#USA #Wisconsin #Five & Rising #Social Current #Jody Levison-Johnson

Unleashing the Full Potential of the Social Sector

The term "nonprofit" is set to be replaced with a new dialogue that embraces the economic power of the social sector. With a significant 12.5 million jobs and a contribution of $1.4 trillion to the U.S. economy, the sector is a powerhouse that has been held back by outdated concepts and funding models. On September 16, 2025, Social Current unveiled its new initiative, Five & Rising, which aims to elevate the economic status and impact of the social sector.

What is Five & Rising?

Five & Rising is not just a movement; it's a national campaign designed to unlock the full economic prowess of the social sector, which currently holds a 5.2% share of the U.S. GDP. This initiative seeks to reframe how the sector is perceived, treated, and funded, proving that it is not merely an auxiliary player but a significant driver of economic growth.

The Vision Behind Five & Rising

Dr. Jody Levison-Johnson, President and CEO of Social Current, articulated the vision for Five & Rising, stating, “These pilot communities will demonstrate that when we invest in the real cost of impact and trust local leaders to innovate, we unlock change that ripples far beyond their borders.” This statement encapsulates the spirit of the initiative, which aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth.

Inspired by the documentary UnCharitable by Stephen Gyllenhaal, this movement addresses the need for a narrative that highlights the potential for innovation and economic stability within the social sector. Gyllenhaal remarked, “It’s time we rewrite the narrative—one that reflects the truth the social sector is a force of innovation, impact, and economic power.”

Pilot Communities

The inaugural pilot communities of Five & Rising are groundbreaking examples of what can happen when innovation meets community leadership.

1. Center for Community Impact (Northwest Ohio)
This initiative focuses on collaboration within rural America. By constructing shared systems and strategies, the Center for Community Impact aims to attract investment and launch leadership boot camps that will strengthen the capabilities of rural organizations.

2. ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi (Hilo, Hawaiʻi)
This community is pioneering economic equity through a project called Philanthropono, which is grounded in Indigenous knowledge. By simplifying grant processes and promoting long-term funding relationships, they are establishing a model for trust-based philanthropy that addresses equity in historically marginalized areas.

3. Progressive Life Center (Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware)
Focused on redefining foster care, Progressive Life Center seeks to establish a holistic, family-centered system that emphasizes healing and support. They’re building a coalition of various stakeholders to create a sustainable model of care that can be utilized across the country.

Building a National Landscape of Impact

Five & Rising is set to provide various forms of support to its pilot communities over the next year. This includes technical assistance, investment strategies, a national roadmap for the social sector, and resources for capacity-building. The aim is to dismantle outdated narratives about the sector and encourage innovative approaches to fundraising, advocacy, and governance. The outcomes from these pilot projects are expected to pave the way for a national framework that reimagines philanthropy and supports sustained community impact.

Dr. Levison-Johnson hopes that as these communities succeed, their models will inspire similar efforts nationwide, amplifying the collective capabilities of the social sector.

Conclusion

As Social Current embarks on this transformative journey, the emphasis remains on tapping into the vast resources and potential within the social sector. The efforts of Five & Rising could redefine what it means to be part of the social sector while simultaneously addressing systemic issues that hinder growth. Join the movement at FiveAndRising.org and be part of shaping a new narrative for the social landscape.