The State of Social Innovation

The State of the (Social Inno) vation

Felt like I had to borrow that american reference just to emphasize how important the current issue of The Philanthropist is to social innovation. A tome on 'us'; it's the most comprehensive summary of where we are that I've ever read. I keep it on my e-reader, which people may know, is never far from me.

This week on So Fine Canada, I'm going to have the opportunity to speak to the editor, the supporter (big time) and a contributor and then, we'll talk with a fantastic successful social enterprise, the Potluck Cafe. Imagine, everyone and everything (well, it feels that way) regarding social innovation in just 423 pages! Unbelievable (I mentioned that it was a tome).

While it might take you a bit to get through, I suggest you keep it handy. Clear thinking, the most recent issues, points being raised worthy of a lot of discussion and free! Get one! current issue Vol 23 No3

This Sunday , go online to So Fine Canada and listen in for Don Bourgeois, Tim Brodhead and Nora Sobolov plus Heather O'Hara. More interesting than the State of the Nation address any day (my opinion of course).

Social Purpose Real Estate

Social Purpose Real Estate = Social Business + Assets

It was really exciting to have been at the first ever Social Purpose Real Estate conference in Vancouver BC. The many, many innovative and successful social enterprises, foundations, funders and newby's was unbelievable and immeasurably informative. If anyone doubts that business can be done differently to make a profit and have a heart, you need to view these people now.

So here are the fantastic, the un(der)-known and the successful people leading the way towards making business what it should be: good profit = good life (for all people). And I think we'll get a 'good' happy, healthy planet along the way too.

Central City Foundation: a century of investing capital and building community in Vancouver BC
Fraserside Community Services; making a difference in people's lives BC
Nonprofit Centers Network: premiere learning community on nonprofit shared space and services - Canada and the U.S.Potluck Catering and Cafe: improving the quality of life and economic vitality in the Downtown Eastside
Real Estate Foundation: supporting innovative projects which will stand as examples of responsible and sustainable land use BC
Renewal2: provides opportunities for investors to participate in the development of business at the forefront of social and environmental innovation.
Social Innovation.ca: creating the spaces that social innovation needs to thrive (Toronto, ON)
Tides Canada: uncommon solutions for the common good
Vancity Community Foundation: in the business of connecting values-driven donors with values-driven work in community.
Urbanspace Property Group: inspiring the integration of commerce, culture and community.

Fundraising and Social Innovation

Fundraising and Social Innovation

Tina Crouse, Strategist

 In just finishing a guest lecture for the University of Northern British Columbia, I realize again, how ingrained the idea of grant writing and fundraising is to non-profits. But I know that world is changing and I feel somewhat awkward in teaching people how to do that better, while firmly believing that Canada's granting system is in decline and will not be the mainstay of funding in the fairly near future.

So what else can I offer students and non-profit clients so that they can take heart that their world will not crumble without grants ? Social Innovation.