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
Wealth Simulation Experiences
Spend Bill Gates' Money in an Interactive Wealth Simulator
Global Social Impact Initiatives
Reckitt Expands Its Catalyst Program in the US
Authentic Connection Campaigns
Heineken's Hijack Socialization Encourages Out-of-Home Gatherings
Stock Exchange Fashion Shows
L'OFFICIEL Organized a Novel Runway Presentation
Gamified Financial Education Initiatives
TD Bank and the Venture Valley Creators Partner
Social-First Local Shopping Schemes
Shop Local by Tiktok Shop Makes Homegrown Goods Accessible
Cross-Industry Insight Networks
The Think Party Explores the Future of Socialization
Varsity Influencer Teams
UNC Turns Student-Athletes Into Social Media Monetization Experts
Business Idea Generators
Crazy Business Idea Generator Lets Users Vote and Share Ideas Socially
Corporate Skin-Care Initiatives
Beiersdorf Launches the Skin Care Innovation Fund
Expansive Social Good-Focused Partnerships
Hyundai is Committed to Community Wellbeing
Imaginative Fantasy-Inspired Campaigns
Canva Spotlights its Creative Tools Ahead of Halloween
AI Finance Automation Platforms
Round Raised $6M and Launched Two New AI Finance Automation Tools
Cinematic Finance Campaigns
Robinhood Launched its 'Your Money, Your Move'
Social Insight Tools
Currents AI Turns Social Media Data Into Actionable Business Insights
Social Sports Pavilions
Good City Studio Transforms a Power Plant into Ballers Sports Venue
Blockchain-Based Credit Scoring Solutions
Mann Deshi Foundation Partners with Algorand Foundation
Teen Finance Education
SimplyBudget Helps Teens Manage Money With AI and Parental Oversight
Nonprofit Technology Solutions
Benevolent Tech Launched the Mission Action Pack (MAP)
Free Educational Fashion Events
Fashion Takes Action is Hosting a Free Public Event Named Remode
Tourism Energy Villages
Goa Government Pilots Net Positive, Low-Impact Tourism Clusters
Next-Gen Crowdfunding Platforms
Indiegogo Introduced Advanced Creators Tools, Verification & More
Community-Centric E-Commerce Initiatives
MyCommunity.Today Delivers Accessible Digital Tools
Property Management Guides
FirstService Residential Has Released Its 2025 Benchmark Studies
Financial Planning Tools
Perform Accurate Calculations and Plan Finances With Finance Calculator
Social Responsibility-Aligned Corporate Marketing
GoodBrand Impact is a Newly Launched Agency
Wellness-First Social Networks
Communia Turns Social Media into Social Self-Care
On-Campus Business Incubators
San Francisco Bay University is Debuting Innovate Bay
Startup Networking Platforms
'Solution' Connects the Global Startup Ecosystem in One Digital Hub
Idea Repository Books
Business Ideas Database Curates Proven Business Opportunities At Scale
Profitable Insurtech IPO Platforms
Ethos Technologies Debuts LIFE Ticker With Commission-Based Pla
Adult Social Clubs
Social Club 150 Offers In-Person Events to Connect Adults in Their 40s - 60s+
Charitable Fashion Shows
Bloor-Yorkville BIA and Collaborators Ran Couture for a Cause:
Diversity-Focused Entrepreneurs Access Networks
EY Canada Supports 17 BIPOC Entrepreneurs
Gaming Startup Accelerator Programmes
iGB L!VE Announces iGB Startups Accelerator and Pitch iGB
Embedded Lending Platforms
Adyen Launched SMB Financing Through Platforms
Assistive Mobility Technology Initiatives
Toyota Partners with the MaRS Discovery District
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
On-Demand Content Creation Apps
Social Agent Connects Users to Certified Content Creators
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
Triathlon Community Development Initiatives
The Triathlon Industry Alliance Debuts Tri It Forward
Community-Centered Rooftop Events
Heineken's Rooftop Revival Turned Building Tops into Social Hubs
Financial Learning Platforms
Cash Critters Introduces Kids To Core Money Skills Through Play
Peer-To-Peer Rental Marketplaces
Life4Rent Emphasizes Efficiency and Trust with Its Platform
Local Community Grant Programmes
Four Pillars Launches Four Pillars of the Community Grants
Social Networking Hubs
Internet Social Café Lets Users Explore Cafés and Build Online Connections
Embedded Safety Networks
‘Ask for Angela’ Builds Retail-Based Support Systems Across Toronto
Wealth Gap Pop-Ups
Oxfam's Pie Society Served the People’s Pie & Mash and The Upper Crust Special
Investment Discovery-Focused Tools
Interactive Brokers Debuts the Connections Tool
Startup Investor Platforms
Find-Investor Connects Startups With Experienced Investors Efficiently
Financial Planning Suites
Smart Invest Returns Offers Tools for Retirement, Investment & More
Bar-Centric Lecture Events
Sip & Learn Toronto Merges Night Life with Continued Education
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
Supportive Investment Initiatives
The Branded Agency Debuted a New Investment Arm — Snail Ventures
City-Focused Influencer Platforms
Storytime Launches Storytime Marketplace in Cities
Groundbreaking Workplace Inclusion Frameworks
Tanzania Enhances Accessible Workplace Design
Regional Filmmaker-Supporting Platforms
IFC Has Committed Funding to Filmmakers Mart
Heartfelt Bank Ads
Synchrony Bank’s Lemonade Stand Campaign Spotlights the Power of Saving
Charitable Influencer-Targeting Campaigns
Puresport Runs the 'Thrift It Back' Campaign
Social Forum Insight Trackers
Snoops.co Helps Businesses Find and Track Opportunities on Reddit
AI Community Growth
SocialOne Helps Acquire, Analyze, And Engage Members Across Social Platforms
Kids Finance Apps
FoxFund Teaches Children Saving, Budgeting, And Smart Spending Skills
Gender Gap-Alleviating Grant Programs
VOICEINSPORT Initiated a New Multi-Year Grant Program
Women Wealth Profiles
Millionaires List Showcases Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs And Their Paths
Incentivized Budgeting Apps
'Tale' Builds Better Financial Habits and Earn Rewards for Budgeting
Accessibility Infrastructure Enhancement Partnerships
SMILE Mass and Volunteer Ventures Partner
Canadian Entrepreneur-Focused Marketplaces
Futurpreneur Marketplace Emerges as a Timely Initiative
Branded Social Impact Initiatives
Youth To The People Unveils the Community To The People Program
Empathy-First Loyalty Playbooks
SumUp's CEO Highlights Main Street Tactics For Tech Loyalty
AI-Driven Science Funds
Breakout Ventures Closes Fund III at $114 Million
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
Philanthropic Investment Initiatives
Absolutaris Base Launches Global Philanthropy Initiative
Stock Analysis Platforms
Pocket Finance Hub Provides Insights On Stocks And Market Trends
Innovative Financial Visualization Tools
ThePricer.org Debuts Money to Time Calculator
AI-Assisted Financial Platformas
InScope Launched an AI Platform for Financial Monitoring
Co-Branded Wellness Challenges
incentifi and Healf Give Employees Incentives to Be Healthy
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
Impact Investing Tools
DoLand Pro Has Introduced a B2B SaaS Platform to Increase Transparency
Fundraising Intelligence Tools
StartupSnoop Delivers AI-Collected Fundraising Data In One Place
SaaS Idea Validation
Profiolio Analyzes SaaS Ideas to Uncover Market Fit and Gaps Fast
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
Young Leaders-Focused Initiatives
Universities Organize the Global Campus Gen-Z Leaders Exchange
Financial Planning Platforms
WEALTH.SPACE Allows Simulation, Scenario Analysis, And Planning
Cash-Prize AI Rewards
KPMG Launches the 'AI Spark Innovation Awards'
Democratized Financial Technologies
DigitalFI & Commercial Business Systems Form Partnership
Curated Film Selections
The Planet Classroom Network Debuts Nine Short Films in October
Gen Z-Focused Tech Initiatives
SJTU Welcomed Gen Z Students as Part to Discuss Tech
Rebranded Women-Focused Organizations
Dress for Success Worldwide Launches 'Success Starts Now'
Strategic Reward-Focused Retail Campaigns
WeShop Launches 'Shopping Starts Here' Campaign
Gender Gap-Addressing Education Initiatives
Organizations Emphasize the Need for Girls' Education
Targeted Startup Incentive Programs
Sugar Land Launches the 'Sugar Land Starts Up Innovation Fund'
Influencer Discovery Assistants
SocialiQ 2.0 Automates Influencer Research Right on Social Media
Smart Spending Tools
Affordability Calculator Helps You Evaluate True Cost Of Purchases
VC Job Finders
Job Search by GreenRobot Lists Opportunities At VC-Backed Companies
Repurposed Community Hubs
Mooie Buurt Adds Value to Venues & Unites Locals During Off-Peak Hours
Soccer Equipment Donation Programs
Subaru of America is Running the Gear for Good Program
Athlete-Backed Charitable Events
Jonathan Osorio, CCCO, and Nando Partner for a Good Cause
Creative Networking Tools
Designer Hikes Builds Community By Connecting Designers Outdoors
Trauma-Informed Healing Home Fundraisers
MoreYoga Joins Forces with Furnishing Futures
Digital Sharing Platforms
Venture Vault Enables Innovators to Share Ideas and Collaborate
Philanthropy Art Marketplaces
TheFaunaClub Connects Wildlife Conservation With Art And Giving
Grant Discovery Platforms
Startup Grants Helps Founders Find and Apply For Non-Dilutive Funding
Service Business-Focused Financial Solutions
FieldPulse Joins Forces with Acorn Finance
Digital Fundraising Competitions
Headquarterz Launched the Community Cup
Ramadan Fundraising Campaigns
Food Banks Mississauga Hosts the Give 30 Fundraising Campaign
B2B Leads Platforms
Fundraise Insider Provides Targeted Leads For Account-Based Sales
Regional Innovation Funds
Michigan Launched a Startup Investment Program Across Multiple Sectors
Civic-Led Buy Local Campaigns
City of Toronto Launches 'Love Local' Campaign to Support Businesses
Interest-Based Social Networking
Phnk Sparks Real Friendships Through Shared Interests and Chat
Nuanced Discussion Platforms
Society Speaks Enables Inclusive, Consensus-Driven Public Discussions
Niche Membership Monetization Strategies
Outfit Formulas Launches Paid Membership With Alison Lumb
Non-Profit-Focused Ai Referral Networks
GPNP Debuts More Power Together
Climate Tech Academies
Climestart Provides 105 Lessons To Launch A Climate Tech Venture
Digital Financial Institution Resources
ZSuite Tech Boasts the Helpful Digital Escrow Playbook
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
Social Workplace Branding Tools
Soshial Helps You Build and Grow a Personal Brand on LinkedIn
Accessibility-Focused Evaluation Systems
Santander Work Cafés Implements ‘Accessibility Scores’
Business-Style Finance Platforms
You, LLC Helps Manage Finances Like a Business With Private Data
Outdoor Experiences-Focused Non-Profits
Heather Kuhlken and Families in Nature Receive an Award
Fintech Software Suites
OneFin Provides Comprehensive Banking & NBFC Solutions
Housing Innovation Symposiums
The Boston Society for Architecture Focuses on the Future of Housing
Startup Funding Directories
Credit for Startups Helps Entrepreneurs Discover Funding Opportunities
Community-Driven Alzheimer's Fundraisers
Alzheimer Society of Toronto Hosts a Walk for Alzheimer's
Fundraising Management Platforms
Pitchwise Aids Fundraising With Tracking, Sharing, And Insights
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
Personalized Income Guides
Money Map Provides Tailored Ways To Monetize Skills And Passions
Renewable Loan Surges
IREDA Expands Green Lending To Accelerate India’s Clean Power
Hospitality Strategy Communities
The PickUp Unites Revenue Managers in One Hub