Social Finance - Blog

Just 15 Spots Remaining for Canada Day @ SoCap10

Peter Deitz - — 2010-09-08T18:13

Hello SocialFinance.ca Community! This is a reminder that registration for Canada Day @ SoCap10 ends next week Wednesday, September 15th. We are expecting a lively group of social finance practitioners from across Canada.

Confirmed attendees include representatives from Phillips, Hager & North, Vancouver Foundation, SHSC Financial, Wellesley Institute, Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion (BACI), Sarona Asset Management, Social Venture Exchange (SVX), Social Capital Partners, Igniter Inc, SiG National, Causeway, SiG @ MaRS, and SocialFinance.ca.

Introducing the 2nd Edition of Enterprising Non-profits’ Canadian Social Enterprise Guide

David LePage - Program Manager, Enterprising Non-Profits (enp) — 2010-09-07T17:23

If you're a non-profit organization thinking about creating or already developing a new enterprise, or if you are expanding/formalizing your existing mission serving enterprise or revenue-generating programs, then this guide is for you.

Three Business Models for the Bottom Billion

Assaf Weisz - Executive Director of Young Social Entrepreneurs of Canada — 2010-09-02T17:09

I've been thinking about this for the last few days, and I'd love your contributions to this thought experiment. It seems to me, I've only come across 3 types of business models for serving low-income/impoverished people.

CSR Is Not Dead

Ashley Hamilton - Founder and Principal, Ashley Hamilton Consulting — 2010-09-01T19:03

The Wall Street Journal has reignited a debate about the value of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Does it add value to a business, or is it an unnecessary drain of resources away from shareholders?

Invest vs. Donate: It’s Value Based

Michele Fugiel Gartner - Executive Director, Social Venture Partners Calgary — 2010-08-31T16:52

This post began as an innocent nod to the Calgary Microcredit Conference that is taking place on September 11. In Alberta, just as in many places, we are seeing folks come forward into the nonprofit sector and social space who want to do more than donate their money.

The Co-op Perspective on Socially Responsible Investing (Part 2)

2010-08-26T17:48

Complicating the ability of co-ops to raise capital outside their membership is the fact that co-ops operate outside of the public stock market – in part based on the historical recognition of the primacy of members.

The Co-op Perspective on Socially Responsible Investing (Part 1)

2010-08-25T19:51

I had the opportunity to attend the Social Investment Organization Conference in June and a few things struck me about the traditional investment industry's potential relationship with co-operatives.

5 Recommendations to Strengthen Social Enterprise/Finance in Ontario

Tonya Surman - Executive Director, Centre for Social Innovation — 2010-08-24T19:19

Community bonds, public lands, RRSP's, tax incentives and preferential mortgages - this is what will strengthen social enterprise in Ontario. CSI is looking for some quick and easy wins to move social enterprise forward. What do you think?

Your Ideas for the OPEN Guide to Social Finance

Jo Reynolds - Program Coordinator at Causeway Social Finance — 2010-08-23T17:48

Thank you! We have had a great response from organizations and individuals interested in providing content to the Guide to Social Finance. This is a dynamic process and we invite you to shape the guide’s development as we go along.

Securitization Is Not A Four Letter Word

2010-08-19T19:31

In the past two years, the popular press, for good reason, has railed against the lack of regulation, systemic failures, and rampant conflicts of interest that led to the recent financial crisis. Securitized products, and derivatives of those products, have been featured prominently as analysts, academics, and legislators assign blame for the bank failures and the market turmoil of the past two years.