In light of the close of the recent 2013 Social Innovation Summit in New York, New York at the end of May, it's curious to ask what exactly civil society social innovations are. That is to say: what do they look like? How big are they? Who participates? Who isn't invited to participate? How do we identify grassroots social innovations without an institutional vocabulary?
While the definition itself is continuously argued for as well as redefined, the civil society social innovations in this SocialBusiness.org slideshow range from the large to the small, the creative to the corporate, product to service, and of course, to places in between and beyond i.e. the creatively corporate such as volunteer time credit and collaborative workspace hubs.
64 Civil Society Social Innovations
64
Community Hot Desks
Hub Vilnius Lets Social Innovators Come Together in Lithuania
63
Majority World Tech Incubators
D-Rev Designs Solution-Driven Products for Low-Income Customers
62
Corporate Social Innovations
Imaginals Wishes to Change the Way CSR is Imagined
61
Social Impact Collaborations
'Root Cause' Consulting Brings Leaders Together to Solve Issues
60
Change-Focused Mobile Markets
My Street Grocery Aims to Further the Local Food Economy
59
Healthier Cooking Instruments
Ecozoom Designs Safe Cookstoves for the Developing World
58
Collaborative Workspace Launches
The Center for Social Innovation NYC Opened Earlier This Month
57
Austrian Innovation Hubs
Emersense Brings Together Social Entrepreneurs in Vienna
56
Social Business Logistics
London-Based 'Connection Crew' Hires Ex-Homeless People
55
Student-Funded Enterprise Competitions
The Dell Social Innovation Challenge Supports Entrepreneurs
54
Social Innovation Habitats
The Hub Network Helps to Incubate Ideas for Change Around the World
53
Sustainable Sanitation Systems
'San+Co.' is a Social Enterprise Tackling Waste and Electricity
52
Entrepreneurial Non-Profit Practices
'Social Focus Consulting' Fosters Business for Good
51
Incubating Himalayan Innovation
'One Earth Designs' Promotes Eco and Social Entrepreneurship
50
Online Education Charities
Brightside Offers Mentoring and Tutoring on the Web
49
Volunteer Time Credits
Spice Innovations Engages Community in Order to Create Change
48
Social Innovation Hubs
The Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship Offers a Voice
47
Green Social Networks
Project Dirt is an Environment-Focused Online Community
46
Stuff-Sharing Social Enterprises
Unstash Fosters Collaborative Consumption for Sustainability
45
For-Profits Women's Clinics (UPDATE)
Penda Health Sees its First Patients in Kenya
44
Urban Slum Sanitation
Sanergy Turns Kenyan Toilets into Green Social Enterprises
43
Virtuous Event Celebrations
The 'A Good Week' Launch is on Its Way So Prep for Fun
42
Plastic-Ridding Projects
Hydros is a Social Enterprise Helping to Tackle the Global Water Crisis
41
Social Responsibility Strategists
'A Very Good Company' Offers Communications for Positive Change
40
Change-Making Business Incubators
Enspiral is a Creative Launch Pad for Social Start-ups
39
Creating Community Bonds
CSI's Tonya Surman Addresses the 2011 Social Finance Forum
38
Community-Building Barter Apps
Bright Neighbor is the First Sharing Economy Mobile Platform
37
Danish Innovation Collaborations
MindLab Uses Design, Government and Business to Impact Society
36
Hubs for Changemakers
McKinsey's What Matters Showcases High Impact Social Innovation
35
Fearless Social Innovation Festivals
A Good Week Celebrates Bettering the World
34
Nigerian Entrepreneurship Incubators
The Co-Creation Hub Helps Foster Social Innovation in Lagos
33
Social Investment Learning Communities
Global Philanthropy Forum was Founded by Jane Wales in 2001
32
Globally Involved Enterprises
HP Global Social Innovation Benefits the World Through Community
31
Non-Profit Acceleration Headquarters
Space with a Soul is Boston's Social Innovation Station
30
Innovative Micro-Crowdfunding Sites
The Tipping Bucket is a Web Platform for Social Change
29
Social Finance Forums
Mobilize Capital and Inspire New Ideas at 'Investing in Good Deals'
28
Social Enterprise Connectors
The Sankalp Forum Works with Investors to Build Business
27
Indian Organic Farming Promotion
Krishi Naturals Works with Farmers to Support Biodiversity
26
Invite-Only Change Conferences
The Social Innovation Summit Attempts to Create Large-Scale Impact
25
Cause Mentorship
The Canadian Social Entrepreneurship Foundation Invests in Innovation
24
Poverty-Fighting Soap
'Eve Echo' Sells Hygiene Products That Offer Loans to Female Entrepreneurs
23
Social Innovation Campuses
The LAB Miami Is Bringing Startup Culture to Southern Florida
22
Accessible Loans
My Home Finance is a Deloitte Social Innovation Pioneer
21
Decentralized Waste Management Solutions
'Sampurn(e)arth' Works in Mumbai to Engage Waste-Pickers
20
Social Entrepreneur Associations
‘Ashoka: Innovators for the Public' is World-Changing
19
Adventure Philanthropy Platforms
'Climb For Change' Lets You Crowdfund Your Excursion
18
Impactful Intrapreneurship Ventures
Central City Concern is an Innovative Portland Non-Profit
17
Microloans for Homelessness?
Beyond the Cardboard Shares Stories, Interviews and Resources
16
Localized Impact Investing
Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital Provides Surgeries to Eradicate Blindness
15
Green Java Distributors
Sustainable Harvest Coffee Importers Helps Farmers Succeed
14
Biodiversity Contests
The Tropical Forest Challenge Looks for For-Profit Social Innovations
13
Community-Bridging Organizations
Youth Social Innovation Capital Fund (YSI) Offers Finance Support
12
Large-Scale Change Networks
The Social Innovation Generation Addresses Canada's Challenges
11
Community-Driven Workspaces
The Centre for Social Innovation Promotes New Ideas
10
Nature Vacations With Purpose
The Cascadia Experience Plans Educational Camping for Families
9
Purpose-Driven Workouts
The Good Gym Mobilizes Volunteers Through Social Good
8
Social Innovation Philanthropies
New Profit Inc. Supports Entrepreneurs for Large-Scale Change
7
Social Innovation Networking
The Skoll Foundation Fosters Entrepreneurs Worldwide
6
Community-Empowering Language Lessons
Speak Shop Enables 1-1 Spanish Tutoring Over Skype
5
Social Innovation Brokers
Volans is a Think-Tank, Incubator and Consultancy
4
Impact-Driven Health Tech Startups
Preciva is Pioneering Accessible Cervical Cancer Screenings
3
Social Innovation Incubators
Affinity Lab is a Shared Working Space and Platform in DC
2
Social Entrepreneurship Publications
SEE Change Magazine is a First for Canada
1
Social Enterprise Magazines
Beyond Profit Provides Content to Spark Positive Change
Related Ideas
Scooter-Like Portable Desks
The Conceptual 'Worknic' Portable Work Station Can Be Brought Anywhere
Modular Storage-Equipped Pet Sofas
The Conceptual Grid Sofa from Sunriu Design is Multifunctional
Branded Interactive Parks
Birkenstock's Birkenfields Invited New Yorkers to Slow Down
Next-Gen Connective Clothing
Spatial Labs' Core Powered by Circle Features Smart Chip Technology
Novel Home Security Concepts
Swift Creatives Introduces 'Sculptural Surveillance'
Emerging Technology Publications
New Society Has Launched Its Inaugural Book About Technology
Water-Themed Cocktail Bars
The Civil Works Cocktail Bar Debuts at the Waterworks Food Hall
Sustainable Multi-Person Scooters
Of My Imagination Designs the Hop Vehicle for Urban Spaces
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
Eco-Friendly Offices
Office@27 by Sanjay Puri Architects is Enhanced by Ancient Indian Principles
Collaborative Architect Furniture Ranges
The Steelcase + Frank Lloyd Wright Collection is Chic
Kid-Envisioned Urban Environments
The Little Big Playmat Takes a Creative Path to Design Problems
Inclusive Social Support Programmes
MCR Social is Supporting Underrepresented Neurodiverse Youth
Creativity-Centered Workshops
Gap's Workshop Initiative Empowers Local Makers in San Francisco
Colorful Educational Art Installations
Mario Cucinella Architects Displays Sparking Change
Creativity Time Capsules
Crayola's Campaign for Creativity Reunites Adults with Childhood Art
Dream-Adorned Mosaic Benches
Kite and Alisha B Wormsley Create a Range of Cosmologyscape Benches
Industrial Design Exhibits
Design Burger Hosted a 'Design Dialogues Exhibit' in London
Everyday Material Colorful Pavilions
Foster + Partners and NEON Create Two Pavilions in London
Modern Private Event Venues
Toronto's Third Place Emerges as a Prime Venue for Events in 2024/2025
Upcycled Circular Design Products
Cyrc Designs Expansive Products with Sustainable Themes
Esports CSR Initiatives
The Global Esports Federation Launched a Global Social Impact Initiative
Workplace-Integrated Store Locations
IKEA Hosts Hej!Workshop Coworking Space in its Store
Viral Video Databases
Viral Ideas Offers Inspiration for a Content Creator's Next Big Video
Legal Office Renovated Designs
Snarkitecture Updates Jayaram's New York Offices
Remote Work-Catering Modern Homes
Studio Plow and Brit Epperson Creates a Workspace-Home
Avant-Garde Coffee Table Books
New Society Hosts 'Decentralization, Please Save Culture' Event
Collectible Circular Design Exhibitions
Isola Presents Nothing Happens if Nothing Happens
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
Neurodiversity-Exploring Textiles
Christopher Kelly Explores Crochet with the Interwoven Project
Community-Centric Art Galleries
The Tableau Gallery Will Host a Roster of Designe
Moveable Wooden Office Facades
EVR Architecten Renovates an Office for the ACV-CSC-Metea
Subterranean Courtyard Galleries
Buzz Designs the Hermit Space Yards in Beijing Park
Social Network-Encouraging Homes
Ignacio G Galán and OF Architects Design a Madrid Home
Collaborative Travel Planning Tools
Hollihopper Offers Live Collaboration to Organize Itineraries
Digital City-Inspired Art Works
New Digital Art is on Display in Grand Central Station
Community-Centric Office Spaces
Shubin Donaldson Architects Designs the Tricon Residential Office
Counter-Loneliness Social Spaces
Flash Pack Launches the 'Friendship Corner' in New York
Y-Shaped Community Pavilions
Sam Crawford Architects Creates a Red-Roof Pavilion in Sydney
Energy-Neutral Media Pavilions
AMDL Circle Designs the Novartis Pavilion in Basel, Switzerland
Multifunctional Circular Housing Blocks
Gensler's EVE Park Design has Integrated EV Parking Towers
Viewing Box Cultural Centers
The Center for Arts & Innovation Hosts Events and Education Spaces
Welcoming Californian Workspaces
IA Interior Architects Designs the New Evite Headquarters
Accessibility-Enhancing Public Art Installations
Isometric Studio Presents Cloud Swing
Dynamic Immersive Play Museums
LEGO Group Presents the Superhero Studios Initiative in Paris
Communal Social Health Clubs
STUDIO K Designs the BIÂN to Celebrate Third Anniversary
AI Green Financing Platforms
Singapore's AI Initiative for Sustainable Finance in Real Estate
Equitable Design Capsule Exhibitions
Objective Studios Showcases the Calm Place Exhibition
Weightless Pavilion Museum Wings
Snøhetta and Alley Poyner Macchietto Expand the Joslyn Art Museum
Digital Passport Partnerships
Viamedici Partnered with Sustain360 on Environmental Initiatives
Self-Designed Exhibition Spaces
Kiki & Joost Adds a New Installation Space to Eindhoven Studio
Wellness Lifestyle Clubs
The Health Cafe Introduces Social Wellness Programming in Toronto
Art Deco-Themed Film Headquarters
Civilian Designs the Sandbox Films New Headquarters
Neuroinclusive Workstations
MeSpace is a Modern Workstation for Neurodiverse Professionals
Sustainable Funding Summits
Emerald Summit Connects Climate Innovators with Impact Investors
Whimsical Bright Creative Workspaces
Publicis Groupe's New Workspace is in New York's SoHo
Environmental Sustainability Business Initiatives
Butterfly Pavilion Organized a Special Coalition
Collaborative Bright Office Spaces
Bespoke Only Designs Her New Spring Office Loft Space
Inequalities-Focused Exhibition Forums
Triennale Milano Marks Its 24th International Exhibition
Social Justice Desert Campaigns
Ben & Jerry's 'Make Some Motherchunkin' Change' Campaign Debuted
Accessible Mixed-Reality Media
Chapter 2 Welcomes New Society to Revolutionize the Media Frontier
Innovative Digital Signage
Creative Realities Enhances Fan Engagement & Outcomes with New Signage
Inclusive Workplace Handbooks
The Northern Ireland Civil Service Debuts a Neurodiversity Handbook
Elevated Miami Office Spaces
Arcadis' In-House Team Designs a New Office Space in Miami
Floating-Style Classroom Designs
Ennead Architects & Rockwell Group Completes the Bloomberg Center
Virtual AI Offices
MetaWork Lets Employees Collaborate Via Digital Avatars
Digital Health Evaluation Tools
Mayo Clinic Unveils the Solutions Studio for Workflow Integration
AI-Powered Optimized Work Structures
Microsoft Places Finds the Best Time to Go into the Office
Mindful Illumination Holiday Campaigns
Santa & Cole Presents a Warm Embracing Light Campaign
Collaborative Social Networks
Peatch Makes it Easier for People to Connect and Work Together
Personal Cubicle Concepts
Ma. Camilla Isabel Reyes Designs a Personal Working Pod Concept
Pier-Side Dynamic Office Spaces
The New BIG HQ is a New Office on the Industrial Harbour
Expansive School Bamboo Canopies
CollectiveProject Creates a Canopy at Talaricheruvu Rural School
Clover-Style Conference Center Designs
MAD Designs the ZGC International Innovation Center
Versatile Work Furniture Systems
SIXINCH USA and Populous Present the Elevate System
Chronic Desease Advocacy Groups
A Coalition of Wellness Companies Form End Chronic Disease
Friend-Finding Dinners
Timeleft Fights Big-City Loneliness by Matching Strangers for Dinner
Park-Inspired Outdoor Fashion Capsules
Parks Project Sets out to Preserve National Parks
Community Gaming Initiatives
Riot Games' 'Riot Play Club' is an Inclusive, Engaging Experience
Digital Student Opportunities
Campus Connect Links Students to Tailored Opportunities Worldwide
AI Research Collaboration Platforms
Synthical is an Online Community for Scientists and Research
Hyper-Local Gifting Communities
On the Buy Nothing Project App, Everything is Given Freely
Vibrant Versatile Furniture Series
Here Now Introduces a Versatile Capsule of Furniture
Arched Concrete Community Centers
Centro de Colaboración Arquitectónica Designs a New Center
Mix Cultural-Inspired London Extensions
Collective Works Designs the Mid Terrace Dream in London
Broken Bike Lock Furniture
Design Students Showcase the People and Places Exhibition
Earth Brick Arts Center
Hassell and Localworks Design the Bidi Bidi Performing Arts Center
Company Culture-Enhancing Communication Tools
Motivosity Has Unveiled a New Feature Called Spaces
Solar Cell Cycling Paths
These Dutch Cycling Paths Are Sheathed In Photovoltaic Cells
Effective Productivity Strategies
64Hacks Takes a Community-Driven Approach to Streamline Workflow
Office-Themed Metallic Installations
Crosby Studios Forms a Pop-Up Exhibition for The Frankie Shop
Localized Networking Platforms
Presence Connects Users with Like-Minded Individuals Nearby
Curated Website Suggestions
Curation of Curations Finds the Best Sites Based on Your interests
Explorative Entrepreneur Ideas
Hustle Momumtum Invites You to Discover and Launch Side Hustles
Vote-Encouraging Coin Campaigns
The Community Creates the Limited Electoral Coins
Interconnected Design Retrospectives
The Polimi Design System Introduces INTERDEPENDENCE
Flexible Coliving Platforms
The 'Coliving' Platform Helps Workers Find an All-Inclusive Place
Intentional Online Experiences
Slow Internet Takes Users Back to a More Enriching Online World
Niche Interest Social Networks
Spiral Social Was Inspired by Wikipedia Topics
Cultural Social Media Documentaries
Hulu Unveils the Black Lives Matter: A People's History Doc
City Exploration Apps
Concrete is a Social Exploration App Inviting Users to Discover Their City
Network-Connecting AI Solutions
Village AI Connect with Your Network to Close Deals
Social Isolation-Combating Platforms
TimeBank by Healthfirst Foundation Has Debuted a New Platform
Connective Non-Profit Funding
Wingtap Connects Users with Charities in Need of Fund
Social Engagement Platforms
Perspik Provides an Online Space for Thoughtful Engagement
Cozy Professional Office Designs
Mini Shodeinde Designs the Giant Ventures Office
Natural Material-Transformed Artworks
Borrowed Earth Collaborative Uses Natural Materials for Art
Inventive Charity Initiatives
Spark Financial's Annual Charity Initiative is for Autism Awareness
Manhattan-Honoring New York Residences
The McGovern Project Honors Manhattan's Artful Lofts
Emerging London Designer Exhibitions
POOR Collective Showcases the Powershift Exhibition in London
Virtual Entrepreneurial Workshops
autonom.me is Bridging the Gap Between Entrepreneurs and Makers
Bite-Sized Team Learning
Tidbitly is Designed Slack Workspaces to Foster Team Engagement
Cocktail-Inspired Togetherness Activations
Smirnoff's Global Connectivity Initiative Launched
Anonymous Gratitude-Exchanging Platforms
'A Little Optimism' Let's People Share Weekly Gratitudes
Tropical Modernism Stage Designs
A Team of Designers Form a South Asian Stage at Glastonbury
Steel Structural Dynamic Workspaces
Skylab Architecture Builds a New Skylab Office in Oregon
Intellectually Stimulating Social Media
Maven Goes Back to Basics with Traditional Algorithms
Community Borrowing Apps
Borrow Encourages Neighbours to Interact and Share
Membership-Based Community Engagement
The Lamp App Uses Technology to Promote Community Giving
Hopeful Design Installations
Annemoon Geurts Presents the Evolving Harmony Exhbition
Educational Storage Shed Designs
Invisible Studio and Mole Architects Form the Big Roof
Elevated Social Media Visuals
SocialScreenshots Creates Stunning Visuals for Online Sharing
Daily-Prompting Social Journals
Journal. Invites Users to Share Their Thoughts and Feelings
Community Challenge Platforms
Nas.io Let's Anyone Create and Manage Their Own Online Challenges
Mental Health Community Engagement
OOt Social Health Recently Launched Its Application
Trackable Design Portfolios
Sixelf Elevates the Way Designers Track, Display, and Share
Empowering Nonprofit Organizations
NTI is Committed to Supporting the Disability Community
In-Person Community Builders
Spon Empowers People to Build Up Their Communities
Repurposed Imperfection-Embraced Buildings
Civic Architects & VDNVP Elevate a Series of Workspaces
Efficient Personalized Idea Newsletters
Sofon Curates Personalized Insights From Numerous Sources
Gamified Inspiration Networks
Dailycrowds Gamifies Social Interaction for Motivation and Insights
Community Social Apps
Beezle Social Keeps Users Informed Connected with Their Neighbors
Social Wishlist Networks
WishSpace Lets Users Store Their Wishlists for Easier Gifting
Collaborative Insights Sharing
Collabwriting Empowers Teams to Collect and Share Across the Web
Creativity-Focused Online Networks
NOCK is an Online Network for Creatives to Collaborate
Youth-Focused Non-Profit Programs
In Tandem's Youth Voice Fellowship Offers Paid Opportunities
Centralized Life Management Systems
Organizi Consolidates Daily Living into One Central Hub
Growth-Based Marketing Platforms
Crowdtiv Connects Mentors and Mentees to Grow Businesses
Unconventional Daily Calendars
With Calendiary, Users are Encouraged to Share Their Personal Story
Joyfully Curated Homepages
Curations.club is a Digital Platform to Share What You Love