What a great year it has been in social finance and impact investing. There has been a massive surge in interest as more and more people realize that making the world a better place and living well are not, in fact, mutually exclusive.

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"Dignity is more important than bread.” Basma Bouazizi said these words when referring to her brother Mohamed, the Tunisian who set himself on fire just over a year ago and sparked a global movement and inspiration for change. Her mother, Mannoubia added, "My son set himself on fire for dignity." Mohamed and other global citizens have been recognized this year by TIME Magazine, who announced this year's “Person of the Year” to be “The Protester.”

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Economic justice involves the moral principles and values that govern the creation of economic institutional frameworks. Such frameworks affect social order and individuals by determining the rules and norms for how one exchanges goods and services, enters into contracts and earns a living. Consequently, with a solid economic and institutional framework to operate within, an individual is at liberty to seek economic sustenance. Non-profit venture funds, like Acumen Fund, promote and implement concepts and practices that ensure greater economic justice.

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I was fortunate enough to attend last week's Social Finance Forum organized by the MaRS Centre for Impact Investing (CII). The event was packed and there was a real buzz in the air. I left MaRS with renewed faith and a sore throat, a testament to my yapping all day long with incredibly interesting people. I have two personal takeaways from the event I thought I'd share with the social finance community, with the hope that you will accept my honesty in a positive light.

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I was first introduced to the Acumen Fund in 2009 when I was looking to work internationally. It was recommended to me as a well-run non-profit that addressed the issues of poverty using a market-driven approach. While it has been on my radar since then, the Toronto Chapter’s “Dignity In Focus” event was the first time I formally interacted with the organization. On December 1, Toronto + Acumen partnered with Nuru Project to host a photo auction fundraiser. Judging from the packed room, engaged crowd, and beautiful pictures, I’d say that the event was a success.

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