Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation

Latest Blog Posts

September 11, 2012 at 6:23 PM EDT

Serving to Honor the Memory of 9/11

When we give our talent and time to help others, we honor the memories of those that were lost and preserve the spirit of solidarity that flourished in the aftermath of the attack.
August 16, 2012 at 4:18 PM EDT

Mobilizing Capital in Places that Need it Most

Recently, the Treasury Department announced $186 million in new CDFI investments to 210 organizations. This represents the largest single announcement of award dollars and award recipients in the history of the CDFI Fund.
August 7, 2012 at 6:52 PM EDT

San Diego Center Gives Hope, Aid to Refugees

The San Diego International Rescue Committee (IRC), the recipient of a Social Innovation Fund grant, helps refugees gain financial stability in their new homes.

The Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation is focused on doing business differently by:

promoting service as a solution and a way to develop community leadership;
increasing investment in innovative community solutions that demonstrate results; and
developing new models of partnership.

These three mission areas together comprise the community solutions agenda.

December 14, 2010
President Barack Obama signed an Executive Order establishing the White House Council for Community Solutions.

January 21, 2010
On Martin Luther King Day, the President and First Lady dedicated the morning to serving the community in DC.

October 16, 2009
President Obama delivered remarks commemorating the 20th anniversary of President George HW Bush’s Points of Light.

November 11, 2009
The First Lady launched an innovative veterans and military families service partnership on Veterans Day 2009.