Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Connection (SILC)
Efforts to address social isolation, loneliness, and connection (SILC) are growing across the country. These efforts span sectors, geographies, and levels of influence — but until now, there has been no centralized way to see the ecosystem as a whole.
To help fill this gap, the Foundation for Social Connection developed the US SILC Ecosystem Map and the accompanying State of the US Ecosystem Report. Together, these resources are designed to increase visibility of the landscape of SILC efforts, support coordination across the field, and inform priorities for future action.
The US SILC Ecosystem Map is an interactive resource that visualizes entities intentionally working to advance social connection and/or address social isolation/loneliness in the United States.
Entities included in the map are categorized across multiple dimensions, including:
The map is designed to be exploratory and practical. Users can filter and navigate the ecosystem to better understand where efforts are concentrated, identify potential partners, and surface areas where additional attention or investment may be needed. For a tutorial on how to navigate the map, see the video below.
The State of the US Ecosystem Report offers a field-level perspective on the current health of the US SILC ecosystem. The report draws on survey responses from more than 60 entities working across sectors, roles, and geographies, reflecting the collective perspectives of those actively engaged in this work.
The report focuses on:
• How entities perceive the ecosystem’s strengths
• Challenges they face in advancing social connection
• Gaps in populations, geographies, roles, or levels of influence
• Resources and supports needed to strengthen the field over time
This inaugural report serves as a baseline, providing a shared reference point for understanding where the ecosystem stands today and how it may evolve in the future.
The Ecosystem Map and State of the US Ecosystem Report are intended to support a wide range of audiences, including:
We encourage the field to apply these resources in ways that support learning, alignment, and collective action.
The Ecosystem Map and State of the US Ecosystem Report were developed through a multi-phase process conducted throughout 2025. This included framework development, partner consultations, and a national survey of entities meeting defined inclusion criteria.
This work is informed by the Systems Of Cross-sector Integration and Action across the Lifespan (SOCIAL) Framework and reflects input from the Foundation for Social Connection’s Scientific Leadership Council as well as partners across the US SILC ecosystem.
The US SILC ecosystem is dynamic and evolving. We invite ongoing engagement with these resources to reflect the field’s growth and needs over time.
Know of an entity that should be considered for the map? Interested in learning more or exploring collaboration?