the national—and even international—level. Second, the entrepreneur must seek systemic change, defined as the fundamental reform of existing societal systems and/or the creation of new ones.”³ A changemaker is anyone who takes action to address a problem, activates others, and works towards solutions for the good of all.4
The social entrepreneurs featured in the case studies use systems change approaches. This report defines system change as “addressing root causes rather than symptoms by altering, shifting and transforming structures, customs, mindsets, power dynamics, and rules through collaboration across a diverse set of actors with the intent of achieving lasting improvement of societal issues on a local, national, and global level.”5
ONGOING DEBATE Criticism has focused on the shortcomings of how philanthropy is currently being conducted and of various private initiatives emerging in the social sector. Developments over the past decade have raised questions around the promotion of social justice and of upholding democratic principles through philanthropic work in the social sector. These questions are essential for funding practices and social entrepreneurs’ development of solutions for social issues. As an intermediary organization and network of social entrepreneurs, in this report we examine these issues from the perspective of practitioners.
CONTEXT This debate is happening against the backdrop of market and business principles that are increasingly adopted to address social issues.6
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SYSTEMIC AND EMPOWERING
Private players—such as corporations, foundations, and social businesses—increasingly engage with public problems that are traditionally handled through government action and public policy.7 According to various practitioners and scholars,8 this manner of involvement comes with challenges that affect both funders and practitioners, including: •
Lack of transparency in how interventions are decided upon and funded;
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Limited public accountability of private players;
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Insufficient diversity and representation in these programs and organizations, which reduces deep understanding of the complex situations being addressed;
