The Social Investment Council is a group of highly talented, committed, and socially conscious rising leaders who support and participate in Echoing Green’s work. The investment is mutual: Echoing Green provides tools to help Council members clarify their unique social purpose, and we emphasize philanthropy and skill-based volunteerism as ways Council members can lead highly impactful lives. In turn, members offer technical expertise to our Fellows, fresh perspective to the innovation dialogue, and philanthropic support of Echoing Green’s capacity-building work.
Annually, the Council aims to raise enough funds to support two to three Echoing Green Fellows, mainly through organizing cultivation and fundraising events. The Council’s primary event is an annual springtime cocktail gala and award ceremony for inspirational leaders, attracting 450+ young professionals in New York City.
Why Get Involved?
The Social Investment Council is an ideal group for individuals who are interested in:
Identifying his or her own unique path to social impact
Applying private sector expertise to foster social change
Learning about cutting-edge ideas that are shaping our future
Working with innovative and entrepreneurial emerging leaders
Joining a movement of next-generation leaders who are changing the face of philanthropy
Connecting with like-minded peers from some of the private sector's most prestigious companies
What We Do
Engage Fellows and Alumni
The Social Investment Council members have several opportunities to get to know Echoing Green Fellows and Alumni, from informal dinners to in-depth advisory opportunities such as evaluating applications, participation in Brain Trusts, and skills-based consulting.
Access Knowledge
The field of Social Entrepreneurship is said to be approximately 30 years old—and Echoing Green has been a leader for 25. We have a unique vantage point from which to trend-spot, research, and explore new aspects of the field. One of the goals of the Council is to empower all members to be knowledgeable about the sector, and be ambassadors of social innovation in their own right.
Grow Careers with Impact
We define work as more than the 9 to 5—work is what we do in the world. Service on the Council will help members indentify their own unique purpose paths: as courageous philanthropists, conscious business executives, impact investors, intrapreneurs, and other actors in the ecosystem of social change.
Support Through Philanthropy
Solving the world’s biggest problems requires bold acts of giving. Next generation philanthropic leaders understand effective use of limited resources, are passionate about social change, and know that we need innovation for deep, sustainable impact. The Council is an opportunity for emerging leaders to develop their own philanthropic style.
Build Your Network
The best parts of being a Council member stem from being part of a broad network of like-minded leaders. Through dinners, projects, happy hours, and other gatherings, Council members build a strong community of solutionists.
Our Commitment
Council members commit to:
Personally donating a minimum of $1,000 annually to Echoing Green
Participating in at least two activities
Exploring ways to create institutional partnerships that benefit Echoing Green
Serving on the Council for a full year, with the option to renew annually
Chapters and Leadership
The Social Investment Council is an international organization with a peer leadership structure in three chapter cities: New York, San Francisco, and Boston, with DC rapidly growing. Chapter Co-Chairs work together to meet goals, organize activities, raise awareness about Echoing Green, and develop ways to be a part of the social innovation dialogue. As a member, you are welcome to participate in local events in any city around the globe, or connect with Chapter Co-Chairs:
Andrew Klaber and Margaret Wang, New York
Justin Kang, Kevin McCarthy, and Ishan Sachdev, Boston
Annie Rittgers and Vishal Rungta, Bay Area
Vanguards
The Social Investment Council Vanguards are a highly selective group of advanced professionals within the Council who have a long-standing, deep commitment to social change. Council members may be offered an invitation to join the Vanguards based on advanced standing within their professional career, demonstrated commitment to the work of Echoing Green, and fundraising leadership. Vanguards engage with a select group of Fellows on an ongoing basis. The Vanguard program also provides the opportunity to connect with peers on the Council and other stalwart supporters of Echoing Green, enabling members to further develop their philanthropic ethos.
