Inspiring examples of social entrepreneurship
If you need a little inspiration for your own social entrepreneurship project, you can learn from the success of these companies. They are all examples of how entrepreneurship and innovation can be applied to something other than making money - or really not making money at all. Some might be more socially motivated than others, but they share a dedication to delivering on some greater good and creating social change.
This list is by no means comprehensive and I'm sure you can add to it. What did I miss?
1. TOMS Shoes
Ran by Blake Mycoskie, TOMS Shoes gives shoes to children in need for every pair of shoes purchased at their website or at one of their retail locations. In addition, a percentage of each sale goes towards helping kids with hearing problems around the world. The company has now grown into a full range of shoes and accessories - with over $100 million donated so far!
2. Unreasonable Institute
At this summer institute, social entrepreneurs are provided with a 3-month intensive program in which they develop their ideas into actionable business plans. The Institute is already backed by $16 million from the Ford Foundation and also received funding from the U.S. Department of State and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
3. Community Health Improvement Project
The center helps to improve access to healthcare, especially for the poor, by helping communities understand their own health-related needs and by providing healthcare services to those people who are unable to pay for them themselves. The project is funded in part by donations from pharmaceutical companies.
4. WaterAid
WaterAid is a charity that fights against global poverty through access to safe water, sanitation, hygiene & clean energy in Africa, Asia & Latin America. They do this by teaching people how to improve and maintain their own water systems rather than simply building infrastructure.
5. The Foundation for Nepal
Since 1990, the foundation has been working with the poor and the marginalized in Nepal to help them not just survive but live better lives. They have three main programs that they focus on: sustainable village development; children's education; and disaster relief in times of emergency.
5. Poverty Project
The Poverty Project is working to alleviate poverty by providing access to finance, training and funding, as well as business support services for over 2 million of the world's poorest entrepreneurs living in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Their microfinance loans are made at 2% interest.
7. Sisters of Mercy
Sisters of Mercy is a global network of Catholic nuns dedicated to serving those in need by working in healthcare, education, social justice, advocacy and peace. They are supported by over 300 individual schools called the "School Sisters of St. Francis".
8. Self-Help Africa
Self-Help Africa supports organizations whose aim is to eliminate poverty by helping those least equipped to cope with it face their adversities. On average, they reach 200,000 people per day - and have helped over 16 million people since 1984! Additionally, they provide business support and employment training for over 25,000 people per year in the countries they work in.
9 . Project Healthy Children
This charity was started by former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates a decade ago. Its mission is to improve the health of children and provide them with improved sanitation and clean drinking water. Since its beginning, it has raised over $600 million for its cause - and successfully saved more than 6 million lives.
10. Global Fund for Women
The Global Fund for Women has been working with women, girls, and activists in low income countries since 1988 to help improve women's rights, sexual health and reproductive healthcare, as well as economic opportunity for women all across the globe. They are currently active in 17 different countries.
11 . SALT
The SALT is a model of sustainable economic development for poor communities in Africa, Asia and Latin America. This non-profit works with local communities to help them establish community based businesses that contribute positively to their society. Their company, SALT Switzerland, is made up of over 100 members who are paid through an equity-based system.
12 . One Acre Fund
The One Acre Fund supports small scale farmers to eliminate poverty in rural areas around the world by providing them with financial and technical assistance - as well as a marketplace where they can sell their products. They have built up a savings facility for the farmers which will eventually turn into a self sustaining business model for them.
13 . Women's Funding Network
This charity provides women in low income countries with the tools they need to start and run a small business. Programs include training, business planning, market research and technical support. They currently work in 14 low income countries and have achieved an 85% success rate. The founder is a mother of three children - including one with a disability!
14 . UNICEF
UNICEF aims to improve the well-being of children around the world by raising awareness of issues that affect them, making sure that basic human needs are met and making sure they have access to education, health care and social services. Additionally , they are working on improving women's rights through literacy programs for young girls.
15 . Global Health Corps
Global Health Corps is a volunteer based public service program that recruits young people to work on health related projects around the world. They also help promote and support other non-profit organizations that are working on improving healthcare.
16 . College Summit
College Summit is a non-profit organization committed to helping young people reach their education goals. They provide students with guidance and support through high school, college and beyond. Their goal is to provide students with the resources they need for them all to graduate from college - as well as develop a commitment to helping others along the way.
One of the most effective ways you can help fight poverty in impoverished nations is by making sure they have access to clean water. Water Charity is working to build sustainable water systems in developing countries. Their mission is to "provide access to safe water and sanitation, supporting communities living in extreme poverty. They currently support projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
20 . Oxfam
Oxfam International believes that poverty can be defeated and that their goal is to work with others towards an equitable and sustainable world for all people. They are active around the globe working on humanitarian aid, economic development and justice issues.
21 . World Food Program
The WFP works with the United Nations to fight hunger worldwide by delivering food assistance in response to natural disasters, armed conflicts or economic crises - including school meals for more than 3 million children every day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these are twenty-one non-profit organizations that I recommend supporting. Many provide financial assistance to those who live in impoverished nations - helping children and women especially - providing them with more opportunities for a better life.
22. Heifer Project International
HPI provides livestock such as goats, cows and chickens to those who live in rural areas of developing countries. Not only does this give families the ability to provide fresh milk, meat and eggs - but it also allows them to earn extra income through the sale of their animals' offspring or recycled manure . Additionally, they support individuals by paying its global network of farmers $4 per day to care for these animals during breeding season .
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