Knowledge Center

Human trafficking – the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit human beings through forced labor, involuntary servitude, or sexual exploitation – is a staggering crime against humanity and requires a multi- pronged response from all sectors of society. Faculty and students at U.S. Catholic colleges and universities are among those organizations engaged and active in the fight against human trafficking, particularly as galvanizing participants in promoting awareness and inspiring engagement and action.

Despite a rich history of innovation within the Catholic community, there has not been a systematic review or analysis of social innovation within the Catholic philanthropic world. Inspired by the recognition that Catholic ministries are creatively harnessing social innovation for those on the margins, and the fact that this combination of faith in action and innovation for others is not well known, Foundations and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities (FADICA) launched a three-year initiative to examine Catholic social innovation.