Our Innovation Approach
Innovative solutions to foster connection are critical to our nation’s collective well-being.
We support interventionists, entrepreneurs, CBOs, private corporations, and more, in their pursuit to build tools for social connection and belonging.
This catalog compiles a range of interventions, solutions, and services designed with the primary goals of fostering social connection and/or addressing social isolation and loneliness. Our aim is for this catalog to function as a repository for these interventions, offering a valuable resource for individuals in search of prospective solutions and collaborators.
*Please be aware that the interventions featured in this list have been gathered through open submissions and do not carry the endorsement of the Foundation for Social Connection in terms of their evidence and effectiveness.
DESIGNING & EVALUATING INTERVENTIONS FOR IMPACT
Social Connection Measurement Tools Inventory
In partnership with the Samuel Centre for Social Connectedness, we have developed a resource, Social Connection Measurement Tools Inventory, which houses information on 55+ measures, including target demographics, methods of measurement, research on psychometric properties, and more!
Designing actionable solutions for local leaders
Action Guide
A multi-year initiative in partnership with the Einhorn Collaborative, Harvard Human Flourishing Program and Healthy Places by Design to equip local leaders with evidence-informed toolkits with practical approaches to build more socially connected communities.
Providing Technical Assistance to state public health departments
Public Health Community Approaches
A grant initiative for 20 states to promote healthy living and reduce social isolation during the COVID pandemic. The Foundation for Social Connection is part of a team of national experts, supporting state health departments and other organizations as they work with local communities on improving safe access to physical activity, promoting healthy eating through improved food and nutrition security, and reducing isolation and loneliness.
Developing a social connectedness blueprint for state Medicaid plans
State Medicaid Strategies
Innovative leaders such as United Healthcare are key in working to develop and operate under new innovative programs, delivery, and financing models that comprehensively address members’ physical, behavioral, and social needs as they relate to social isolation, loneliness, and social connection. We have partnered to build and deploy a strategic playbook on social connectedness with plan leaders across the enterprise.
Strengthening Interpersonal Relationships
Friendship Building Online
From the initial idea phase, we worked with the team at Hey You to ideate, research, and provide scientific insights on relationship skills building. Once the solution was built, we tested with our network and provided key feedback to the development team. Hey You is a different type of social network — one solely about spending more time talking with someone important in your life. A bit further in the development phase, we supported the Kinnd team in identifying appropriate measurement tools and data collection protocols for their application. On the Kinnd app, the “currency of connection” is vulnerability, generosity and reciprocity. The solution seeks to reduce loneliness and increase feelings of belonging.
Advising Federal Programs to Build a Nationwide Network of Champions
Network of Champions
Through development of a Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) and the Nationwide Network of Champions (NOC), we serve as operational support and advisors to Commit to Connect, a cross-sector initiative, sponsored by the Administration for Community Living (ACL). The aim of the collaboration is to connect people living with isolation with programs and resources to build the social connections they need to thrive. The SAG provides a rigorous vetting process for programs and technological solutions. The NOC serves as local awareness, action, and advocacy champions across the nation.
Whether you are at the idea phase or about to launch a multi-state rollout, there are many opportunities for collaboration.
We can meet you where you are in the development cycle.
Review your idea with our team of experts and receive key insights to take your project to the next level.
Leverage our broad network to test concepts, beta versions of applications, and more. Collaborate with academic leaders to design a study plan.
In partnership with our team, identify measurement scales that fit best to your solution goals and population of interest. Develop measurement protocols to align with your impact plan.
Obtain guidance on potential scaling partners and promote evidence-based results through our network channels.