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For all of us in the charitable/philanthropic community it was a shock to hear all of Edgar Kaiser’s sudden death in January 11.

When he founded the Kaiser Foundation 25 years ago, it was to promote both understanding of mental health and addictions as health issues. (Not the universal view especially then)

The awards program he set up through the foundation recognized the excellent work being done by the thousands of Canadian organizations, communities and individuals who are engaged in the incredibly difficult and stressful jobs of mental health and addictions. Their contribution was not being recognized or rewarded adequately and so he decided to change that.

Last year the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users was awarded (among seven other worthy recipients across the country.) This is a good example of Edgar Kaiser’s understanding of the field.VANDU has been the object of media criticism which could obscure its role as a key organization in the community representing the needs of vulnerable populations. Edgar Kaiser and his foundation saw past that.

The sad news of Edgar Kaiser’s loss is compounded by the demise of his valuable work. Will some person or organization step forward to provide leadership so that his legacy can continue?

Small US #foundations gave more than their share in 2011. Study cited in Chronicle on Philanthropy.

#Philanthropy in the Asian Indian community. Detailed analysis history, tendencies, role of family and religion. A must read for development professionals working with the Indian community

ENP (Enterprising Non Profits) lists three good reasons on their site.

1. Fill a need the market will never meet on its own.

2. Provide an opportunity to advance mission.

3. Enhance the organization’s financial sustainability through the generation of profits that flow to a social purpose

I am attending BC Social Enterprise MeetUp & Social Enterprise Dragons March 8! Should be a great day! Register here. http://t.co/k7QrUglk

Check out ENP here in Vancouver and also in Alberta, Toronto and Ottawa. The  Ontario websites are still being built out.

What is a social enterprise? The definition ENP uses is as follows:

“Social enterprises are businesses operated by non-profits with the dual purpose of generating income by selling a product or service in the marketplace and creating a social, environmental or cultural value. …”

This is also referred to this as a blended return.

You can access their list of resources here. There are lots of good examples, videos and surveys. Take a look.

For those of us in BC, there will be workshops held by ENP in 14 different communities. Sign up here. Building Your Social Enterprise Workshops 

Thursday, March 15th 2012

Doors at 5:00 pm, presentation at 5:15 pm
SAP Executive Briefing Centre
910 Mainland St. Vancouver
Register at www.demonstratingvalue.org/know-it-show-it
Calling all social entrepreneurs!
On the evening of March 15th, 2012 you have the opportunity to learn how the Demonstrating Value (DV) framework can help you show the value of your work to the community. “Know It and Show It” is the first in a series of social learning events for social entrepreneurs co-hosted by SAP and Vancity Community Foundation. VCF and SAP are experts in helping social enterprises better manage their operations and communicate their social value.

Calling all social entrepreneurs. We want to hear from you! Do you operate a for-profit, mission driven business?

Vancity Community Foundation (VCF) –  is conducting a series of focus groups to learn more about the business growth aspirations and challenges of targeted groups of male and female social entrepreneurs.  These focus groups will be taking place in Metro  Vancouver over the months of March through May 2012.

In celebration of national International Development Week (February 5-11, 2012) which focused on the theme of “empowering women and girls“, this workshop sponsored byCIDA, CUSO, Simon Fraser University Beedie School of Business and the BC Council for International Cooperation aimed to raise awareness and share business development ideas among diverse business cohorts such as: women in business; fair trade firms and diaspora or international businesses focused on impacting women in the Global South.

The full-day event included presentations by practitioners, as well as the opportunity to refine and present your own idea in front of a panel of experts (“the Dragons”).

1st prize was two hours business consultation

Question: Does the term social enterprise convey the same meaning in the Global South as in North America?