new grant competition. In early February, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) expects to release the 2012 Notice of Funding Availability and will begin accepting applications.

Through the Social Innovation Fund, CNCS partners with grantmaking intermediaries serving low-income communities to grow the impact of promising nonprofit organizations with evidence of compelling results in three priority areas: economic opportunity, youth development and healthy futures. Selected intermediaries receive both funding and technical assistance from the Social Innovation Fund to support their own innovative programs as well as their engagement in national efforts to advance social innovation in the broader nonprofit sector.

The Social Innovation Fund has made great headway in its first two years, engaging 16 intermediaries across the country who themselves have selected 150 innovative community non-profit organizations. CNCS remains committed to engage and support additional grantees with significant potential for impact. We hope that you will consider applying for a Social Innovation Fund grant, or will share this information with grantmakers you know are committed to supporting programs that work to make a difference in communities across the country. Please check our Website in early February for details on how to apply or to find out more information. To learn more about the Social Innovation Fund and our current grantees, please view our fact sheet here.