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Social Innovation

Social innovation means finding new solutions to social problems that are more effective, efficient, sustainable or just than current solutions. This creative approach to improving our community is at the heart of the work we do at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas.
Our social innovation programs identify, develop and advance nonprofit and for-profit social ventures that deliver never-before-seen solutions to North Texas’ most urgent challenges in education, income and health.

Are you an entrepreneur with a bold idea for improving our community? Apply for the Social Innovation Accelerator!

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Social Innovation Lab

The United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Social Innovation Lab encourages the creation of bold new solutions for issues of education, income and health in North Texas. The programs provide entrepreneurs with the critical resources—funding, mentorship and community connections—to accelerate the growth and stability of their innovative ventures, specific to their distinct stage of growth.

7.1

million dollars

in funding, training and mentoring provided to fellows since 2013

140

North Texas social entrepreneurs

have completed the Accelerator and Incubator programs since 2013

2,600+

partnerships

forged by fellows since 2013

Innovation Challenges

Through our first social innovation challenge, we identified, elevated and activated creative, technology-forward solutions for increasing access to preventive pediatric care and improving social/emotional wellness and mental health.

10

finalists
with game-changing health solutions

$1M

in prize funding to activate these technology tools across North Texas
Every
major hospital
system
in North Texas was involved, driving innovation through collaboration
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Invest in Social Innovation at United Way

When you invest in United Way, you create lasting change right here in our community. The money raised here stays here to improve access to education, income and health so all North Texans can thrive.

In the News

How Technology and Innovation Can Help Improve Access to Healthcare

On Tuesday, Oct. 20, we held the Health Innovation Technology Challenge awards event, where we brought together local health care leaders, technology experts a…
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Go Behind the Scenes with Our New Social Innovation Incubator

Every day, we work to drive transformative change and advance racial equity in the areas of education, income and health in North Texas. Our work in social inn…
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    Let’s Connect

    Interested in learning more about our social innovation programs? Send us your contact information, and we’ll be in touch.