This slideshow of examples of social finance stemmed from the Social Business sponsorship of MaRS Discovery District and SocialFinance.ca's annual Social Finance Forum. We first attended in 2011, which featured speakers including Antony Bugg-Levine, CEO of the Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF) and author of Impact Investing: Transforming How We Make Money While Making a Difference. The 2012 Social Finance Forum, which took place in Toronto in November was covered on the SocialBusiness.org blog, Social Innovation Meets Business Revolution, by our community manager, Rebecca Byers. She outlines some of the workshops she attended, more specifically, the ‘Social return on investment 101' one, which was put on by SiMPACT Strategy Group.
Here, are some of the pitches from the Good Deals UK section at the 2011 conference as well as other examples of social finance and investment.
15 Examples of Social Finance
15
Experience-Creating Cleaners
The Eco Laundry Room Has a Cafe, Kid's Play Area and Free WiFi
14
Social Investment Infographics
ClearlySo Marks the Start of the Future for Children Bond
13
Stuff-Sharing Social Enterprises
Unstash Fosters Collaborative Consumption for Sustainability
12
Social Profit Societies
Allia Works with Investments in the United Kingdom - Allia
11
Creating Community Bonds
CSI's Tonya Surman Addresses the 2011 Social Finance Forum
10
Disruptive Entrepreneur Incubators
The Unreasonable Institute Spurs Social Enterprise Ventures
9
Passionate Internet Communities
Phinklife is a Social Platform and Non-Profit Organization
8
Social Finance Forums
Mobilize Capital and Inspire New Ideas at 'Investing in Good Deals'
7
Digital Divide Connectors
Talk2One is a Social Enterprise Connecting People to Communication
6
CSR Influencers
'One Love Network' Empowers Consumers to Impact Social Good Budgets
5
Ambitious Altruistic Energy Ventures
Barefoot Power Provides Affordable Renewable Light Sources
4
Maintenance Services Co-ops
Self-Reliance Solutions Creates Employment Opportunities in Toronto
3
Social Investment Bank
First Charity Oriented Bank
2
Flying Pig Pitches
Good Deals UK Brings Unconventional Voting to the 2011 Social Finance Forum
1
Social Enterprise Magazines
Beyond Profit Provides Content to Spark Positive Change
Related Ideas
Global Social Impact Initiatives
Reckitt Expands Its Catalyst Program in the US
Stock Exchange Fashion Shows
L'OFFICIEL Organized a Novel Runway Presentation
Dynamic Scent-Inspired Fashion Presentations
Startup Fashion Week 2026 Concluded Its Program
Fashion-Forward Cultural Infrastructure Initiatives
THE FASH APP Debuts Founding Benefactor Circle
Community Run Hub Activations
New Balance London Run House opens at Somerset House for marathon
Gamified Financial Education Initiatives
TD Bank and the Venture Valley Creators Partner
Immersive Sports Marketing Campaigns
BMO's "Grow the Game" Campaign Celebrates the FIFA World Cup
Business Idea Generators
Crazy Business Idea Generator Lets Users Vote and Share Ideas Socially
AI Social Content Creation
Reelmoney Automates the Creation of AI Videos and Social Media Content
Corporate Skin-Care Initiatives
Beiersdorf Launches the Skin Care Innovation Fund
Cinematic Finance Campaigns
Robinhood Launched its 'Your Money, Your Move'
University Startup Accelerators
UC Davis Launches Life Science Venture Program With Funding
Multitasking Volunteer Initiatives
Heineken Fan Volunteers Applies a Rarely Used Employee Benefit
AI Finance Automation Platforms
Round Raised $6M and Launched Two New AI Finance Automation Tools
Superintelligence Startup Fundraises
Ineffable Intelligence Has Raised $1.1B In Seed Funding
Corporate Travel Trends
Navan Reported Its Corporate Booking Data for FIFA World Cup Host Cities
Branded Finance Platforms
More To Money Lets You Launch A Branded Personal Finance App Fast
AI-Driven Sports Startups
IBM Launches Its Sports Tech Startup Challenge
Pop-Up Sports Hospitality
Toronto’s FIFA Fan Festival Turns Urban Spaces into Immersive Fan Hubs
Feedless Social Platforms
Bond Eliminates Feeds to Focus on Real-Life Experiences
Adult Social Clubs
Social Club 150 Offers In-Person Events to Connect Adults in Their 40s - 60s+
Tourism Energy Villages
Goa Government Pilots Net Positive, Low-Impact Tourism Clusters
Social-First Retail Commerce
Shoezone expands TikTok Shop through creator-led shopping
Next-Gen Crowdfunding Platforms
Indiegogo Introduced Advanced Creators Tools, Verification & More
AI Fundraising Assistants
Agent Sam Helps Startups Handle Investor Questions Throughout
Startup Assessment Tools
Pitchago Provides AI Venture Scoring And Growth Insights For Startups
Financial Planning Tools
Perform Accurate Calculations and Plan Finances With Finance Calculator
Personal Finance Management Apps
Rewiser Helps Users Build A Custom Financial Experience
Idea Repository Books
Business Ideas Database Curates Proven Business Opportunities At Scale
Regenerative Agriculture Programs
SAI Platform Unites Food Brands Around Shared Farming Goals
Brand-Creator Matchmaking Events
Dhar Mann Studios & Brand Innovators Hosted a Speed Dating Event
Tournament Tech Partners
Salesforce Has Signed On as an Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Tech Partner
Dedicated Breakthrough Technology Hubs
The Future Lab at Goodwood Festival of Speed is Innovative
Anti-Screen Summer Social Events
Eventbrite Presents 'The Offline Summer' Initiative
Regulated Prediction Markets
Wealthsimple Has Launched Wealthsimple Predict
Awareness-Raising Shoe Store Concepts
Soles4Souls Canada Highlights What's Important This Season
African Creator Economy Platforms
The Sony Innovation Fund is Supporting the Work of Twiva
Design Sound Festivals
CONTRIBUTIONS Festival #2 Pairs Exhibited Art with Commissioned Soundscapes
Preventive Health Syndicates
Peers Capital Enters the Investment Landscape of Preventative Health
AI Deal Platform Investments
Mosaic Raised $18M to Scale Its Mosaic AI Deal Modeling Platform
Informal Science Events
The Pint of Science Festival Lets Researchers Interact with the Public
Engagement-Focused Gaming Platforms
The Money Factory's New Platform Deepens Connections
Wellness Recovery Events
Toronto's The Wellness Club Hosts an Immersive Social Wellness Experience
Restaurant-Supporting Loyalty Platforms
inKind Boasts Its Successes on Its 10-Year Anniversary
Safety-Focused Crowdfunding Campaigns
Running Mate is Focused on Making Running Safer for Women
Startup Asset Marketplaces
SimpleClosure Enables Founders to Sell Company Assets After Shutdown
European Football Club Investments
Venezia FC Has Closed Its €100M Investment Round
AI Startup Finance Platforms
Xendoo and Techstars Expanded Automated Founder Accounting
Franchise Commerce Marketing
poppi Connects Retail Products with Love Island Experiences
Longevity Investment Reports
Unfiltered Calls Attention to the Unfiltered Longevity 100
Social Engagement Platforms
Sociable AI Predicts Viral Posts And Generates Brand Aligned Comments
Financial Learning Platforms
Cash Critters Introduces Kids To Core Money Skills Through Play
Gaming Startup Accelerator Programmes
iGB L!VE Announces iGB Startups Accelerator and Pitch iGB
AI Matching Fundraising Features
ThatRound Announces Its AI Matching Engine
Peer-To-Peer Rental Marketplaces
Life4Rent Emphasizes Efficiency and Trust with Its Platform
Social Networking Hubs
Internet Social Café Lets Users Explore Cafés and Build Online Connections
Wealth Gap Pop-Ups
Oxfam's Pie Society Served the People’s Pie & Mash and The Upper Crust Special
Local Community Grant Programmes
Four Pillars Launches Four Pillars of the Community Grants
Mobile Pay-What-You-Can Markets
Brightspeed Partners with Ripe for Revival to Support Communities
Startup Investor Platforms
Find-Investor Connects Startups With Experienced Investors Efficiently
Bar-Centric Lecture Events
Sip & Learn Toronto Merges Night Life with Continued Education
Financial Planning Suites
Smart Invest Returns Offers Tools for Retirement, Investment & More
Niche Private Market Funds
Pursuit Asset-Based Income Fund Targets Niche Market Funds
Social Good Clothing Campaigns
ZigZag and The Salvation Army Partnered to Prevent Fashion Waste
Embedded Safety Networks
‘Ask for Angela’ Builds Retail-Based Support Systems Across Toronto
City-Focused Influencer Platforms
Storytime Launches Storytime Marketplace in Cities
Supportive Investment Initiatives
The Branded Agency Debuted a New Investment Arm — Snail Ventures
AI-Driven Science Funds
Breakout Ventures Closes Fund III at $114 Million
Regional Filmmaker-Supporting Platforms
IFC Has Committed Funding to Filmmakers Mart
Professional Networking Platforms
SPILL Brings Cultural Conversations To Professional Networking
Kids Finance Apps
FoxFund Teaches Children Saving, Budgeting, And Smart Spending Skills
Charitable Influencer-Targeting Campaigns
Puresport Runs the 'Thrift It Back' Campaign
AI Community Growth
SocialOne Helps Acquire, Analyze, And Engage Members Across Social Platforms
Social Forum Insight Trackers
Snoops.co Helps Businesses Find and Track Opportunities on Reddit
Social Learning Experiences
Lectures on Tap Hosts Expert-Led Discussions in Local Bars
Gender Gap-Alleviating Grant Programs
VOICEINSPORT Initiated a New Multi-Year Grant Program
Social Intelligence Tools
Recon Social Filters Social Media Noise Into Relevant Business Signals
Women Wealth Profiles
Millionaires List Showcases Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs And Their Paths
Branded Social Impact Initiatives
Youth To The People Unveils the Community To The People Program
Festival-Inspired Resale Marketplaces
The Reloved Market Pop-Up Shares In-Demand Seasonal Styles
Empathy-First Loyalty Playbooks
SumUp's CEO Highlights Main Street Tactics For Tech Loyalty
Goals-Based Investing Frameworks
TAPP Engine Taps Envestnet's ActivePassive ETF Model Portfolios
Product Discovery Communities
MillionShip Turns Product Discovery Into A Playful Experiences
Small Business-Honoring Events
Fairfax City Economic Development Brings Back Small Business Month
Canadian Healthcare Sector Investments
The Government of Canada Supports MoveMobility & QDoc Inc.
Financial Education-Focused Partnerships
Banking Academy of Vietnam and Vantage Foundation Partner
Digital Asset Marketplaces
Flippa Enables Buying And Selling Websites, Apps, And Online Businesses
Experiential Trade Shows
Wines Experience Reinvents Industry Networking in London
Impact Travel Guides
Giveback Guide Connects Travelers With Meaningful Ways To Support Local
Stock Analysis Platforms
Pocket Finance Hub Provides Insights On Stocks And Market Trends
Wristband Balance Donations
UNICEF Spain's Cash Forward Provides Purpose for Unspent Money
Local Restaurant Activations
Pepsi Hosts Community Events to Drive Restaurant Discovery
AI-Assisted Financial Platformas
InScope Launched an AI Platform for Financial Monitoring
Service-Backed Recommerce Platforms
Commonplace Launches Marketplace With Built-In Delivery
Community-Powered Hunger Relief
Meals on Wheels Chicago launches the Feed a Neighbor Fund
Balanced Venture Bets
Nexus Venture Partners Splits $700M Fund Between AI and India Startups
Strategic Community Resilience Funds
Mars Impact Fund Will Support Animals and Community
Investor Social Platforms
Brolyz Creates A Financial Social Media Platform For Sharing Trades
Sports Community Platforms
Sports Social Connects Athletes And Gamers Through Local Events
Fundraising Intelligence Tools
StartupSnoop Delivers AI-Collected Fundraising Data In One Place
Wealth Management Platforms
Prosperity AI Combines Financial Accounts to a Intelligent Dashboard
AI-Powered Learning Engines
The Jorgepaez Wealth Circle Taps Elias Sinclair for Guidance
Stock Analysis Tools
Investment Calculator Provides Financial Insights And ROI Metrics For Stocks
Regenerative Lending Facilities
InSoil Has Secured a €120M Senior Credit Facility
Social Good Gifting Ranges
The Virgin Experience Days Gifts for Good Collection is Purposeful
Financial Planning Platforms
WEALTH.SPACE Allows Simulation, Scenario Analysis, And Planning
Cash-Prize AI Rewards
KPMG Launches the 'AI Spark Innovation Awards'
Accelerated AI Funding Platforms
Franchise Now Speeds Up Lending and Onboarding with Automation
Investor Relations Tools
Studio UG Provides Resources For Startup Fundraising Preparation
Community Hunger Initiatives
Capacity & FoodBridge Launch Hunger Relief & Social Equity Initiative
Rebranded Women-Focused Organizations
Dress for Success Worldwide Launches 'Success Starts Now'
Targeted Startup Incentive Programs
Sugar Land Launches the 'Sugar Land Starts Up Innovation Fund'
AI Finance Intelligence
Neufin Combines Market Sentiment Stock Intelligence & Behavioral Analysis
Non-Custodial Yield Platforms
BlackForest Finance Makes Secure DeFi Earnings Simple
Repurposed Community Hubs
Mooie Buurt Adds Value to Venues & Unites Locals During Off-Peak Hours
AI News Impact Extensions
Read & Give Turns News Reading Into Instant Charitable Action
Soccer Equipment Donation Programs
Subaru of America is Running the Gear for Good Program
Trauma-Informed Healing Home Fundraisers
MoreYoga Joins Forces with Furnishing Futures
Community Fashion Events
Free People Hosts a Charitable Summer Gathering with Film and Activities
Community Connection Initiatives
Hosted Chatter & Natter Sessions Help People Connect Weekly
Grant Discovery Platforms
Startup Grants Helps Founders Find and Apply For Non-Dilutive Funding
Equity-Free Soonicorn Cohorts
Digital Serbia Introduced Its Soonicorn Program Cohorts
Digital Fundraising Competitions
Headquarterz Launched the Community Cup
B2B Leads Platforms
Fundraise Insider Provides Targeted Leads For Account-Based Sales
Global Sourcing-Focused Innovation Events
Made-In-China.com Hosted the Amazing April 2026 Event
Niche Membership Monetization Strategies
Outfit Formulas Launches Paid Membership With Alison Lumb
Non-Profit-Focused Ai Referral Networks
GPNP Debuts More Power Together
Purpose-Driven Brand Contests
Publicity for Good is Supporting Goodness with Its Contest
Agriculture-Focused Summit Competitions
The Grow-NY Program Will Distribute 3 Million in Funding
Financial Decision Calculators
Intelligent Financial Calculators Aids Cost, Goals, And EV Choices
Social Money Pooling
MoneyBlendr Helps Groups Contribute Funds and Participate in Shared Pools
Accessibility-Focused Evaluation Systems
Santander Work Cafés Implements ‘Accessibility Scores’
Startup Funding Directories
Credit for Startups Helps Entrepreneurs Discover Funding Opportunities
Fintech Software Suites
OneFin Provides Comprehensive Banking & NBFC Solutions
Community Sports Hubs
The Stadium of Life Proposal Combines Football Facilities with Urban Farming
Social Sharing Tools
Social Plus Expands Your Reach With Shared Posts Across Platforms
Community-Focused Support Programs
Jessica Lee Has Established the 'Pursue the Dream' Program
Hospitality Strategy Communities
The PickUp Unites Revenue Managers in One Hub
Renewable Loan Surges
IREDA Expands Green Lending To Accelerate India’s Clean Power
Cash Yield Optimizers
Smart Yield Optimizes Returns By Matching Funds To Your Tax Profile