The Foundation for Social Connection (F4SC) was established in 2020 to advance social connection nation-wide rooted in evidence for our collective well-being.
We are a mission-driven team committed to advancing societal wellbeing through the power of social connection. At the heart of our organization are foundational values that guide us through everything that we do. We believe that fostering meaningful relationships and strong community ties is not only essential for individual health, but a powerful lever for collective outcomes. Our work is grounded in the belief that lasting change starts locally. With a community-centered focus, we are dedicated to driving systems-level change that is responsive, inclusive, and rooted in local wisdom and lived experience.
We believe meaningful change happens together. We foster and seek out opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, open communication, and shared decision-making built on trust.
We show up with honesty, integrity, and purpose. We align our actions with our values and hold space for complexity.
We embrace lifelong learning with joy and humility. We recognize that we all have biases, welcome feedback, and are eager to grow.
We lead with empathy, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to creating welcoming spaces where everyone feels safe, seen, and valued.
We think big and act courageously. Guided by hope, we embrace a vision of abundance where more connection, more care, and more possibility are always within reach. We investigate, iterate, and adapt, allowing us to meet emerging challenges with creativity and enthusiasm.
Research and lived experience inform every aspect of our work. We honor expertise in all forms, including academic scholarship, community-participatory research, and local wisdom. We strive for both individual and collective impact through data-informed decisions, clear goals, and a deep sense of responsibility to those we serve.
F4SC operates exclusively for charitable and educational purposes as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or corresponding provisions of any subsequent federal tax laws. F4SC’s governance and operational structure are achieved through its Board of Directors, Executive Director, contracted operational and staffing support services, and a volunteer Scientific Leadership Council. The organization’s affairs are carried out by its Executive Director with oversight, guidance, and support from its Board of Directors. Additional structural support, advisement, and operations are achieved through the Scientific Leadership Council and our network of partners.
Board of Directors
The Board is comprised of individuals with various backgrounds and expertise relevant to the topic of social connection, fundraising, nonprofit operations, research, issue-based communications, and other disciplines relevant to the operations and oversight of the organization. Members of the Board serve three-year terms and elect officers for two-year terms. The Board has direct oversight and authority over F4SC’s Executive Director, governance, and finances. Current Board Members can be found here.
Executive Director
The Executive Director serves at the will of the Board of Directors and is responsible for carrying out strategies and operations to achieve the organization’s mission and objectives. With support from the Board of Directors, the Executive Director develops annual goals, work plans, fundraising, and advisory opportunities to further F4SC’s impact and sustainability.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging are key components of social connection. F4SC embraces these principles and allows everyone to be seen, thrive, and contribute to our work. We celebrate our culture that brings together a diverse team of staff, scientists, leaders, partners, and other community stakeholders to work together on interventions that foster greater connection. Our organization welcomes contributors across race, socio-economic status, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, gender, and marital status.
Conflicts of Interest are taken seriously by F4SC and its partners. Members of the Board of Directors and the SLC disclose conflicts of interest on an annual basis. Should a conflict of interest be identified with any staff member or partner, it will be documented, and F4SC Leadership, including the Board of Directors, will work to mitigate it to the best of their ability. If F4SC Leadership deems a member of the SLC to have a conflict of interest in relation to a particular issue, resolution of such conflict, including recusal of the conflicted Board member, will be made on a case-by-case basis as determined by F4SC Leadership.