Focusing on local partnerships and social impacts through the lens of innovation, the Social Innovation Fellowship (or SIF) is a two-year program that offers students the opportunity to explore the cross-sector, justice-minded work of social innovation, as well as develop the technical and conceptual skills and knowledge required for starting successful ventures or making transformative changes within existing organizations. Placing community concerns, strengths, and partnerships at the center, SIF offers students support in evolving their engagement and projects through coaching, hands-on experience, and mentorship within the ecosystem of Swearer Center faculty, advisors, and peers. 

In Year 1, fellows participate in regular, focused workshops and intern 4-6 hours per week with a community-based organization in Rhode Island.

In Year 2, fellows continue engaging in workshops and can choose to either (1) explore a social innovation project of their own or (2) continue and deepen their community-based organization internship. Year 2 culminates in an 8-10 minute oral presentation delivered to SIF peers and Swearer Center staff. 

Throughout both years, fellows have access to hands-on learning, advising, and a curriculum to introduce and strengthen skills for social innovation designed in partnership with Social Enterprise Greenhouse as well as other community organizations and campus partners.

Fellows receive an annual stipend of $2,000.

As a two-year program, the Social Innovation Fellowship is open to first-year and second-year undergraduate students. Students who plan to study abroad during their time at Brown are eligible for SIF. 

The Social Innovation Fellowship application opens every spring semester in UFunds. The Spring 2026 cycle will open on Monday, March 2. Applications will be accepted through 11:59 pm ET on Monday, April 6, 2026. Click here to apply.