News and Views

First day of AVPN's Global Conference 2023 in Kuala Lumpur covers the flaws in funders' approaches, the significance of humility in philanthropy and why it is harder to give than receive.

Two common refrains – hoping for the day when “every business is a social enterprise”, and claiming that social entrepreneurship “is a verb, not a noun” – sound positive. In fact, they hold us back from true progress, says the Trico Charitable Foundation boss. 

As concerns over greenwashing grow, the impact measurement industry is booming. But it's still paralysed by fundamental questions. This week's view from the Pioneers Post newsroom.

Whether an impact measure corresponds with reality is irrelevant for impact investors, who want to demonstrate credibility, not truth. So methodological dilemmas are a distraction: third-party certification brings legitimacy. 

Impact management and measurement industry faces explosion in demand for services from companies, NGOs, governments and others keen to measure social and environmental impact in addition to financial performance.

The problems of paternalism, why it’s insane to leave China out of the conversation, and the importance of the grassroots – AVPN chief urges the international impact investment community to learn from Asia.

As the conversation about business purpose has spread, it has become more confused and contradictory, says Tom Rippin. Only one school of thought on purpose – the systems-driven one – holds a lasting solution.

What you don't need to worry about as a startup social entrepreneur; questions to ask yourself when you're hating your work – and warnings worth heeding. This week's highlights from Pioneers Post.

Survey by support organisation Do it Now Now points to crisis in confidence in funders as Black-led social enterprises and charities feel the pinch of the UK’s cost of living crisis.