Social Work Impact Legacy Fund

Social Work Impact Legacy Fund Social workers are essential architects of social change, working across systems to strengthen communities and advance human dignity. They provide direct services, advocate for equitable policies, strengthen organizations, and address systemic inequalities that affect vulnerable populations. Despite their critical contributions, social workers face significant financial barriers. According to SoFi (2025), nearly half of Bachelor of Social Work graduates carry an average of $27,183 in student loan debt at graduation, while 35% of MSW graduates hold an average of $38,500 in debt. This amount nearly matches the median annual salary of $48,000 for social workers with graduate degrees, according to NASW, meaning many social workers begin their careers owing nearly a full year’s salary in educational debt. While the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program offers relief, it remains vulnerable to policy changes and creates potential tax liabilities, compounding financial strain for professionals already stretching limited resources. The Social Work Impact Legacy Fund addresses this reality by supporting aspiring social workers who embody the profession’s core values: service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. By reducing educational debt burdens, we ensure that financial constraints do not prevent dedicated individuals from pursuing careers in social work, strengthening our capacity to advance people-centered values and create meaningful social impact.