Social Entrepreneurship

A collection of standout pieces published online about housing justice, ESG, funding social ventures, and the effects of large, unrestricted gifts on leaders.

The Social Impact Investment Mirage

By Amanda Levinson & Natasha Freidus 6

It’s time for funders to get real about what social entrepreneurs need to succeed.

Thinking and Acting Like a Platform Will Help Social Entrepreneurs Create Impact at Scale

By Irina Snissar Lobo & Maria Zapata

Platform thinking pushes social entrepreneurs to leave the role of the problem solver in favor of being an enabler of changemakers who can solve problems locally.

How Radical Trust Creates Long-Term Resilience

By Réjane Woodroffe

A founder and director finds there is no better way to demonstrate confidence in people, systems, and organizations than to physically leave for a year at a time, every five years.

Making the Affordable Aspirational: Increasing the Adoption of Frugal Innovations at the Base of the Pyramid

By Cristian Granados & Jaideep Prabhu

Companies and nonprofits need to be more realistic and empathetic that consumers’ decisions are not purely driven by cost.

What Business Leaders Bring to Tough Social Challenges

By Sarah Murray

Many hold strong opinions about translating private-sector experience to social impact. Four pioneering founders have figured out how to make it work.

When It Becomes Impossible to Look Away

By Ann Lamont

What drives social change leaders to dedicate their lives to problems larger than themselves? What motivates them to make sacrifices that others are not willing to make?

Preserving Social Purpose Amid a Global Pandemic

By Gregory C. Unruh & Fernanda Arreola

Mexico’s Pixza began as a social inclusion vehicle for homeless adults through a pizza business. Its evolution demonstrates how social entrepreneurs can leverage purpose to sustain organizations through a crisis and to reengineer business models to foster greater impact.