State of the US Ecosystem - Foundation for Social Connection
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Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Connection (SILC)
State of the US Ecosystem
Background
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.
Watch the Launch Webinar
US SILC Ecosystem Map
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:
Entity type (e.g., nonprofit, coalition/network, academic institution)
Geographic scope (e.g., local, statewide, national)
Sector (e.g., health, education, food and nutrition)
Population focus (e.g., older adults, youth, caregivers)
Role in the ecosystem (e.g., conducting research, implementing interventions, advocating for policy)
Level of influence across the socio-ecological model (e.g., interpersonal, community, societal)
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.
Watch Tutorial
State of the US Ecosystem
Report
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.
Download the Report
Translating
Insights
into
Impact
The Ecosystem Map and
State of the US Ecosystem
Report are intended to support a wide range of audiences, including:
Practitioners
looking to identify partners, peer organizations, or complementary efforts
Researchers
seeking to understand how research, practice, and policy intersect in the SILC field
Funders and philanthropies
aiming to identify gaps, opportunities, and areas for strategic investment
Policymakers and government leaders
exploring how social connection is being addressed across sectors and levels
Community leaders and coalitions
working to strengthen coordination and collaboration locally or statewide
We encourage the field to apply these resources in ways that support learning, alignment, and collective action.
About this Work
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.
Get Involved
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?
Submit an Entity
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