Notes from the Engaged Philanthropy Conference 2008

I guess it's about time for the bi-annual blog entry! A few days ago when I was thinking I really should get a blog started, I tried to register the blog prefix "fair-profit" only to find that it was already taken. Disheartened, I looked to see who had claimed it, and it was me! Back in 2006. I didn't expect that I could keep a blog that had zero activity for nearly 2 years... but I digress.

I had a great day at the Engaged Philanthropy Conference at the Graves 601 Hotel today. It was hosted by Social Venture Partners a group of business folks with the mission of "promoting philanthropy while doing philanthropy." It was energizing to to participate in a conference about Social Entrepreneurship right here in Minneapolis. It was sold out, with a registration of 400. The morning featured ample time for networking and a keynote by Mr. Bill Strickland, President and CEO of Manchester Bidwell Corporation. Mr. Strickland is an exemplary social innovator who has worked wonders in the inner city of Pittsburgh through his commitment to treat people as assets rather than liabilities. He emphasized that people are a product of their environment, and how seemingly inconsequential details like natural light and public fountains give people hope.

His keynote was followed by a panel discussion about the future of philanthropy, and whether the idea of "engaged philanthropy" or "venture philanthropy" was here to stay. Panelists had varying perspectives, but all tended to agree that the future would embody some sort of compromise between writing a check and micro-managing. The conversation raised a number of thoughts for me, perhaps fodder for future posts (check back in 2 years!). I have some conflicts with the idea of conditional generosity, or generosity that comes with expectations. Maybe there should be a distinction made between "charitable contributions" and "philanthropic investment". At the most basic level, I think generosity is giving an amount that is meaningful without regard for outcomes. That is to say that the most generous act is to give something that you would otherwise actually use for yourself to someone else without condition. I think all acts of charity have merit, but there's a difference between donating a box of clothes you are no longer going to wear and giving away latte money. In the same vein, donations shouldn't be judged solely on size because even a million dollar gift may not be significant to the giver. On the other hand, the idea of "philanthropic investment" could more reasonably have outcomes attached. It speaks to the side of ourselves that likes to feel that our donations are not wasted. We're a nation where even coughs should be productive, so many (myself included) want to be sure that our contributions are put to good use. But giving without strings attached is also good for the soul. It builds trust.

The final portion of the day was the innaugural Social Entrepreneur's Cup competition. Five finalists (including our friends at Marnita's Table) presented their endeavors to the audience and panel of judges. While I applaud the intent behind recongnizing and celebrating entrepreneurial folks in non-profit enterprises, I was suprised to learn that as a for-profit business buythechange wouldn't be able to participate. I thought this would be just the kind of competition that would be made for our fair-profit philosophy of social and economic impact. I felt like one of the missing components of the day was conversation on the blending between the for-profit and non-profit worlds. Businesses are embracing social responsiblity while non-profits are exploring earned income strategies. At the root, entrepreneurship is really about taking risk, taking responsibility and creating value, whether financial or otherwise. Even though buythechange is for-profit, I think our potential for social impact would compare favorably with that of the finalists, in part due to our financial model and capacity to be self-sustaining.

On the whole, I came away energized and optimistic. I was glad to be in the room, and look forward to more active participation as we work together to create a better world for all.