This article brings up a couple points that I think are interesting. One, it speaks to the need for government to get more involved with working with the social enterprise sector in structuring organizations in a way that enables them to flourish through more effective functioning. Two, it speaks to the potentials for impact investing to create, well, impact in local communities. This movement needs to continue its rise to prominence in the eyes of institutional investors.
I remember struggling to find information regarding the ONG and volunteer role in Rio de Janeiro just one year before Civicus published its work Citizens. It’s high time for an update
This story reminds me very much of the story of a similar organization in the U.S. Self-Help was started in 1984 with a similar mission and equally minimal resources, and has grown to be the largest social fund in the U.S. with over $2 billion under management. With a growing market economy in Brazil and a banking system that is not focused on either for profit and non-profit social enterprise, Sitawi could have the opportunity to meet its ambitious goals. I don’t believe a for-profit fund is the natural progression to success over the long run. Self-Help has grown successfully and sustainably as a non-profit. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages.
Congratulations Leonardo! I loved your approach. I am the Executive Director of a Brazilian Socio-Enviornmental Fund - CASA - http://www.casa.org.br, which gives small grants to community based groups and small NGOs/NGO networks throughout South America. Our funding model uses a systemic and eco-systems approach. You are right, we have a long ways to go, and we should be talking to see how we can further our missions in Brazil, encourage and support each other. Yours is a really great idea, and definitely a breakthrough for social Brazilian entrepreneurs. Parabéns!
COMMENTS
BY Auren Kaplan
ON November 23, 2011 09:00 AM
This article brings up a couple points that I think are interesting. One, it speaks to the need for government to get more involved with working with the social enterprise sector in structuring organizations in a way that enables them to flourish through more effective functioning. Two, it speaks to the potentials for impact investing to create, well, impact in local communities. This movement needs to continue its rise to prominence in the eyes of institutional investors.
BY Deirdre Araujo
ON February 2, 2012 11:16 AM
I remember struggling to find information regarding the ONG and volunteer role in Rio de Janeiro just one year before Civicus published its work Citizens. It’s high time for an update
BY Bob Schall
ON February 2, 2012 12:39 PM
This story reminds me very much of the story of a similar organization in the U.S. Self-Help was started in 1984 with a similar mission and equally minimal resources, and has grown to be the largest social fund in the U.S. with over $2 billion under management. With a growing market economy in Brazil and a banking system that is not focused on either for profit and non-profit social enterprise, Sitawi could have the opportunity to meet its ambitious goals. I don’t believe a for-profit fund is the natural progression to success over the long run. Self-Help has grown successfully and sustainably as a non-profit. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages.
BY karl haddad
ON February 2, 2012 02:03 PM
Leonardo, interesting stuff.
I am a social entrepreneur and just have completed a 3yr round the world humanitarian journey http://www.tradinglives.org
Recently, I set about completing another project (a yr in the making to date) http://www.wogerz.com
and I would love to discuss further with you regarding this matter
BY Maria Amália Souza
ON February 2, 2012 02:05 PM
Congratulations Leonardo! I loved your approach. I am the Executive Director of a Brazilian Socio-Enviornmental Fund - CASA - http://www.casa.org.br, which gives small grants to community based groups and small NGOs/NGO networks throughout South America. Our funding model uses a systemic and eco-systems approach. You are right, we have a long ways to go, and we should be talking to see how we can further our missions in Brazil, encourage and support each other. Yours is a really great idea, and definitely a breakthrough for social Brazilian entrepreneurs. Parabéns!
BY karl haddad
ON February 2, 2012 02:09 PM
Leonardo, interesting stuff.
I am a social entrepreneur and just have completed a 3yr round the world humanitarian journey http://www.tradinglives.org
Recently, I set about completing another project (a yr in the making to date) http://www.wogerz.com
and I would love to discuss further with you regarding this matter.
Take care and look forward to our chat
BY Riccardo
ON February 3, 2012 06:23 AM
You were really brave to put all your energy into something you believed in. Thanks for the inspiring article!
BY Leonardo Letelier
ON February 10, 2012 10:48 AM
Thanks for the comments; in case you want to get in touch directly, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Want to help with a few clicks? http://www.iadb.org/en/resources-for-businesses/beyondbanking/public-login,2234.html
Thanks!
Leonardo