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Lead with Purpose. Learn Through Impact.

What Is the Social Innovation Fund?

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Immersive Experiences That Transform

The Social Innovation Fund is a grantmaking initiative for Babson students, through the Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership, that supports experiential learning led by Babson, partner organizations, or self-directed by students. Each student may apply for up to $5,000 per experience, with a lifetime cap of $10,000 during their time at Babson.

These experiences cultivate entrepreneurial leadership through practices in self-awareness, relationship building, and systems thinking. Students learn firsthand how to co-create positive change for business and society.

Apply Now

Testimonials

Society Systems One Babson Community

Life-Changing Learning, Everywhere

Babson students are eager to apply Entrepreneurial Thought & Action® (ET&A) to make a difference. The Social Innovation Fund is about getting outside to find deeper meaning inside. The fund allows students to do this by removing financial barriers and opening access to expansive, life-changing opportunities and programs such as:

  • Camp 2030 & United Nations Presentation
  • Habitat for Humanity + Systems Thinking
  • Health Innovation Lab in Brazil
  • Sustainable Systems in Denmark
  • Teaching Entrepreneurship to Youth in Tanzania
  • Tulsa Black Wall Street Learning Experience
  • Virtuous Capitalism in Malaysia & Thailand

Irene Mani ’25

Babson Program: Teaching Youth Entrepreneurship Program in Tanzania

“My experience has deeply influenced my perception of my role in creating positive impact by showing me the power of personal connections and cultural exchange. I realized that meaningful change starts on a small, individual level—by listening, learning, and fostering genuine relationships.”

Miquale Dudley MBA

Babson Program: Global Health Innovation Lab in Brazil

“This experience has significantly impacted my Babson journey, personal outlook, and career choices by reinforcing the importance of adaptability, cultural awareness, and people-centered problem-solving. I've applied what I’ve learned by approaching coursework and projects with a deeper understanding of how strategic decisions impact real people.”

Kaitlyn Pristawa ’26

External Program: Camp 2030 & Presentation to the United Nations by Unite 2030

“Attending Camp 2030 was a turning point in my life. It taught me to be more open, ask others about their passions and goals, and be honest about my own.”

Erica Fowler MBA’25

Self-Directed Program: United Justice Coalition Project & Summit

“I gained an appreciation for the power of collective intelligence—how varied viewpoints can be used to create innovative solutions. My experience has influenced my perception of my role in creating positive change.”

Impact That Lasts—and Multiplies

$153,000

Since January 2025, 84 students have been granted a total of $153,000, with grants ranging from $250 to $5,000.

100%

100% of students would recommend their Social Innovation Fund experience to a friend or colleague.

Eligibility and Commitments

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Who Can Apply?

  • Open to all Babson undergraduate and graduate students
  • Priority given to students with financial need

Criteria

To receive funding, the experience must meet the following criteria:

  • Immersive: Will you spend time immersed in a new community or organization, whether in the United States or abroad?
  • Social Innovation: Will you get real-world experience in exploring how to advance one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs)?
  • Personal Development: Will you expand your competencies or skills as a values driven entrepreneurial leader?
  • Cohort or Mentor: Will you be learning as part of a cohort/course or working directly with a mentor?
  • Utilization: Will you use these funds for program costs and travel related to the experience?
  • Access: Without financial support, would you miss this opportunity?
Social Innovation Experiential Process

Commitments

Foundation with Rebar
  • Complete post-experience impact survey
  • Share learning through events, storytelling, and/or social media
  • Live out the learning and pay it forward—on campus, in work, and in life

Timeline & Application

  • Summer 2025 Applications open April 15, 2025 through Friday, May 9
  • Decisions will be sent via email Friday, May 18
  • Fall 2025 Applications will open in late August
Note:
  • The Social Innovation Fund adheres to the Glavin Office’s deadlines for funding related to immersive short courses. Applications submitted after deadlines will not be eligible.
  • Funding cannot be guaranteed to be released by Babson to students before their Social Innovation Fund experience takes place.

Contact

Questions?

Taryn Miller-Stevens, Associate Director, Strategic Programs & Growth and Social Innovation Fund Lead, Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership

David Youtz, Assistant Vice President, International Giving