From comprehensive vision care access to museum-based social initiatives that also fund clean water projects, this list of literacy-supporting social enterprises span simple and more charity-oriented moves like donating books (this is what Out of Print does with its one for one model) and to broader themes such as technology education. Technological literacy is just one idea that goes beyond books; there is also art literacy. Art-Switch, founded in 2005 in London, United Kingdom, attempts to open up the art world, known for being elitist. That being said, the process is done in part through technology, i.e. an online art catalog which obviously has its limitations -- the digital divide being the easiest one to name.
These literacy-supporting social enterprises attempt to expand the vocabulary of what literacy means and in what field.
21 Literacy-Supporting Social Enterprises
21
Charitable Lit Tees
Wear Your Favorite Novel with the Out of Print Summer Reads Collection
20
Preppy Literacy-Promoting Garments
Read’s Clothing Project Benefits Books for Africa
19
One-for-One Literary Tees
The Out of Print Kid's Collection is Sweetly Scholarly
18
Fashionable Fair Trade Apparel (UPDATE)
Indego Africa Gives Artisans a Protected Place to Create
17
Hip-Hop Social Enterprises
The Global Block Foundation Promotes Personal Sustainability
16
Fashion for Justice
Delicate Fortress Creations Fight Human Trafficking, Slavery, Poverty
15
Poverty-Ending Bags
Breaking the Cycle (BTC) Looks to Give Books
14
Gender-Based Violence Support
SHE WILL is a Project of the Acclaimed Global Enrichment Foundation
13
Bolivian Co-Op Clothing
Artesania Sorata Creates Artisan Goods and Employs Women
12
Digital Literacy Agencies
New Found Network Employs Youth to Create Nonprofit Campaigns
11
Museum Social Enterprises
Rainworks Omnimedia Supports Clean Water and Literacy Programs
10
Artisan-Empowering Training Centers
Afghan Action Teaches Young Men and Women Weaving and Sewing
9
Communication-Aiding Equipment
Action Deafness Tech Provides Tools That Better Lives Across the UK
8
Book-Providing Apparel
S.T.O.R.Y. Clothing Tackles U.S. Illiteracy Through Donation
7
Monthly Goodwill Memberships
CharitySub Makes Supporting Urgent Causes Easy
6
Socially Accessible Artwork
Art-Switch Lets Clients and Businesses Borrow First
5
Technological Literacy Programs
‘121 Women and Computers' Teaches Valuable Employment
4
Flying Pig Pitches
Good Deals UK Brings Unconventional Voting to the 2011 Social Finance Forum
3
Female-Focused Enterprises
Women's Bean Project Creates Jobs with Jewelry & Gourmet Food
2
Socially-Conscious Online Bookstores
Better World Books Aims to Alleviate Poverty Through Literacy
1
Comprehensive Vision Care Access
Aravind Eye Hospital Combats Needless Blindness in Rural India
Related Ideas
40 Young Social Entrepreneurs
People Working to Change the Way Youth are Empowered
100 Social Enterprise Innovations
From Paradigm-Shifting Marine Organizations to Accessible Loans
42 One-for-One Gifts
From Cause-Conscious Clothing to Festive Charity Shoes
Disabled Artisan Jewelry Collections
The People Tree Wheelchair Campaign with Bombolulu
99 American Social Innovations
Take the Fourth of July to Salute U.S. Change-Making Entrepreneurs
35 Socially Aware Accessories
From Afghan Heritage Jewelry to Flat-Top Shades
Stopping Sexual Slavery
Sunitha Krishnan Speaks About a Sex Trade Industry That Destroys Lives
Fair Trade Ugandan Goods
One Mango Tree's Clothing and Accessories Have a Beautiful Story
Aimi Duong, Founder of Oimei Co. (INTERVIEW)
30 Microfinance Innovations
From Youth-Oriented Finances to Pay-as-You-Go Energy
32 Social Businesses for Youth
From Hip-Hop Social Enterprises to Education-Giving T-Shirts
Ethical Tribal Print Fashion
The Nicole Miller Indego Africa Collection Focuses on Fair Trade
Reinventing Feminism
Courtney Martin Offers a Fresh Perspective on Women in Today's Society
10 Art-Related Social Enterprises
From African Artist Assist Sites to Human-Oriented Handicrafts
30 African Social Enterprises
From Kerosene-Replacing Lamps to Female-Owned Design Studios
Education-Enabling Carryalls
Fly Canvas Bags Benefit Schools for Underprivileged Children
Flat-Top Shades
Look Super Sleek and Stylish in These One-for-One '4sight' Sunglasses
Peace Pillows
Oimei Co. is a Fair Trade Business Re-Investing Profits in Peacebuilding Initiatives
Charitable Lit Tees
Wear Your Favorite Novel with the Out of Print Summer Reads Collection
Entrepreneurial Women
Gayle Lemmon Discusses Successful Small Business Ventures in Afghanistan
One-for-One Education Companies
The Pencil Promise Project Encourages Learning
Soulful Wedding Sandals
Sseko Designs Help Women in Uganda Earn Money for University
Ethical Shopping Sites
Magnifeco is an Eco-Fashion Source Featuring All Things Socially Good
Purpose-Driven Beauty Products
Radiant Cosmetics Raises Money to End Human Trafficking
One-for-One Literary Tees
The Out of Print Kid's Collection is Sweetly Scholarly
24 Educational Social Enterprises
From Mission-Focused Mentorship to Celeb Chef Apprenticeships
Antislavery Pants
Punjammies by Women Who Have Escaped Prostitution in India
One-for-One Boating Tees
The United by Blue Winter Collection Evokes a Public-Spirited Mindset
20 Social Businesses Working in Haiti
From Tech Incubators to Ethically Refurbished Vests
One-for-One Tees
Out of Print Marries Lost Literary Covers with Book Donations
Ethical and Empowering Accessories
Tukula Provides Opportunity and Hope for Artisans in Uganda
Lit Culture Tablet Cases
The Out of Print Ebook Jackets Will Feature Fresh Iconic Novel Covers
Edgy Fashion Co-Ops
Fair Trade 'Of Rags' Combines NYC Style with Ghanaian Fashion
40 Social Businesses That Provide Education
From Shirts that Buy School Supplies to 1 for 1 Bags
Naomi Hirabayashi, Director of Marketing at Do Something (INTERVIEW)
Youth-Focused Cause Community
Charitable Children's Collections
The H & M 'All for Children' Line Donates Proceeds to UNICEF
Female-Owned Design Studios
'Creative Women' Supports Economic Independence in the Majority World
Entrepreneurship-Enabling Crafts
Buying a Prosperity Candle Helps Women Refugees Open a Business
Award-Winning Altruistic Fashion
Afia is a Chic Women's Clothing Line Sourced and Sewn in Ghana
Literary Smartphone Covers
Speck x Out of Print Novel Cases Bring Back Classic Stories
20 One-for-One Giving Tools
From Children's Footwear Charities to English Lit Tees
High Volume Charity Ads
The New Actionaid Speakers Campaign Effectively Delivers its Message
Cosmetic Cooperatives
Arghand Sources Soap and Skincare Materials from Kandahar, Afghanistan
Charitable Model Jewelry
The Coco Rocha for Senhoa Collection Helps Victims of Human Trafficking
Kenyan Art Clinics
The Bombolulu Workshops & Cultural Centre Empowers Artisans of All Abilities
Lily Lapenna, Founder and CEO of MyBnk (INTERVIEW)
Financial Education Social Enterprise for Youth
20 Finance-Focused Social Enterprises
From Ethical Investments to Global Microfinance Networks
One-for-One Glasses
TOMS Eyewear is the Next Chapter in this Innovative Business Model
One-for-One Design Tees
You and Who Has a Team of Artists Who are Helping Out
Philanthropic Online Platforms
UNITE is Working to Enable Impactful Connections Throughout Africa
Page-Turning Water Tributes
The Book Fountain is a Beautifully Classic Monument
Purpose-Driven Products
Project 7 Creates Positive Change in Global Communities
19 Health-Related Social Enterprises
From Purpose-Driven Workouts to Sharp Socially-Aware Glasses
Marc Sachdev, Founder and CFO of Aquavation (INTERVIEW)
'Motivation Through Hydration'
Gender-Based Violence Support
SHE WILL is a Project of the Acclaimed Global Enrichment Foundation
Worldstock (INTERVIEW)
In Commemoration of the Passing of World Fair Trade Day
22 Afghan Social Innovations
Cooperatives, Social Enterprises and Art Supporting Afghanistan
Stacy McCoy, Co-Founder of Give to Get Jobs
Social Enterprise and Nonprofit Job Board
Wasted Apple Beverages
Batlow Premium Cider Stems from the Australian Co-Operative
Social Innovation Habitats
The Hub Network Helps to Incubate Ideas for Change Around the World
Co-Op Cacoa
Kallari Chocolate Bars Support 850 Families and the Rainforest
1 for 1 Snacks
Each KUTOA Health Bar Also Buys a Nutrient Pack for a Child in Need
Sissy Rooney, Founder of Street Style Surgery (INTERVIEW)
UK-Based Creative Workshops for Youth
Scarves for Education
Zaanha Fashions Help Send Children in Afghanistan to School
1 for 1 Toothbrushes
When You Buy From Smile Squared, They Give to a Child in Need
Global Charity Microfinancers
WildHearts Provides Microloans to Help People Work out of Poverty
Artsy One-for-One Condoms (UPDATE)
Sir Richard's Condoms are Plaid and Socially Rad
Adorable Charitable High Heels
The TOMS Sophie Wedge Offers Perfect Summer Style
Social Skateboarding Schools
The Diesel Skateistan Project Teaches an Important Lesson
Eric Cope, Founder of Smile Squared (INTERVIEW)
One for One Toothbrushes
Chic Fair Trade Clothing
Amana Provides Training and Jobs for Women in Morocco
Sustainable, Empowering Rugs
'Arzu Studio Hope' Offers Employment to Women in Afghanistan
Fair-Trade Pet Playthings
Dog Head Chew Toy is Made of Wool by Crafters in Nepal
Creating Community Bonds
CSI's Tonya Surman Addresses the 2011 Social Finance Forum
Social Mission Totes
Cause Boutique Promotes a Variety of Worthy Causes
Inclusive Economic Development
Aavishkaar Invests in Rural Communities Through Entrepreneurs
Disruptive Entrepreneur Incubators
The Unreasonable Institute Spurs Social Enterprise Ventures
POS Social Enterprises
Frogtek Uses Cellphones to Bring Tools to Small-Scale Retailers
Purpose-Driven Office Supplies
'Give Something Back' Donates Half of Its Profits to Nonprofits
Museum Social Enterprises
Rainworks Omnimedia Supports Clean Water and Literacy Programs
Social Finance Forums
Mobilize Capital and Inspire New Ideas at 'Investing in Good Deals'
Social Business TV Specials
The Dragons' Den Update Features Ethical Perfume Company The 7 Virtues
Benevolent Business Training
On Purpose is a Program for Tomorrow's Social Enterprise Leaders
Ethical Silk Scarves
‘Cambodian Threads’ Gives School Supplies to Impoverished Kids
Socially Conscious Comforters
Blanket Statements is a One-for-One Company Helping Women's Shelters
Youth-Oriented Finances
MyBnk Teaches Money Management and Entrepreneurial Skills
Cause Mentorship
The Canadian Social Entrepreneurship Foundation Invests in Innovation
Social Street Papers
Real Issues Magazine Empowers Communities Marginalized by Poverty
Street Youth Enterprises
SYJA Helps Vancouver's Young Homeless People Find Jobs
Youth-Led Coffee Shops
Studio 89, a Social Enterprise Cafe in Mississauga by YTGA
Sarah Chayes, Founder of Arghand Cooperative (INTERVIEW)
Afghanistan-Sourced Materials
Altruism-Enabling Platforms
Eclectic Productions is a UK Social Enterprise With Inspiring Projects
Local Multimedia Messages
The Community Film Unit is a Youth-Focused Social Enterprise
Innovative Training Centers
Striding Out Supports Young Social Entrepreneurs
Collaborative Development Programs
Enterprising Non-Profits Enables Growth for Social Businesses
Tim Draimin, Executive Director of Social Innovation Generation (INTERVIEW)
Part One
African-Made Soccer Balls
Alive and Kicking Creates Jobs in Zambia and Kenya
Global Microfinance Networks
FINCA Provides Financial Services to Low-Income Entrepreneurs
Maintenance Services Co-ops
Self-Reliance Solutions Creates Employment Opportunities in Toronto
Communication-Aiding Equipment
Action Deafness Tech Provides Tools That Better Lives Across the UK
Ethical Ad Firms
Do Good Advertising is Socially and Environmentally Conscious
Tim Draimin, Executive Director of Social Innovation Generation (INTERVIEW)
Part Two
Creative Power Forums
The Social Business Conference 2012 Featured Muhammad Yunus
Dwight Chestnut of the Middle Class Financial Empowerment Project (INTERVIEW)
Humanitarian Product Developers
Red Button Design's Midomo Bracelet Provides Potable Water
Social Business Media Strategists
Fission Strategy Helps Humanitarian Endeavors Reach Audiences
Safe Neon Clothing
BrightKidz is a Social Enterprise That Sells High Visibility Designs
Social Communication Cooperatives
The Phone Co-op Upholds Strict Self-Imposed Ethical Guidelines
Ex-Con Employment Facilitators
Blue Sky in the UK Finds Real Jobs for Ex-Offenders
Crowdfunded Social Enterprises
OC Theory Makes a Difference by Funding Small Businesses
Altruistic Platform Networks
The BC Social Enterprise Fund Provides Grants to Not-For-Profits
Eli Malinsky, Director at the Centre for Social Innovation -
Youth Ownership Organizations
Five Lamps is a Social Enterprise Focusing on Creating Possibilities
Female-Focused Enterprises
Women's Bean Project Creates Jobs with Jewelry & Gourmet Food
Gourmet Do-Good Brownies
Greyston Bakery is a Social Enterprise
Social Entrepreneurship Publications
SEE Change Magazine is a First for Canada
Dave Simnick and Eric Vong, Founders of SoapBox Soaps (INTERVIEW)
1 for 1 Soap that Gives Back
Non-Profit Toilet Paper
‘Who Gives A Crap' Supports Water Sanitation Programs
Anti-Stigma Food Companies
The Healthy Hub Creates Jobs for People with Mental Illnesses