Guest post by Mark Turner, Director of Public Policy, Colorado Nonprofit Association

Jonathan Greenblatt, director of the Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation at the White House, started off the session by expressing his appreciation for presenting at the IS Public Policy Action Institute immediately following the election. He said that his office wants to be a partner with the social sector.  

He led a discussion with the audience about the meaning of social innovation. Audience members said that social innovation means thinking outside the box, asking different questions, and seeking new ways to solve old problems.  

Jonathan said that the President’s priorities include getting the economy back on track, implementing the Affordable Care Act, and supporting the social sector. Supporting the sector consists of investing in the sector's human and financial capital. The importance of human capital can be seen in the role of volunteers and members of AmeriCorps in Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts.  Supporting the sector’s access to financial capital includes removing barriers to accessing commercial capital.

The social sector should collect data and tell its story to be successful.  He gave the example of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services releasing data publicly and allowing the public to determine how to use it. Years later, a multi-billion dollar health data industry developed and hosts annual events showcasing innovative uses of data. Release of this data has also led to better health outcomes.

To date, the Social Innovation Fund has spent about $140 million and has funded programs that demonstrate effectiveness. It is mindful of current trends affecting the social sector including social impact bonds. Social impact bonds consist of leveraging private dollars to fund programs that help communities and providing a return to the investor when the program delivers results. Although this program is still new and only a few investments have been made, the program rewards solutions and encourages corporate investments in solutions driven by the social sector. Government plays the role of determining what to do but leaves the "how" to the private and social sector.

Diana Aviv, president and CEO of Independent Sector, expressed appreciation of the role of the Office of Social Innovation in being a partner and a point of contact with the administration. She also emphasized that the sector is ready to have a seat at the table and help craft solutions to the challenges faced by the administration. Jonathan asked that nonprofits continue to tell their stories, be visible, and make their stories heard.