March Social Impact News Roundup: Innovating for Equity

Weaving Racial and Ethnic Equity into the Fabric of Business

In the current debate about diversity, equity and inclusion, it is easy to focus on the backlash and lose sight of the practical solutions that can make a real difference. A new report from the Schwab Foundation, Global Alliance for Social Entrepreneurship, Echoing Green, and Dalberg takes a fresh look at the issue by focusing on how working with social innovators who are advancing racial and ethnic equity is a smart business decision. In it, you’ll find actionable pathways and case studies that promise to address systemic inequalities and create commercial opportunities to ultimately create a more equitable, just, and prosperous world. 

Sustainable Growth Through Public and Private Sector Collaboration

Sustainable growth, that works for both people and the planet, is among the biggest challenges of our time. No single organization, individual, or government has the power to solve it alone. Our partners at TRANSFORM have nearly a decade of experience bringing diverse stakeholders together to scale solutions that tackle environmental challenges, improve health and wellbeing, and build inclusive economies. In its latest insight paper, TRANSFORM shares the five key principles that underpin its approach to public-private sector collaboration to guide those who want to reimagine the landscape of business and partnerships for lasting impact.

A Landmark Pledge to Close the Social Enterprise Funding Gap

Despite social enterprises’ significant economic contribution and commitment to sustainable development, new data finds that they still face a significant funding gap. To help mobilize private sector commitments on social innovation to address the estimated $1.125 trillion funding needed by social enterprises globally, the Schwab Foundation’s Global Alliance for Social Entrepreneurship launched the Rise Ahead Pledge. Over a dozen world-leading companies have signed the new pledge, including Bayer Foundation, EY, IKEA Social Entrepreneurship, and SAP.. Other industry leaders are invited to join them. Learn more about how pledge signatories are demonstrating how the corporate sector can contribute to and benefit from social innovation here.

Social Impact Job Openings

• Acre is hiring for a Director of Sustainability and Social Impact (based in New York, NY)
• Adidas is hiring for a Manager, Environmental and Energy – HSEE Americas (based in Portland, OR)
• Alterfin is hiring for a Central America Investment Manager (based in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, or Mexico)
• AstraZeneca is hiring for a Sustainability Corporate Affairs Lead (based in London, UK)
• DoorDash is hiring for a Senior Manager, Social Impact Programs (based in Austin, TX)
• Elevate Prize Foundation is hiring for a Program Coordinator (based in Miami, FL)
• Evidence Action is hiring for an Associate, Global Operations (based in Washington, D.C.)
• FIFA is hiring for a Manager, Workers’ Rights & Supply Chain, FIFA World Cup 2026 (based in Miami, FL)
• Global Impact Investing Network is hiring for an Associate, GIIN Global Climate Solutions Initiative (hybrid out of New York, NY)
• Google is hiring for a Strategic Partnerships Manager, Climate (based in San Bruno, CA)
• Impact Hub is hiring for a Finance – Operations Manager (based in Amsterdam, NL)
• International Finance Corporation is hiring for an Environmental and Social Development Specialist/Associate Specialist (based in Washington, D.C.)
• MIT Solve is hiring for a Climate Officer (hybrid out of US)
• National Geographic Society is hiring for a Manager, Corporate Partnerships (based in Washington, D.C.)
• One Acre Fund is hiring for a Policy and Partnerships Associate (based in Washington, D.C.)
• Save the Children UK is hiring for a Project Lead (based in Ethiopia or Nigeria)
• The Walt Disney Company is hiring for a Project Manager, Environmental Sustainability – Material Circularity (based in Anaheim, CA)
• TikTok is hiring for a US Social Impact Manager (based in Washington, D.C.)
• UBS is hiring for a Head of US Programs, Social Impact & Philanthropy – US (based in New York, NY)
• U.S. International Development Finance Corporation is hiring for a Director of Media Relations (based in Washington, D.C.)
• Value for Women is hiring for an Engagement Manager/Senior Engagement Manager (based in the UK)
• Village Capital is hiring for a Program Manager (remote out of Washington, D.C.)
• World Bank is hiring for an Accounting Officer (based in Washington, D.C.)

Upcoming Events & New Programs

• April 3: Join the TRANSFORM Support Hub for a workshop, “Co-Creating an Interactive Theory of Change” with Changeroo’s Chief Changemaker, Martin Klein. Learn more and register here.
• April 10: Join Kontakt Kollektiv and SAP for “(un)common connections: Leading Beyond Labels & Stereotypes,” an in-person workshop at SAP Hamburg. Learn more and register here.
• April 25: Join the TRANSFORM Support Hub for “A Day in the Life of a Social Entrepreneur” panel discussion to hear from three veteran entrepreneurs about their experiences entering into corporate partnerships, successfully raising funds, and expanding their operations. Learn more and register here.
• April 25: Join Unity Effect for a free webinar, “ The Impact Garden – a regenerative theory of change.” Learn more and register here. 
• April 29: Join Unity Effect for a free webinar, “Resilient and regenerative teamwork.” Learn more and register here.
• April 30: Deadline for sanitation entrepreneurs to apply to the Toilet Board Coalition Accelerator. 
• May 17: Deadline for social entrepreneurs to apply for the SOCAP Fellowship 2024.

Congratulations to…

• Caare on joining the 2nd cohort of the I-HEAL @ ISB accelerator program! 
• Closing the Loop on its collaboration with Vodafone Germany to reduce waste, recycle precious metals, and create African jobs!
• Craftmerce on its acceptance into Techstars Los Angeles to scale its impact by helping African artisans and brands connect to global markets!
• Mercy Corps Ventures on the publication of its latest Impact Report, highlighting its progress in catalyzing climate resilience innovation!
• Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship on the launch of its new “Founders of Impact” podcast series, delving into the journeys of founders who are redefining success by combining business innovation with a commitment to positive societal change!
• OffGridBox for being selected as one of the finalists for the Ashden Awards in the ‘Powering Refugees and Displaced People’ category for its work in refugee camps in Rwanda and Uganda!
• Poket was accepted into the THRIVE Canada Accelerator!
• SuperBetter on being included as a featured resource in Station SME, a new hub for college student mental health in Quebec, Canada!
• Toilet Board Coalition for being recognized as one of Europe’s Leading Startup Hubs 2024 by The Financial Times and Statista! 

A Final Bit of Inspiration

“The leaders who work most effectively…don’t think “I.” They think “we”; they think “team.” They understand their job is to make the team function. They accept responsibility and don’t sidestep it, but “we” gets the credit…. This is what creates trust, what enables you to get the task done.”

Peter F. Drucker