This SocialBusiness.org top list of purpose-fueled networks, which is by no means exhaustive, includes organizations and social businesses that value making connections between people as well as other organizations in and around their field as a way to increase the effectiveness of the business and expand the reach of the mission itself.
A network can range in size but ultimately involves creating links through various nodes, whether it's a social network, a community group or a weekly reading that brings people together who might not necessarily get the chance to meet and share ideas.
From impact investor associations to non-profits that attempt to bridge disparate communities and stakeholders alike, these purpose-fueled networks believe they have more power through the more links they make. Are they right?
100 Purpose-Fueled Networks
From Impact Investor Associations to Community-Bridging Organizations:
Tiana Reid — Jun 13, 2013 — Social Good
100
Apparel Against Slavery
'Stop Traffick Fashion' Supports Artisans Through Income and Resources
99
Adventures with Purpose
Sam Bruce Shares 10 Ethical Holiday Providers of Sustainable Tourism
98
Alternative Food Networks
The People's Supermarket Focuses on Community Development
97
Remote Healthcare Technologies
iKure is a Kolkata-Based Delivery Platform for India
96
Ethical Decision-Making Apps
'Oroeco' Links Your Life to the World in Order to Make a Choice
95
Design-Focused Social Products
Matter Inc. Creates Products Helping Local and Global Communities
94
Beans for Benefit
When You Buy a Bag of ONEbean Coffee, Choose a Cause to Support
93
Family-Owned Social Businesses
Yala is a Lifestyle Company with Ethical Clothing and Accessories
92
Strategic Environmental Marketing
4GreenPs Focuses on Metrics and Social Causes Simultaneously
91
Bike-Promoting Community Companies
'Get Cycling' is a Social Enterprise Promoting a Healthy Life
90
Last Mile Delivery Services
B-Line is a Distribution Networking Building Sustainable Urban Life
89
Beach-Beautification Clothing Lines
Coastal Playground Donates Profits to Keep Shorelines Clean
88
Kindness Carriers
OAK Lifestyle Donates Backpacks and School Supplies to Kids
87
Local Organic Beauty Businesses
Snohomish Soap Company is All-Natural and Altruistic
86
Digital Therapy Apps
Buddy is a Start-Up Supporting Health Services
85
Hunger-Eliminating Social Media
FlashFood Turns Restaurant Leftovers into Meals for the Hungry
84
Austrian Innovation Hubs
Emersense Brings Together Social Entrepreneurs in Vienna
83
Social Crowdfunding Platforms
The Buzzbnk App Helps Ventures Gather Support and Raise Funds
82
Student-Funded Enterprise Competitions
The Dell Social Innovation Challenge Supports Entrepreneurs
81
Multi-Development Projects
5M Project is a Social Business with a Variety of Facets
80
Women in Business Web Platform
Young Female Entrepreneurs is a socially minded community
79
Craft Connecting Platforms
'Industree Crafts Foundation' Networks Artists with Retailers Over Indi
78
Great Deals for Good
DealGooder Facilitates Group Buying and Giving, Donating 50% of Profits
77
Inclusive Nightclubs
'Star Enterprise Work and Play' is for People with Learning Disabilities
76
Gender-Specific Business Tools
Womenetics is a Media Platform Looking to Increase Women's Success
75
Social Entrepreneurship Retreats
Hollyhock SVI Supports Mission-Based Businesses and Founders
74
Benevolent Online Shopping
The Do Good Buy Us Website Allows Consumers to Buy Charitable Products
73
Cohousing Companies
McCamant & Durrett Architects Offer Collaborative Design and Living
72
Art Incubator Showcases
The Cockpit Arts Summer Open Studios is a Business-Supporting Festival
71
Social Good Realtors
GIVE Group Gives 25% of Commissions to Charities of Their Clients' Choice
70
Green Social Networks
Project Dirt is an Environment-Focused Online Community
69
Free Money Social Networks
Good Deeds Global is an Organization That Helps You Pay It Forward
68
Socially Conscious Seals
Green Business Network is a Certification for American Companies
67
Impact Investor Networks
Clearly Social Angels Attempts to Bring Ideas Together
66
Digital Literacy Agencies
New Found Network Employs Youth to Create Nonprofit Campaigns
65
Members-Only Social Boutiques
The New Ethical Ocean Website Presents a Revamped E-Commerce Company
64
Women-Owned Web Design
YIKES, Inc. is a Competitive and Sustainable Business
63
Urban Housing Banks
Jamii Bora is a Microfinance Institution Based in Nairobi, Kenya
62
Carbon-Free Coffee Roasters
Grounds for Change Offers a Fair Trade, Organic & Shade-Grown Brew
61
Teen-Oriented Crisis Text Lines
Do Something is a Social Impact Organization Collaborating Online
60
Social Entrepreneur-Supporting Groups
Adsila Helps Those Who Aim to Address Universal Concerns
59
Fearless Social Innovation Festivals
A Good Week Celebrates Bettering the World
58
Nigerian Entrepreneurship Incubators
The Co-Creation Hub Helps Foster Social Innovation in Lagos
57
Social Investment Learning Communities
Global Philanthropy Forum was Founded by Jane Wales in 2001
56
Indian Social Entrepreneurship Programs
The Tata Institute of Social Sciences is Pushing the Scene
55
PR for Purpose
Swarm Communications Services for Non-Profits and Social Enterprises
54
Non-Profit Acceleration Headquarters
Space with a Soul is Boston's Social Innovation Station
53
Urban Youth Impact Trusts
The GreenLight Fund Supports Nonprofits Benefiting Low-Income Families
52
Women of Color Enterprises
I'mPOSSIBLE. is a Socially Focused Initiative Celebrating Success
51
Good Cause Tweeting
beremedy Members Support Causes Via Tweets and Facebook Posts
50
Microcredit Sanitation Services
The Gramalaya Urban and Rural Development Initiatives and Network
49
Designer-Led Social Change
AIGA Design for Good Attempts to Bring in the Community
48
Social Enterprise Connectors
The Sankalp Forum Works with Investors to Build Business
47
Benevolent Business Training
On Purpose is a Program for Tomorrow's Social Enterprise Leaders
46
Indian Organic Farming Promotion
Krishi Naturals Works with Farmers to Support Biodiversity
45
Everlasting Electricity Suppliers
Good Energy is One of Its Kind in the United Kingdom
44
Social Enterprise Irrigation Systems
Driptech is a International Water Technologies Company
43
Entrepreneur-Building Organizations
TARIS is Affiliated with ClearlySo Canada
42
Campus Innovation Channels
Ashoka U Attempts to Bring Social Innovation to Higher Education
41
Local Food Biz Connectors
Sustaination Makes It Easy and Efficient to Get Healthy Food
40
Female Altruistic Innovation Awards
The Ogunte Women's Social Leadership Awards Recognize Good
39
CSR Influencers
'One Love Network' Empowers Consumers to Impact Social Good Budgets
38
Collaborative Community Spaces
Bombay Connect is a Hub of Social Entrepreneurship
37
Changemaking Business Accelerators
Atlanta's Points of Light Civic Incubator Supports Social Good
36
Sports Uniting Enterprises
StreetFootballWorld Connects Social Businesses Worldwide Via Soccer
35
Biodiversity Contests
The Tropical Forest Challenge Looks for For-Profit Social Innovations
34
Campus Innovation Sites
Innovacracy.org Partners with Universities Creating Positive Social Change
33
Collaborative Development Programs
Enterprising Non-Profits Enables Growth for Social Businesses
32
Mongolian Artisan Projects
Mary & Martha Mongolia Aim to Help Generate Business Opportunities
31
Community-Bridging Organizations
Youth Social Innovation Capital Fund (YSI) Offers Finance Support
30
Parisian Discount Markets
ANDES is a Small Grocery Store Offering Cheap Food for People in Need
29
Large-Scale Change Networks
The Social Innovation Generation Addresses Canada's Challenges
28
Community Health Commitments
Alliance of Chicago Has Been Serving Low-Income Communities Since '97
27
Awareness-Raising Business Networks
Social Enterprise West Midlands is a Top Consultancy
26
Altruistic Organic Fertilizer Technology
Byoearth is a Social Venture Preserving the Planet
25
Profitable Environmental Businesses
BusinessEarth Shows How Sustainability Initiatives Can Pay
24
Educational Leader Networks
'Teach For All' Builds National Movements to Improve School Systems
23
Future-Oriented MDG Responses
Business Action for Africa is a Network of Collaborations
22
Professional Couchsurfing Communities
Startup Stay Helps Entrepreneurs Find Easy Accomodations
21
Community Resource Sites
'seToolbelt' Assists Social Entrepreneurs in Kickstarting Their Ventures
20
Action-Oriented Business Guides
Sojo Empowers Social Entrepreneurs to Make a Difference
19
Spanish-Supporting Social Enterprises
'Movimiento Idun' is a Language-Based CIC in Spain
18
Soldier-Supporting Office Supplies
Veterans Ink Donates to Non-Profit Operation Once in a Lifetime
17
Rural Distribution Networks
Drishtee is an Indian Social Enterprise Improving Access
16
Rewards-Based Environmental Causes
The Mutual Social Enterprise is an Online Charity Community
15
Surplus Gift Collaborations
'Agence du Don en Nature' Works with Corporations to Redistribute
14
Human Trafficking-Haulting Agencies
The Nomi Network Provides Employment and Support for Victims
13
Socially Empowering Employment Services
PLUSS Helps The Disabled To Find Meaningful Employment
12
Neighborhood-Revitalizing Banks
Next Street Financial Works in Inner-City Communities
11
Altruistic Platform Networks
The BC Social Enterprise Fund Provides Grants to Not-For-Profits
10
Cross-Sector BoP Networks
The Centre for Partnerships for Development Released a Report
9
Indoor Sports Social Enterprises
Adrenaline Alley Gets Young People Together with Fun and Media
8
Benevolent Business Communities
The Conscious Capitalism Institute Connects Players Via Meaning
7
Lab School Networks
3.2.1. Education Foundation Hopes to Share Learnings
6
Local Time Banking Communities
Hour Exchange Portland Has Residents Trading Services
5
Social Production Initiatives
The Middle Class Financial Empowerment Project Focuses on Wealth
4
Global Logistics Social Businesses
Agility Offers Expert Commercial Services Around the World
3
Bond-Creating Community Networks
Leadership, Education and Athletics in Partnership is Holistic
2
Culpable Communicators
The Antidote Collective Gives the PR Industry a Conscience
1
Urban Farm Networks
Fresh City is a Toronto-Based Social Enterprise
Related Ideas
Recycled Perforated Credentials
Jason Little Creates a Literal Acupuncture Business Card Design
Trial-Sized Beauty Deliveries
Goodebox is a Members-Only Website Offering Eco Cosmetics
Social Coffee Houses
Caffe Streets in Chicago Takes Its Coffee and Relationships Seriously
Remote Healthcare Technologies
iKure is a Kolkata-Based Delivery Platform for India
Reviewed Green Products
Vine.com Offers Sustainable Product Delivery
Tax-Deductible Travel
Roadmonkey is an Adventure Philanthropy Trip Company
Empowered Hand-Crafted Accessories
BADALA Gives Single East African Mothers a Working Income
Change-Focused Mobile Markets
My Street Grocery Aims to Further the Local Food Economy
Bike-Delivered Organic Java
Peace Coffee is a Fair Trade Brew Company in Minneapolis
Contemporary For-Benefit E-Commerce
We See Beauty Tries to Sell Coop-Made Products with Visuals
Compostable Cloths
'Go! Towel' is an Anti-Bacterial Product Made of Bamboo Fiber
Women-Focused Eco Programs
Backpack Farm is an African-Based Entrepreneurship Supporter
Social Investment Infographics
ClearlySo Marks the Start of the Future for Children Bond
Sustainable Bike Cleansers
Green Oil Produces 100% Biodegradable Bicycle Lubricants
Isolated Social Enterprise Models
BRAC is a Global Organization Boasting a Bottom-up Method
Fresh Produce Papers
Fenugreen Keeps Fruits and Vegetables from Spoiling
Handmade Hypoallergenic Clothing
Alpaca Artwear Cultivates and Commodifies Andean Allure
Ethical Infant Stores
Beaming Baby Sells Organic and Natural Baby Products
Affordable Working Hubs
10 Carden is for Social Innovators Making an Impact
Health Conscious Beauty Suppliers
Organic Pharmacy Stocks Products with Only Non-Toxic Ingredients
Social Capital Databases
ImpactSpace Gives Information on Companies, Entrepreneurs and Investors
Sustainable Hand-Carved Sweets
The Taza Chocolate Company Uses Eco-Friendly Growing Methods
Socially Responsible Healthcare Companies
Novo Nordisk is a Danish Triple Bottom Line Business
Ethical Pop-Up Shops
Divine Chocolate Hosts Fairtrade Fortnight in the UK's Covent Garden
Sustainable Tourism Maps
Alastair Sawday Publishing Creates Travel Guides from Eco-Friendly Paper
Student-Funded Enterprise Competitions
The Dell Social Innovation Challenge Supports Entrepreneurs
Social Good Performance Venues
Creative Common is a Place Where Community Comes Together
Fair Trade Woven Panniers
BasketBasket Offers Handmade French-Style Couffins
Healthy Economy Books
'Creating Good Work' by Ron Schultz Expands the Conversation
Coffee Bean Purses
The Guancasco Fair Trade Coffee Handbag is Made From Authentic Burlap Sacks
Weekly Aquaponic Deliveries
Blacktop Bloom is a Social Enterprise and Urban Farm
Sustainable Shade Systems
Skyshade is an Indian Social Business Capturing the Sun
Disposable Parametric Planters
Paper Vase is a Simple Captivating Cover for an Insipid Stem Holder
Sustainable Car Hires
GUTSi Executive Transfer Offers Transportation in the United Kingdom
Surgery-Funding Lip Balm
Face to Face Organics Makes a Donation for Every Tube Sold
Indian Bike-Sharing Schemes
Cycle Chalao Had to Close Due to Lack of Government Support
Humanitarian Greeting Cards
100cameras Snaps Pictures of Children in Sudan for Its Latest Endeavor
Renewable Energy Financing
REwiRE is a Model Venture Starting Its Work in Indonesia
Handmade Humanitarian Goods
BHcrafts Works with Women Displayed by the Bosnian War
Microfinancing Poverty Solutions
Lumana Credit is Microlending to Rural Africans from Seattle
Dairy Farming e-Businesses
Akashganga Creates Technologies for Cooperatives in India
Holistic Food Experiences
Aya Community Markets is an Organic Nourishment in Dc
Social Profit Societies
Allia Works with Investments in the United Kingdom - Allia
Alternative Banking Loans
The Hilltop Microfinance Initiative Helps in Low-Income Entrepreneurs
Carbon-Free Coffee Roasters
Grounds for Change Offers a Fair Trade, Organic & Shade-Grown Brew
Luxury Organic Beauty Markets
The Detox Market Carries a Wide Range of Vegan & Toxin-Free Products
Fair Trade Internet Shops
Fairer Planet Targets an Audience Interested in Sustainable Food & Toys
Certified Sustainable Soaps
LEAP Organics Uses USDA-Approved Ingredients and Recycled Packages
Incentive Eco Totes
Bags of Change Offers a Customer Rewards with Purchase of Reusable Tote
Social Enterprise Software
Benetech is a U.S.-Based Nonprofit Technology Company
Indian Social Entrepreneurship Programs
The Tata Institute of Social Sciences is Pushing the Scene
Cashless Microfinance
Musoni Delivers Banking Services by Way of Cellphones
Vagrant Supporting Services
Keeners Car Wash Helps Homeless Youth Get Back on Their Feet
Innovative Micro-Crowdfunding Sites
The Tipping Bucket is a Web Platform for Social Change
Sector-Spanning Social Firms
Purpose Capital Connects Creative Businesses and Investors
Ethical Sanitary Napkins
Azadi Aims to Create and Distribute Biodegradable Pads to Women in India
Low-Income Microfinance Associations
RADIM Works in Buenos Aires to Support Economic Development
Labor-Reducing Dairy Farms
Arohana Works in India to Reduce Dependency
Incentive-Based Recycling Programs
Wecyclers Uses Text Messaging to Create an Eco Point System
Fair Trade Work Attire
Arthur & Henry Creates People and Office-Friendly Shirts for Men
Faith-Based Creative Businesses
Haitian Creations Works with Women in Making Accessories
Indian Organic Farming Promotion
Krishi Naturals Works with Farmers to Support Biodiversity
Human Development Non-Profits
Dreaming Out Loud Fosters Impact-Driven Social Enterprises in DC
Education-Providing Apparel
Young Love Outfitters Captures the Hearts of the Residents in Africa
Social Enterprise Irrigation Systems
Driptech is a International Water Technologies Company
Sustainable Business Education Programs
Springboard Innovation Is Designing the Future Locally
Social Innovation Campuses
The LAB Miami Is Bringing Startup Culture to Southern Florida
Decentralized Waste Management Solutions
'Sampurn(e)arth' Works in Mumbai to Engage Waste-Pickers
Micro-Entrepreneurial Kits
Living Goods Provides Affordable Necessities in Uganda
Local Food Deliveries
Mama Earth Organics Lets You Choose Weekly or Bi-Weekly Produce Baskets
Ethical Sewing Workshops
Afesip Fair Fashion Creates Design and Clothing Products in Cambodia
Entrepreneur-Building Organizations
TARIS is Affiliated with ClearlySo Canada
Women-Focused Health Technologies
Zubaida Bai's AYZH is an India-Based Social Venture
Talent-Focused Education
The Amani Institute is a 2013 Echoing Green Fellowship Finalist
Local Leadership Projects
International Development Exchange was Founded in 1985
Mobile Life-Saving Enterprises
Dial 1298 Provides Emergency Medical Attention to Individuals
Green Java Distributors
Sustainable Harvest Coffee Importers Helps Farmers Succeed
World Bank Books
'The New Microfinance Handbook: A Financial Market System Perspective'
Arts and Crafts Community Enterprises
Menter Fachwen Works with People with a Disability
Youth Innovation Mentorships
Startup Corps Engages Students in Social Enterprise in Philadelphia
Green Energy Upgrading Companies
'Effortless Energy' Invests in Homes and Shares in Savings
Community-Bridging Organizations
Youth Social Innovation Capital Fund (YSI) Offers Finance Support
Encouraging Entrepreneurship Enterprises
SOLS 24/7 Provides Accessible Education for Youth
Children's Disease Management Games
My Zoo Pets is a Finalist for the Echoing Green Fellowship
Awareness-Raising Business Networks
Social Enterprise West Midlands is a Top Consultancy
Negelected Virus Vaccines
Institute for OneWorld Health Helps Develop Drugs for Dismissed Diseases
Scalable Water Systems
WaterHealth International Attempts to Improve Access to Potable Water
Micro-Lending Web Platforms
Lendwithcare.org Works with The Co-operative
Social Firm Community Cafes
Frogmeadow Reinvents the Labor Market in the United Kingdom
Sustainable Cottage Retreats
Bangors Organic is an Organically Certified Bed & Breakfast
Global Sustainability Restaurant Ratings
The Sustainable Restaurant Association Expands Worldwide
Holistic Clean Water Providers
The HealthPoint Services 'WaterFirst' Project Melds Various Models
Youth-Led Education Programs
CIYOTA's Benson Wereje is a 2013 Class of Echoing Green Fellow
Global EV Providers
Better Place Offers Electric Transportation Services
Change-Focused Social Collectives
Summit is a Group of Entrepreneurs with a New Mountain HQ
One for One Eyewear Lines
The Warby Parker Do Good Initiative Provides Reading Glasses to the Poor
Remote Agriculture Broadcasts
The Smallholders Farmers Rural Radio Supports Communities in Nigeria
Urban Delivery Collectives
Independent Alternative Control Courier is Rider-Owned and -Operated
Spanish-Supporting Social Enterprises
'Movimiento Idun' is a Language-Based CIC in Spain
Investment Metrics Webinars
The 'Social Measurement Use Among Canadian Impact Investors' Study
Sustainable Cleaning Supplies
'It's All About Green' is a Shop That Promotes Recycling
Surplus Gift Collaborations
'Agence du Don en Nature' Works with Corporations to Redistribute
Veteran Support CICs
'About Turn' is a Community Interest Company Assisting Armed Service Members
Teacher-Focused Literacy Programs
ConTextos is a Non-Profit Focused on Critical Thinking
Lab School Networks
3.2.1. Education Foundation Hopes to Share Learnings
Corporate Foods Collaborations
Grameen Danone Foods is an Example of What's to Come in Social Biz
Co-op Representatives
The Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) Brings Members Together
Pruning Preservation Enterprises
Acacia Tree Surgery Works in Both the Public and Private Spheres
Urban Farm Networks
Fresh City is a Toronto-Based Social Enterprise