We are Edelgive/SIX
With stewardship from the EdelGive Foundation, EdelGive/SIX is shifting where the world looks for social innovation and who leads global problem-solving. We’re breaking silos and building bridges to connect where innovation is most dynamic.
Our collaborations connect across geographies, not hierarchies. Our convenings center Global South voices – because proximity to complex challenges breeds urgency, resourcefulness, and solutions that work in complex realities. Our knowledge exchange flows in all directions: South to South, South to North, and everywhere between.
This partnership weaves what social innovation needs to thrive: local knowledge with global reach, philanthropic capital with practitioner wisdom, institutional strength with network agility – so that social innovation can cross borders and scale.
Changing perspectives
in a changing world
The world in 2026 is changing, and we all need to change our mindsets too. The idea that power sits in the Global North is outdated. Our biggest societal challenges are global, so we need the best models, minds and approaches from everywhere to tackle them.
What we are
doing together
Three core approaches drive everything we do:
Go to the edges
We seek inspiration from unexpected places and voices rarely heard at global tables. Our convenings happen in cities off the usual circuit, with people outside the usual networks, creating the friction that sparks new thinking.
Reframe where knowledge comes from
We center perspectives that have been overlooked and challenge Western-dominant narratives. Our work doesn’t just acknowledge global diversity – it’s designed from it.
Do, not just talk
We tackle controversial topics and connect siloed communities. Every convening leads to committed action, not just conversation – with bold collaborations and rapid learning cycles built in from the start.
Looking back
to look forward
What is required of us in the next 15 years will be different to that of last 15. So, as we start this new chapter, we consolidate some of our learnings into this booklet.
We’ve also taken this opportunity to invite contributions from a few of the many people and organisations around the world who have shaped our thinking and work, and that of the whole field.
SIX has expanded my world view and systemic thinking.
– Ada Wong
It’s a place I would call home, it’s like-minded people. It’s about practitioners. It has all that comfort.
– Giulio Quagiotto
Our recent
work
Transforming societies through people powered change
In September 2024, SIX and the University of the Free State hosted the first global gathering of global social innovation leaders in Bloemfontein, South Africa. We discussed what it takes to build the collective power of communities to create thriving, resilient, people-powered places. You can read our insights report here.
Social innovation’s role in the EU Missions
The Social Innovation Mission Facility is a Horizon Europe project which aims to unlock the potential of social innovations into mission-oriented policy and practice. The project will engage and mobilise funders, investors, social innovators and R&I policy makers. Learn more about the project and the consortium of European partners running the project here.
The world needs new institutions
In 2025, traditional, top down, silo-ed, Western centric approaches to problem solving will no longer work. This is why we think EdelGive with SIX is paving the way and providing inspiration for others to follow. Read more about our approach here.
What spreads is practice, not programmes
Chris Vanstone, Co-CEO of The Australian Centre for Social Innovation (TACSI) shares how their understanding of how to do—and how to spread—social innovation has shifted significantly over the last 15 years. How can we help people learn social innovation, not just do it?
We are open to discussing new work and collaborations … if you want to develop a new initiative together, please get in touch. As always, EdelGive/SIX is an open invitation for new conversations and new ideas. We look forward to hearing from you.