The Origin and Future of Social Entrepreneurship: The Role of Philanthropy

The function of entrepreneurs is to “reform or revolutionize the pattern of production.”  -Joseph Schumpeter, Capitalism, Socialism, and Democracy

Social entrepreneurs reform or revolutionize the pattern for producing social value.  -Professor Greg Dees

Social entrepreneurs and philanthropists are challenging conventional assumptions by deliberately using business approaches to serve the public good.

Sandra Hernández, M.D., invites you to join The San Francisco Foundation, REDF, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, and the Tides Foundation on Thursday, July 17th, for a presentation by one of the nation’s leading thinkers on this topic – Professor Greg Dees – and a discussion of social entrepreneurship and the role philanthropy has, can, and will play in its ongoing implementation and impact.

Moderator: Carla Javits, President of REDF

Speakers:

• J. Gregory Dees, Professor of the Practice of Social Entrepreneurship and Nonprofit Management, Duke University, Fuqua School of Business
• Jeff Kositsky, Executive Director, Community Housing Partnership
• Stuart Davidson, REDF Board of Directors and Managing Director of Labrador Ventures (invited)

Questions to be addressed:

• How can business methods be adapted for social purposes?
• How (and when) can profit incentives be aligned with social impact?
• What are the limits of market-based approaches?
• What is philanthropy’s role?