Social Connection
as a Cause
Coalition Members
A coalition of 15+ backbone leaders across philanthropy and volunteering working to name, define, and mobilize investment in social connection as a response to the greatest threat to our shared humanity.
The Next Major Cause
Roughly every 50 years, a cause emerges that is not incremental, but existential—reshaping how philanthropy and society respond. In the late 20th century, that cause was the environment: stewardship of the natural systems we share.
Today, we face a similar inflection point. But the threat is not to the planet—it is to our humanity.
More than half of Americans are at risk when it comes to social connection, with declining trust and rising isolation undermining health, economic mobility, and civic life. What is eroding is the social fabric that allows communities and institutions to function. What defines our humanity.
Like environmental degradation before it, this is a systemic challenge requiring a coordinated response at scale.
The question is whether philanthropy will lead—and build connection as the next great cause.
Download the Social Connection as a Cause Guide
The coalition developed the Social Connection Architecture for philanthropists to serve as a shared foundation for defining and advancing social connection as a cause—enabling leaders to align how they think, invest, and act so efforts across sectors reinforce one another and build a coherent field.
The document includes:
Clear definition of social connection as a funding category
Moral foundation and stakes framing (why it matters)
Shared definition and narrative for alignment
Priority investment areas and action map
Strategic provocations to guide decisions and spark ideas
Evidence base with key data and research
Register for the Webinar
Join leaders from Allen Family Philanthropies and the Workday Foundation at 10am PT on June 30th for a conversation on how funders are beginning to recognize and support social connection across different areas of impact, from direct investment in connection to arts and culture initiatives that strengthen belonging and community life.
Together, we’ll explore practical examples, emerging approaches, and how nonprofits, foundations, and companies can apply a shared framework for advancing connection through their strategies, investments, and communications.
Preview Webinar Highlights
Funding Social Connection: Learn how major philanthropies are shifting from treating connection as a byproduct to investing in it as a distinct, high-priority cause.
Activating the Shared Framework: Discover how to use the Cause Architecture to align your organization’s strategies, communications, and funding for greater collective impact.
Fostering Belonging & Trust: Explore practical examples of how arts, culture, and community design intentionally rebuild social infrastructure and bring people together.
Aaron Hurst
From community service, to pro bono work, to board service, Aaron has driven movements to increase the impact of volunteering around the world over the last 25 years. He is the Author of “Powered by Pro Bono” and “The Purpose Economy”.
Carrie Varoquiers
As Chief Impact Officer at Workday, Carrie leads the Workday Foundation and Social Impact team. Her expertise includes AI’s impact on jobs, skills and human connection - creating and supporting solutions that leverage technology to realize an abundant future and collective thriving.
Lara Littlefield
Lara is the Executive Director of Allen Family Philanthropies, where she directs the foundation’s investment in grantees working across the Pacific Northwest and globally; advancing arts & culture, supporting environmental work, and empowering youth to take action.