Among a competitive pool of applicants, Social Innovation Forum has selected Gaining Ground to participate in SIF’s 2026 “Social Innovator Accelerator,” a 24-month capacity-building program that helps nonprofit organizations gain visibility, expand their networks, and connect with philanthropic and in-kind resources to accelerate their work.  

“Nonprofit leaders are stretching to meet the needs of their communities; doing more with less. Funders and supporters are making hard choices about how to fill gaps where federal dollars have disappeared,” says SIF Executive Director Wyona Lynch-McWhite.

 “And yet, throughout these hardships, bold and innovative organizations are standing taller than ever. Forging new partnerships, exploring creative programming, and remaining nimble. They are mission focused and getting things done.”

Gaining Ground was chosen based on its unique approach to addressing food insecurity and equitable access to healthy food. 

“Over the past few years, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Gaining Ground has steadily expanded our ability to provide fresh, nutritious, and culturally preferred food to thousands of people across Greater Boston, Lowell, and the MetroWest, explains Gaining Ground Executive Director, Jennifer Johnson. “As we begin a new strategic planning process to chart our path for the next five years, being selected as a 2026 Social Innovator by the Social Innovation Forum could not come at a better time. We are thrilled to partner with the entire SIF team and our fellow Innovators as we build the capacity needed to meet the growing number of neighbors in our region experiencing food insecurity.”

The full list of organizations selected for the 2026 Social Innovator cohort is below. 

• Apprentice Learning
• Lead Innovator: Letta Neely
• Track: Access to Educational and Workforce Opportunities for Youth and Young Adults
• Track Partner: Someone Else’s Child and SIF Change Champions

• Boston Lesbigay Urban Foundation, Inc.
• Lead Innovator: Curtis Santos
• Track: Supporting and Uplifting the LGBTQ+ Community
• Track Partner: The Colman and Carol Levin Fund

• Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging, a program of UMASS Boston
• Lead Innovator: Caitlin Coyle
• Track: Engaging Older Adults: A Holistic Approach to Reducing Social Isolation
• Track Partner: Stifler Family Foundation

• Eastie Farm
• Lead Innovator: Kannan Thiruvengadam
• Track: Pathways to Climate Resiliency
• Track Partner: Liberty Mutual Insurance 

• Gaining Ground
• Lead Innovator: Jennifer Johnson
• Track: Supporting Basic Financial Needs: Housing & Food Security
• Track Partner: MassMutual Foundation

• Level Ground Mixed Martial Arts
• Lead Innovator: Alexandra Mercer
• Track: Access to Educational and Workforce Opportunities for Youth and Young Adults
• Track Partner: Someone Else’s Child and SIF Change Champions

• Merrimack Valley Project (MVP)
• Lead Innovator: Julio Mejia
• Track: Advancing Social and Legal Supports for Immigrants, Refugees, and Asylum Seekers
• Track Partner: Shipley Foundation