Events of interest

Here are “items of interest” to me, and, perhaps, to you: A discussion on activism and momentumDecember 2, 12:30 – 2:00 pm ESTTurning Voters into Activists Experts and activists chosen as Prime Mover fellows of the Hunt Alternatives Fund will offer ideas for how citizens, grassroots activists, funders, and the media can capitalize on the [...]

Product innovation in Social Capital Markets

Last week I wrote about a new philanthropic mutual fund. Today, SocialEdge, is discussing a new blended option for investing in social enterprises. The model draws lessons from microfinance and social networks, and is explained on the Entrepreneur Commons site. Here is the one sentence description: “A not-for-profit social network of entrepreneurs providing financing for [...]

Understanding donors options

I’m continuing the conversation started by Patrick O’Heffernan over at SocialEdge. Here’s my latest: The challenge that DAFs pose to NGOs is important because it represents the same challenge posed by small – which is to say most – foundations. The challenge is that these resources are effectively hidden from the nonprofits view. Often deliberately. [...]

Changes that matter?

SocialEdge is hosting a discussion on thriving in the “Changing world of foundations.” Patrick O’Heffernan’s post to start the conversation is worth reading, and I’ll be checking in on developments as the dialogue gets going. The gist of the opening comment: How the game has changed: • There are more foundations, but many are small [...]

Matchmaking and competition for social ventures

The Global Social Ventures Competition is a business-plan contest for social enterprises. The sponsors also seek to help match make between ventures and venturers – see their blog for more details. Tags: philanthropy, socialentrepreneurs, technology

Pointing you to others

Two other blogs with some philanthropy tools and links you might find thought-inspiring: First, the Case Foundation (Steve Case of AOL fame) has a spotlight section on their site that looks at the issues the foundation funds. Today (this week?) the Spotlight page will take you to some good links on giving, including research, tips [...]