Introduction: Innovation is now a key factor for competitiveness and, although the degree of interest aroused by the third sector is still emerging, it is increasingly common to find success stories of non-profit organizations (npo) that have developed innovative experiences in the social sphere. Methodology: A study was conducted in social action institutions in the province of Córdoba, Spain, consisting of a first phase of quantitative nature, aimed at establishing a diagnosis and a general assessment of the sector through the data obtained from a self-diagnosis questionnaire of social innovation answered by entities that bring together more than 80% of the social action sector in the province. Results: The results of the study lead to the conclusion that there is still a great lack of knowledge about the concept of social innovation. Conclusions: npos need to come a long way in terms of innovation in their processes, use of new information and communication technology, collaborative work and experience exchange.