These socially aware film uses range from Kickstarter campaigns for documentaries about instruments made from recycled trash to an actual clothing line inspired by Al Gore's documentary, 'Inconvenient Truth.' Overflow Coffee Bar is a cafe and space for convening that also screens films as a way to share information and bring people together.
Most of these socially enterprise film uses lean on the creative side, that is, the more traditional impact investing firms are less likely to use multimedia as a way to promote the brand and share their story -- but more and more, it's happening across industries. A museum social enterprise called Rainworks Omnimedia and a local multimedia message company called the Community Film Unit, are two of SocialBusiness.org's earliest examples.
23 Social Enterprise Film Uses
From Fair Trade Record Labels to Local Fashion Production Films:
Tiana Reid — May 18, 2013 — Social Good
23
Family-Owned Social Businesses
Yala is a Lifestyle Company with Ethical Clothing and Accessories
22
Pinot Noir with Purpose
'ONEHOPE Wines' Donate Half Their Profits to Charity
21
Hipster Plastic Bottle Couture
The PLAYBACK Clothing Line was Inspired by Al Gore's Documentary
20
Charitable E-Bakeries
Baking for Good is an Online Treat Service That Delivers Change
19
Strategic Creativity Events
Germination is a Communications Company Driving Social Change
18
Retro-Style Eco Furs
Tracker Fashions That Channel the Pioneer Days in an Ethical Way
17
Subsidized Community Restaurants
Ellice Cafe & Theatre is a Hub of Activities and Delicacies
16
Social Entrepreneurship Filmmakers
Actuality Media Create Philanthropic Videos About Changemakers
15
Self-Funded Artist Charities
Candid Arts Trust Supports Creators in London's Borough of Islington
14
Mission-Based Cafes
Overflow Coffee Bar Fosters a Community Get-Together Environment
13
Enterprising Confidence Workshops
UK-Based Street Style Surgery Runs Creative Programs for Youth
12
Museum Social Enterprises
Rainworks Omnimedia Supports Clean Water and Literacy Programs
11
Trash Orchestra Documentaries
Landfill Harmonic is a Film About Children and Recycled Instruments
10
Global Water Crisis Films
The Participant Media 'Last Call at the Oasis' Documentary
9
Local Fashion Production Films
‘Make it in Manhattan’ Values New York Manufacturing
8
Literary Aesthetic One-for-One Tees
The 'OOP x Mikey Burton: Gatsby' Collaboration Donates
7
Youth-Led Coffee Shops
Studio 89, a Social Enterprise Cafe in Mississauga by YTGA
6
Ethically Focused Digital Companies
Datse Multimedia Productions Works with NGOs & Social Business
5
Local Multimedia Messages
The Community Film Unit is a Youth-Focused Social Enterprise
4
Community-Giving Channels
'stillmotion' Videos Give Back by Telling Attention Needing Stories
3
Rehab-Funding Mocktails
The Brink Liverpool is an Alcohol-Free Bar and Recovery Social Enterprise
2
Veteran Support CICs
'About Turn' is a Community Interest Company Assisting Armed Service Members
1
Annual Summer Co-op Festivals
The Co-operatives Fortnight is a UK-Based Campaign
Related Ideas
44 Cause-Driven Jewelry Innovations
From Meaningful Mementos to Explosive Suit Accessories
Eclectic Ethical Fashion
Upcycled 'Adamah Stein' Designs by Artisans in Senegal and Paris
Socially Conscious Cotton Clothing
Buyfriend's 100% Organic Tees Promote Ethical Fashion
Hip Guilt-Free Tees
No Nasties Makes Fairly Traded Organic Cotton Shirts in India
Planet-Loving Marketplaces
Eartheasy is an Online Shop to Support Sustainable Lifestyles
10 Community Interest Companies
From Technological Literacy Programs to Craft Ciders
85 Aqua Consumption Containers
From Couture Water Carriers to Paper Liquid Holders
Charitable Lit Tees
Wear Your Favorite Novel with the Out of Print Summer Reads Collection
Seasonal Eco Eateries
A Better World Cafe Serves up Accessible Sustainable Food
20 Creative Worker Cooperatives
From Opportunity-Generating Accessories to Upcycled Train Stations
Lumber Cube Rooms
The Box House by u+a Uses a Crate to Reconfigure an Open Concept Interior
Preppy Literacy-Promoting Garments
Read’s Clothing Project Benefits Books for Africa
DIY Nonprofit Water Bottles
Aquavation Supports Social Organizations Through Design
One-for-One Literary Tees
The Out of Print Kid's Collection is Sweetly Scholarly
Fair Trade-Only Websites
Global Goods Partners Features the Work of Women Artisans
Charitable Coffee Shops
The Movement Cafe is an Artsy Space That Hosts Local Performers
Equality-Encouraging Tees
Who You Love is a Responsible Brand Supporting LGBT Charities
Enchanted Forest Interiors
My Money Park Branches have Atmospheres Enriched with Imagination
Creative Agencies for Good
Advertising for Humanity Offers Marketing for Nonprofits
Alternative Food Networks
The People's Supermarket Focuses on Community Development
Ethical and Empowering Accessories
Tukula Provides Opportunity and Hope for Artisans in Uganda
Alternative Education Enterprises
KO2 is a Community Interest Company with a Love for Dirtbiking
14 For-Purpose Media Companies
From Social Good-Focused PR to Ad Agencies That Share Revenues
Lit Culture Tablet Cases
The Out of Print Ebook Jackets Will Feature Fresh Iconic Novel Covers
30 Youth-Centric Social Enterprises
From Empowering Childcare Networks to $75 Tablet PCs
Merete Mueller, Writer & Producer of The Tiny Documentary (INTERVIEW)
Small Home Movement
Fair Trade Eco-Tourism
Bespoke Experience Uses Commercial Travel for Poverty Alleviation
Economically Empowering Jewelry Programs
Senhoa Benefits Survivors of Human Trafficking
Donation-Generating Galoshes
Roma Boots Operates on a One-For-One Business Model
Award-Winning Altruistic Fashion
Afia is a Chic Women's Clothing Line Sourced and Sewn in Ghana
Eco-Conscious Sundresses
Worldstock Sells Fair Trade Goods, Giving 60-70% of Profits to Artisans
Bike-Promoting Community Companies
'Get Cycling' is a Social Enterprise Promoting a Healthy Life
Anti-Sweatshop Apparel
The 'Autonomie Project' Offers Competitively Priced and Fashionable Clothes
Community-Empowering Food Systems
DC Central Kitchen is a Social Enterprise with a Long-Term Focus
Vibrant Screen Lighting
The Drawstring Lamp by Merry-Go-Round is Funky and Eco-Friendly
Charity-Supporting Kicks
GIDEON SHOES are Hand-Crafted in an Anti-Sweatshop Ethical Workplace
Bike-Delivered Organic Java
Peace Coffee is a Fair Trade Brew Company in Minneapolis
Self-Sustaining Social Enterprises
Kinyei Fosters Independent Entrepreneurship in Cambodia
14 Sporty Social Enterprises
From Kenyan Running Apparel to Job-Creating Bike Shops
Community Design Companies
Opticos is a Certified B Corporation in California
Nonprofit Coffee Shops
Strawberry Line Cafe Employs Adults with Learning Disabilities
Ethical Quinoa Vodka
FAIR. is the World's First Fair Trade Certified Spirits Brand
Women-Focused Eco Programs
Backpack Farm is an African-Based Entrepreneurship Supporter
Motivated Media Brands
'One&Other' Aims to Put the Social Purpose Back into Local Reporting
Gender-Based Violence Support
SHE WILL is a Project of the Acclaimed Global Enrichment Foundation
Consuelo McAlister & Anne Pringle, Founders of Local Buttons (INTERVIEW)
Fashion Social Enterprise
Local Food-Sourced Events
Serendipity Catering Offers Seasonal Produce to Create Specialized Menus
Strategic Creativity Events
Germination is a Communications Company Driving Social Change
Youthful Entrepreneur Projects
'Social Enterprise Africa' Trains Ethical Changemakers
Impact Measurement for Creatives
Design:Effect Offers Social Good Metrics for Crafty Entrepreneurs
Social Good Performance Venues
Creative Common is a Place Where Community Comes Together
Subsidized Community Restaurants
Ellice Cafe & Theatre is a Hub of Activities and Delicacies
Fair Trade Record Labels
Kanaga System Krush Promotes Traditional West African Music
Soulful Sustainable Shorts
Explore Ethical Fashion in the Ryan McGinley Beautiful Rebels Film
Creative Business Incubators
Cockpit Arts is a Social Enterprise for 'Designer-Makers'
Personal Development Diners
Ground Level Cafe Offers Training to At-Risk Youth in Toronto
Anti-Mafia Co-Operative Products
The Ethicando Store in Paris Stocks Fairtrade Food and Designs
Soaps That Employ
CLARITY Offers Job Opportunities for the Blind and Disabled
Nathan Rothstein, Marketing and Sales at Project Repat
Artisan-Empowering Enterprise
Co-op-Made Honeycomb Crunches
Divine's Milk Chocolate Bees is the Result of a New Partnership
Cause-Based Social Networks
KooDooZ Acts as a Soapbox for Youth Entrepreneurs
Volunteer Time Credits
Spice Innovations Engages Community in Order to Create Change
Dipped Wooden Dishes
The Plates by Viktor Puzur are Made Out of Plywood
Vegan Fair Trade Ventures
Autonomie Project is Fashion That Doesn't Hurt the Wallet or the Planet
Bolivian Co-Op Clothing
Artesania Sorata Creates Artisan Goods and Employs Women
Vibrant Opportunity Dining
Cafe Create Employs People Who Have Been Homeless
Social Enterprise Beer
SABMiller Commits to 'Farming Better Futures' with Impala Lager in Africa
Social Exclusion Enterprises
The United Kingdom's 'Destiny Support' Seeks Out Engagement
Women-Owned Web Design
YIKES, Inc. is a Competitive and Sustainable Business
Social Responsibility Strategists
'A Very Good Company' Offers Communications for Positive Change
Empowering Bakeries
The Bread Maker in the UK Employees People with Learning Disabilities
Duncan So, Founder of Phinklife (INTERVIEW)
Non-Profit Building Potential Through Community
Creating Community Bonds
CSI's Tonya Surman Addresses the 2011 Social Finance Forum
Absurd Organic Food Videos
The Abel & Cole YouTube Channel Promotes Its Deliveries
Work-Based Catering Academies
Create Foundation Works with Marginalized Communities
Disruptive Entrepreneur Incubators
The Unreasonable Institute Spurs Social Enterprise Ventures
Charity-Funding Carnivals
Community Interest Company Circus Starr Uses Its Donated Ticket Schemes
Kind Community Catering
Potluck Cafe Offers Employment in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside
Debt-Countering Start-up Apprenticeships
Enstitute Matches Young Entrepreneurs with Founders
Clothing Canvased Buildings
'Shwopping' by Marks & Spencer is a Project to Help End Poverty
Hubs for Changemakers
McKinsey's What Matters Showcases High Impact Social Innovation
Fearless Social Innovation Festivals
A Good Week Celebrates Bettering the World
Julie Leach, Member Coordinator of SolarShare (INTERVIEW)
Community Solar Bonds in Canada
PR for Purpose
Swarm Communications Services for Non-Profits and Social Enterprises
Peace-Filled Community Spaces
Busboys and Poets is Part Performance Venue and Part Restaurant
Social Entrepreneurship Vlogs
Cafe Impact Sheds Lights on Individuals' Career Paths
Resumes for Water
'Thirsty Talent' Offers Professional Writing that Funds Clean Water in Africa
Good Cause Tweeting
beremedy Members Support Causes Via Tweets and Facebook Posts
Snowman-Saving Ads
The Mountain Riders Campaign Encourages Slope Clean Up Days
Labor-Reducing Dairy Farms
Arohana Works in India to Reduce Dependency
Benevolent Business Training
On Purpose is a Program for Tomorrow's Social Enterprise Leaders
Sexuality-Celebrating Social Enterprises
'Coffee, Cake & Kink' Fosters Community and Conversation
Beers for Social Good
Exotic Drinks at the Shebeen Bar Benefit Developing Nations
Alison Lowndes, Executive Ops Director of KO2 Adventures (INTERVIEW)
Global Water Crisis Films
The Participant Media 'Last Call at the Oasis' Documentary
Social Media Animal Campaigns
The Australian Koala Foundation Uses a +1 Button for its Cause
Ethical Sewing Workshops
Afesip Fair Fashion Creates Design and Clothing Products in Cambodia
Altruism-Enabling Platforms
Eclectic Productions is a UK Social Enterprise With Inspiring Projects
Affordable Alternative Medicine
Nelson Community Acupuncture Brings Simplicity to the Public
Stigma-Ending Bistros
'Out of This World Cafe' in Toronto Engages the Psychiatric Recovery Communi
Award-Winning Kickstarter-Funded Films
The Inocente Documentary Short Wins an Oscar
Sustainable Storytelling Businesses
Thinkshift Communications is a B Corporation Promoting Good
Community Health Commitments
Alliance of Chicago Has Been Serving Low-Income Communities Since '97
Maintenance Services Co-ops
Self-Reliance Solutions Creates Employment Opportunities in Toronto
Life-Enhancing Senior Enterprises
'Action For Elders' is a CIC Tackling the Challenges of Old Age
Dilapidated Sea Documentaries
The 'America's Dead Sea' Film Tracks the Salton Sea Decline
Changemaker Perspective Blogs
The Insightful Ethical Ocean 'Change We Want to See Series' Issue #1
Micro-Lending Web Platforms
Lendwithcare.org Works with The Co-operative
Social Firm Community Cafes
Frogmeadow Reinvents the Labor Market in the United Kingdom
Creative Power Forums
The Social Business Conference 2012 Featured Muhammad Yunus
Waste-Reverting Social Enterprises
Wombling CIC Recycles Goods Headed for the Landfill
Book-Providing Apparel
S.T.O.R.Y. Clothing Tackles U.S. Illiteracy Through Donation
Sustainable Society Cooperatives
The Zebra Collective is a Social Enterprise Supporting Workers
Social Impact Fellowships
Echoing Green Offers Seed Funding for Visionary Entrepreneurs
Change Agent Communities
Changents Connects People Doing Good With People Who Help Them
Social Business Media Strategists
Fission Strategy Helps Humanitarian Endeavors Reach Audiences
Bio-Compostable Service Products
World Centric Transformed from Non-Profit to For-Profit Business
Customer Appreciation Songs
Kraft Mac & Cheese Thanks Facebook Fans With 'Likeapella'
Ex-Con Employment Facilitators
Blue Sky in the UK Finds Real Jobs for Ex-Offenders
For-Profit Ecological Restoration
Accion Verde Plants Trees in Tactical Areas of Colombia
The Community Film Unit, Social Enterprise (INTERVIEW)
Co-op Representatives
The Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) Brings Members Together
Annual Summer Co-op Festivals
The Co-operatives Fortnight is a UK-Based Campaign