Built to Last: Social Innovation in Transition

This report celebrates the resilience, spirit and impact of the Schwab Foundation community at a moment of profound transition for the social innovation sector.

Despite economic shocks, funding declines and geopolitical uncertainty, social innovators across the Foundation’s network have continued to reimagine their models and expand their impact, directly improving the lives of more than 950 million people worldwide since founding their organizations.

The report also presents the work of the 2026 Awardees, a remarkable group of leaders whose approaches demonstrate that financial sustainability and systemic social and environmental progress can be mutually reinforcing. From advancing inclusive healthcare and preventing human trafficking to strengthening climate resilience and civic participation, they show how collaboration and purpose-driven leadership can transform systems.

Through research, community insights and examples of practice adoption, the report also underscores the Schwab Foundation’s role in advancing innovative models, strengthening the ecosystem around social innovation and supporting leaders who continue to shape a more inclusive, sustainable and human-centred future.