I had the pleasure of presenting a session titled 'Social Capital Financing' as part of the Social Economy Lunchbox Speakers' Series at the University of Toronto. My excellent co-presenter, Anne Jamieson from the Toronto Enterprise Fund, and I discussed key issues and trends around social capital markets in Canada. My presentation focused on the supply-side of social finance, that is the capital looking to generate a blended value return.

I began with an overview of the Canadian social capital market, by providing an overview of the key players in each of the supply (social investors) and demand (social enterprises and nonprofits) sides, and the intermediaries that connect the two. The second half of the presentation focused on the issues, challenges and opportunities on the supply-side, where I described why I think there is much reason for optimism around recent movement from the supply-side that will enhance the level of activity around social finance in Canada.

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As a consultant to the non-profit sector in Toronto, I have seen an increasing number of financial challenges faced by non-profit organizations over the past year.  I believe these challenges will encourage more organizations to rethink their financing models and encourage them to look for new options. 

Now is the time for the social finance movement to put forth its value proposition to established sector leaders and some of the largest and most influential nonprofits in Canada - the YMCAs, Community Living organizations, United Ways, as well as community foundations and government funders.  Many of these organizations are not as involved in the dialogue on future of innovative financing models as they could be.

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Microphilathropy is an approach to philanthropy based on smaller, more direct interaction between those who are in need and those who can give. Platforms such as Kiva, DonorsChoose and Facebook Causes have the ability to aggregate thousands of relatively small donations to make a big difference.

I had the honour of presenting at Social Venture Partners Toronto's panel discussion on, "How Microphilanthropy Is Changing Giving".

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This white paper was prepared by MaRS and Ogilvy Renault LLP with the primary objective to increase capital directed at the community for delivering social and/or environmental benefits and two secondary objectives, to simplify and clarify the legal structures and permitted activities by creating a new form of legal vehicle and to provide a brand for social enterprise, social finance and community benefit, thus providing legitimacy and enhanced profile for such activities.

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For many of you who read this blog, the Social Capital Partners story will be familiar to you. On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to hear Bill Young speak, and once again I was inspired, and I thought - this is a story worth repeating.

Bill Young came into a lot of money at the time of the technology stock frenzy, and he used it to found Social Capital Partners in 2001. He wanted to figure out the answer to the question “is there a way to harness market forces to do social good?”

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