Social Entrepreneurship in a Changing World: Financing, Growth
Event Description
Social entrepreneurs are navigating an increasingly complex landscape. Funding is tightening, civic space is shrinking, and expectations for impact continue to rise. At the same time, new opportunities are emerging through blended finance, gender-lens investing, and innovative capital models that aim to balance sustainability with mission.
This discussion explores how social enterprises are adapting, and what it takes to build models that can survive and thrive under pressure. How can organizations transition from grant dependence to more sustainable revenue models without compromising their purpose? What role can philanthropy, investors, and new financing structures play in supporting this shift?
We will also examine how social entrepreneurship can drive solutions across sectors, from climate and agriculture to health and livelihoods, particularly in the Global South. Drawing on real-world examples, the session will explore how to design enterprises that are both locally grounded and capable of addressing systemic challenges.
Bringing together entrepreneurs, funders, and ecosystem builders, this conversation will focus on how to rethink growth, financing, and resilience in the next phase of social entrepreneurship.
Speakers
Danielle Manning-Halsey is Head of U.S Partnerships & Philanthropy at Tostan, leading resource mobilization for community-led systems change.
John-James Bulstrode is Trusts and Foundations Manager at BRAC, leading UK-based fundraising for global social justice initiatives.
Laura Adiwasito is Director of Social Innovation at Fòs Feminista, advancing SRHR through enterprise and blended finance.
Sobel Aziz Ngom is CEO of Tostan, advancing youth leadership and education across West Africa.
Discussion Questions
How are social entrepreneurs adapting to shrinking funding and increasing pressure for impact?
What financing models, including blended and gender-lens investing, show the most promise for sustainable growth?
How can organizations transition from nonprofit models to social enterprises while preserving mission and values?
What does it take to build social enterprises that can address systemic challenges at a meaningful scale?
Location & access
Accessibility matters deeply to us, and we do our best to choose spaces that reflect that. That said, some of our Oxford venues are in historic buildings without lifts. This room is unfortunately not accessible for wheelchair users, those with mobility challenges, or anyone needing step-free access.