How big money drives social change

Green philanthropists are striving to turn Metro Vancouver into a sustainable nirvana
By Lori Culbert, Vancouver Sun

Unusual childhood inspired the setting of unique goals

By Lori Culbert, Vancouver Sun

August 7, 2010

It is July 1, a day when most business people are not at their desks. But instead of celebrating his new Canadian citizenship, Joel Solomon is working inside his funky, renovated Downtown Eastside office.

The 55-year-old sprints to the door to open it, brandishing a wide grin and a welcoming wave. His dress is casual, his demeanour more so.

Shirley Sherrod and Me
New York Times, Op-Ed
By VAN JONES

Bill Weaver, producer of Media that Matters, and Leigh Badgley are producing Midway, a groundbreaking film about about the psychology of change.

The Group of 20 and Ashoka’s Changemakers, with support from the Rockefeller Foundation, are looking for the best models worldwide that catalyze finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This challenge is open to all private sector participants, including private financial institutions, private investors and companies, socially responsible investors, foundations, and civil society organizations.

Investors' Circle is currently accepting applications for The Fall 2010 Conference and Venture Fair to be held November 10th-12th in Washington, DC.

The Minerva Foundation is seeking applicants from all across British Columbia for Women Leading the Way (WLW) - an exciting and innovative three-year pilot program that will take women who want to lead through a part-time, year-long, advanced leadership development training program, beginning in January 2011.  The project will involve hundreds of individuals, organizations and communities throughout BC and beyond. Participant applications are due by September 15th.

The rehabilitation and the conservation of the Flack Block received a 2010 Outstanding Achievement Award from Heritage BC.

Growing City co-Founders Andrew Sutherland and Lisa von Sturmer (both Social Venture Institute alumni) were honoured at the 7th annual British Columbia-wide Small Business BC Successful You Business Awards. Growing City was awarded  the Small Business BC's Certified General Accountants Business Concept Award.

Case Studies are the core of the Social Venture Institute model and where some of the greatest learning happens. They are a powerful way for SVI attendees to gain a wealth of practicalideas and suggestions that help to manage the challenges of running a socially responsible enterprise.