Andrea Christie Pizziconi, the 28-year-old principal of urban development company Christie Co., discusses her idea of locating quality public schools in private commercial buildings throughout the U.S. and Africa in BusinessWeek's Entrepreneur's Journal. Read more.

Teen TV talk show producer W. Rachel Chery is just one of 16 fellows to date to benefit from Mount Wachusett Community College's Community Builders program, which was established two years ago to support efforts that "benefit the community," reports the Worcester Telegram & Gazette. Read more.

In a collection of stories about people who have learned to turn their careers into "vehicle[s] for positive change," career counselor Melissa Everett demonstrates how all Americans can put their skills toward community good and global change, reports Voice of America. Read more or hear more.

When businesses work to align their missions with local needs, they are able to solve problems and improve communities, reports the Minnesota Women's Press, and Smart Women founder Jane Hellwich is a prime example of creating socially responsible--and profitable--products. Read more.

Perpetual rivals Duke and the University of North Carolina may finally have found some common ground, reports The Chronicle, thanks to the efforts of a 2006 UNC graduate who has created SEEDS (Social Entrepreneur and Enterprise Development for Students) to encourage entrepreneurial collaboration between the two universities. Read more.

Funding charter schools, paying for caseworkers, and applying expertise to job-training programs are just some of the ways that one group of Dallas residents has pooled its resources to support a variety of philanthropic causes that otherwise would lack needed "cash and business advice," reports the Dallas Morning News. Read more.

David Bornstein understands How to Change the World (2007), and he discusses the power of social entrepreneurship in an interview on Seeds of Growth.com in which he explains that being successful doesn't mean getting rich -- it means "you change the world." Read more.

After completing graduate school with a degree in business, some young business managers-to-be are turning down six-figure salaries in favor of gaining real-world global experience for as little as $30 a day, writes Business 2.0 magazine. Read more.

Through online collaboration and individual donations of as little as $25, some $10 million in micro loans have been issued to aspiring entrepreneurs in developing nations, with most loans averaging $650 and achieving an admirable 99 percent payback rate, according to Yahoo! News. Read more.

Savvy entrepreneurs are finding that they don't have to sacrifice making money to participate in "constructive change," reports the Toronto Star. Instead, they're spearheading projects that are socially and environmentally responsible, as well as profitable. Read more.

With equity loans from Johannesburg, South Africa-based microfinance organization Blue Dot Housing, which recently received backing from international development cooperative Oikocredit, residents of some of the city's poorest regions are now able to generate income and pull themselves out of poverty, reports the Anglican Journal. Read more.

Without concern for "past performance or issues," a small Bronx bakery hires the homeless, immigrants, and ex-cons and gives them work and training opportunities, reports Business Week, providing a model for businesses that are profitable and socially conscious. Read more.

You can now hear the stories of returned Peace Corps volunteers through a series of weekly podcast interviews that focus on how the experience grooms them to be "effective agents for positive social change." Read more or download the audio files.

Alex Goldmark, reporting for American Public Media, explores socially responsible investing in an interview with a group of business leaders who are challenging the traditional notion that companies solely "exist to make money for shareholders." Read more.

Increasing numbers of small business owners are contributing to social good, writes The Forum, and one such company is Galactic Pizza, which has a small fleet of electric cars for pizza delivery, uses organic and locally grown ingredients whenever possible, and donates a portion of its proceeds to combat hunger. Read more.

The British newspaper The Independent has issued a call for entrepreneurs focused on doing good while doing business to compete for the title of the UK's Social Entrepreneur of the Year. Read more.

On his SeeingthePossibilities.com blog, Robert Davies, CEO of the International Business Leaders Forum, makes the argument that businesses should step up their engagement in social issues, cites examples of successful social entrepreneurs, and highlights lessons to be learned from their experiences. Read more.

As for-profit, but socially minded, companies seek to find the middle ground between making money and helping the poor, others, such as Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, caution against "seeing the poor as a source of profit," reports The Seattle Times. Read more.

The French food and water company Danone is planning a mutual fund to help the company meet its social objectives in developing countries, reports Fortune, and in doing so, it hopes to open factories that will involve small business owners and to "provide low-cost nutrition." Read more.

An increasing number of grant-making foundations are providing loans and making investments to support charitable endeavors, reports the Los Angeles Times. A new study from FSG Social Impact Advisors reveals that the number of such investments has grown from one in 1968 to 74 in 2005. Read the article or review the study.

Investment bankers, technology company executives, and other financially sound professionals are leaving their high-paying jobs and turning to philanthropic ventures, says the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, and their hands-on efforts are producing measurable results. Read more.

In defining what a "social entrepreneur is and does," Sally Osberg and Roger L. Martin in the Stanford Social Innovation Review examine problems associated with the "indiscriminate use" of social entrepreneurship as an all-inclusive term and establish boundaries for the various models of social engagement. Download the pdf.

Social Edge will be the official online media partner at the 2007 Skoll World Forum.  Even if you can't be in Oxford March 27-29, you can attend the forum virtually at http://www.socialedge.org.  Muhammad Yunus, Larry Brilliant, Bill Drayton, Jeroo Billimoria, Susan Collin Marks, Jeff Skoll, and many other leading social entrepreneurs will gather at the Saïd Business School at Oxford.  Social Edge will be reporting from the Forum with a team of 18 bloggers, including Jim Fruchterman (Benetech), Gillian Caldwell (WITNESS), Dennis Whittle (Global Giving), Global X and students from Oxford and Berkeley.

University of Illinois students responded enthusiastically to the V. Dale Cozad Business Plan Competition's newest category, social venture, by presenting business plans that may solve some of the most challenging societal and global problems, writes The News-Gazette. Read more.

Google has upped the ante on philanthropic events, writes the Mercury News, teaming with the X PRIZE Foundation to host this year's "Radical Benefit for Humanity," which raised more than $2 million in support of "competitions for solutions to the world's biggest problems." Read more.

Combining compassion with capitalism, writes the U.S. News & World Report, John Sage walked away from Microsoft and started Pura Vida, a "hands-on, business-driven philanthropy" that pays living wages to the Costa Rican farmers who grow organic, fair trade coffee beans. Read more.

Social Purchasing Portal Canada is connecting companies to vendors who commit to improving the community, writes CBS News, explaining that listed companies encourage business in disadvantaged areas and hire the disabled, immigrants, and youth. Read more.

Nobel Peace Prize winner and Grameen bank founder Muhammad Yunus popularized "microfinance," says the Financial Times, but now the private sector is being called on to respond to the need for funds to support this growing industry. Read more.

A VOA News report compares social entrepreneurs with business entrepreneurs, noting that the former are not guided by profits, but instead organize and fund projects that improve communities and then spread that change among entire societies.  Read more.

In this commentary in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Thomas J. Walsh of Geneva Global Inc. explores ways that philanthropy, business, and macroeconomics are converging to produce meaningful solutions to global problems.  In doing so, he challenges readers to think hard about donation dollars and ensure they are being used wisely. Read more.

The Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) industry has a new way to map global sources of social enterprise and investment, thanks to the newly launched database xigi.net, an "open-source, community-driven forum" featuring more than 800 organizations.

Bill Shore of Share Our Strength explains the significance of President Bush's recent endorsement of social entrepreneurship, which is both rare and significant beyond the nonprofit sector. Read the article.

In an op-ed for the Baltimore Sun, Cheryl Dorsey discusses how today's social entrepreneurs are picking up where Martin Luther King left off some 40 years ago by tackling "long-standing social problems with zeal and determination." Read the article.

Win a scholarship worth $20,000 to attend the Global Social Benefit Incubator in Silicon Valley in August 2007. Visit Social Edge to learn how.

Meet 43 organizations that are leading the way in social capitalism. The Fast Company/Monitor Group Social Capitalist Awards recognize organizations that have "found a better way to do good" by using the disciplines of the corporate world to tackle social problems.

Big business is no longer just about big profits but also big change. While in the past it may have been sufficient to make annual donations or host weekend volunteer projects, today's businesses are creating opportunities for employees to take paid time off to volunteer and are even retaining employees because of their corporate commitment to social causes. In the winter 2007 issue of the Stanford Social Innovation Review, James E. Austin, Roberto Gutiérrez, Enrique Ogliastri, and Ezequiel Reficco examine the changes businesses have made over the last three decades "in the value they create, the stakeholders they manage, the organizations they form, and the financial instruments they use." Nonprofits and for-profits are converging and may become increasingly intertwined, but some important distinctions are essential. Nonprofits must continue to serve as the social conscience while businesses need to be "the engines of a healthy economy."

"The same principles governing financial investments should be brought to bear on social investments." So says Tamzin Ractliffe, founder of Greater Good South Africa. The Mail & Guardian's Jocelyn Newmarch explains that, although Ractliffe's background is in investment banking, she now puts her efforts toward philanthropy. Applying her venture capital experiences to Greater Good's work, Ractliffe works to improve the accountability of nonprofit organizations, believing they should be held to the same standards as for-profits. Greater Good's own mission is to connect donors and volunteers with compatible organizations. Participants purchase "social shares" and, once an organization is fully funded, the option to donate is closed and work begins. Ultimately, Ractliffe believes the term social profit is most appropriate because these "organizations can and should deliver significant value to society."

As nonprofit organizations struggle to stay afloat, many are turning to the idea of generating income through affiliated enterprises. Such social enterprise efforts enable these traditionally not-for-profit groups to rethink how they raise funds. By creating their own income stream, they don't have to rely as heavily on grants and outside funding. And as competition for such funding increases, nonprofit groups are looking to for-profit ventures to support their organizations. By taking advantage of opportunities to "earn income from within existing structure," nonprofits can cover program costs without the "real expectation of profit" (income goes directly to the mission). According to Charitynavigator.org spokeswoman Sandra Miniutti, "the businesses, however, should be related in some way to the nonprofit group's mission."

What's a brilliant business mind with vast technical expertise who has a mindset toward social change to do? In today's era, such business minds are finding they can do quite a lot. Take Jim Fruchterman, who for the past 20 years has been rethinking how to run his profitable businesses. In the IEEE Spectrum Online, Tekla S. Perry explains that "Fruchterman has been working on a totally different proposition," examining what can be achieved when companies and their "engineering talent" are geared toward social good. Now commonly known as social entrepreneurs, Fruchterman is one of many like-minded business leaders who are taking their business talents and refocusing them on profitable social change. Through Fruchterman's work with Benetech, he has managed such projects as landmine detection systems, programs tracking human rights abuses, and reading machines for the blind.

The "Starbucks of microfinance" is SKS Microfinance Private Limited, and founder and CEO Vikram Akula is India's 2006 Social Entrepreneur of the Year. Akula, who was born in India but grew up in the United States, witnessed poverty firsthand and vowed to eradicate it. He received his award during the World Economic Forum's India Economic Summit for his important work with SKS Microfinance. SKS applies business practices to the field of microfinance by "using technology to accelerate growth." And accelerate growth it has. Between 1998 and 2004, SKS experienced a 300 percent growth rate.

Like investor capitalists, angel investors invest in small, start-up businesses with the potential for substantial growth. The similarities, however, may end there. The Christian Science Monitor's G. Jeffrey MacDonald explains that angel investors, although happy to turn a profit, primarily are interested in helping companies that offer social or environmental benefits. Investors like Carol Atwood look for "potential in fledgling firms, not only for profit, but also for social change." Companies looking to connect with these "ethically motivated, accredited investors" often present their ideas at so-called venture fairs. And while some investors take a "hard-nosed approach," others follow their emotions and make connections with the entrepreneurs. "Investors say the rewards begin long before the money starts coming back in? In Atwood's case, fun is enhanced by meaningfulness."

It's not just hype. Blogging really can be a useful tool for nonprofit organizations and social entrepreneurs alike. And, as long as the content is current and relevant, blogs can add value to any organization. According to the School for Social Entrepreneurs, blogs can be used to build a sense of community and reach new audiences as well as new donors. Popular reasons to blog include "debate, advocacy, and information," but the school suggests also using blogs to "teach trainees to self-document," and even to archive. Leaders and stakeholders can voice their opinions and insight to establish credibility. Ultimately, the school explains, blogs are "just tools, new ways to communicate, so don't just get on board for hype; understand why you are doing it and how it fits with your overall marketing and communication objectives."

Small dollars can produce big returns. The importance of microfinance was firmly established this October when Muhammad Yunus, microfinance leader and head of Grameen Bank, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. According to an interview by Laurent Belsie in the Christian Science Monitor, ethical investors are learning the value of microfinance, which offers "competitive returns as well as social appeal." In this revealing interview with Scott Budde of TIAA-CREF and Roy Jacobowitz of Acción International, Belsie uncovers how small loans with short-term repayment plans can "pull people out of poverty" and discusses the significance this holds for the global poor. As Jacobowitz concludes, "I don't think it's a financial decision. I think it's a social-benefit decision."

Today's consumers want not only quality products, but also products that come from quality corporations. In response to the expectations of these discerning consumers, who increasingly expect to purchase products with a clear conscious, the growth of ethically responsible businesses is on the rise in the United Kingdom. According to the BBC, "Ethical investments by UK companies are worth more than £6bn ($11.4 billion), and the food and clothing industries have seen a surge in demand for environmentally friendly products made by firms that look after workers." Before companies rush in to sell "ethical" products merely as a means to increase prices, market researcher Stephen Cheliotis cautions that "only brands that can prove their ethical credentials will benefit from a shift in consumer behavior."

In just over a decade, the World Wide Web has attained a significant milestone: The number of websites has reached the 100 million mark. An estimated 47 to 48 million of these websites are active domains with current content. That's compared with only 18,000 sites on the Web in 1995, when a company called Netcraft began tracking. This rapid growth can be attributed to accessibility. According to CNN, the "cost and the complexity of creating websites have both diminished since the beginning of the 21st century. Computer users no longer have to be experts in HTML, or hypertext markup language, to be masters of their own websites."

Smart people working together can solve big problems in innovative ways. Now in its 10th year, a gathering called Pop!Tech will unite more than 500 leading thinkers -- CEOs, artists, authors and activists -- at a three-day conference in Maine. Together, this group aims to "change the world by fostering visionary conversations about science, technology, and new ideas." As reported in Fast Company, conference head Andrew Zolli notes that "people come together to get inspired, provoked, put in a place where they're more in touch with their holistic humanity."

A diverse group of young people are learning that Investing Pays Off (IPO). Merrill Lynch's philanthropic initiative of the same name provides millions of dollars in funding to teach youth about the value of entrepreneurship and finances. According to Merrill Lynch, "Entrepreneurship is the backbone of our economy, creating jobs and wealth for communities where entrepreneurship thrives. Yet, many young people in underserved communities aren't personally exposed to even the idea of running their own business and creating jobs and wealth in their communities."

Chris Cuffe, a major player in the Australian financial world, has identified a new investment -- social entrepreneurship. According to The Australian, Cuffe now works with Social Ventures Australia to put his philanthropy toward innovative social programs. The nonprofit organization "provides funding, mentoring, and business tools to other not-for-profits run by 'social entrepreneurs' who want to solve intractable social problems." In this role, Cuffe follows his new passion, hoping to "continue the tradition of philanthropy into the next generation."

Camila Batmanghelidjh, UK social entrepreneur and political refugee of the Iranian Revolution, was recognized as the 2006 UK Woman of the Year. In a candid interview with the BBC, she discussed the personal struggles that led her to launch two organizations serving disadvantaged UK youth who need therapy and support. Batmanghelidjh shares her story in the interview, from her privileged upbringing in Iran to the crises she faced during the 1979 revolution, as well as the new life of service she began upon arriving in the United Kingdom.

The 2006 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Muhammad Yunus, the noted social entrepreneur and pioneer in the use of microcredit who's been called "the world's banker to the poor."  The Bangladeshi economist shares the award with the micro-lending institution he started, the Grameen Bank, which over the past 30 years has helped lift millions of poor people out of poverty by providing small loans to start small businesses.  Here's a Q&A with Yunus from Time magazine, which talked to him right before learning he had won.

Marc Benioff, whose Salesforce.com company integrates its philanthropy into its very mission, was recently interviewed by the San Francisco Chronicle to talk in part about his new book, The Business of Changing the World.  Benioff says that "in today's world, I don't think corporations can only be focused on profits, because they are inextricably linked with the communities that they serve. I do not believe you can be a leader in your industry without being a leader in your community. It's a fundamental shift in how you think about business."

The Board of the Social Enterprise Alliance (SEA) is searching for qualified candidates for the position of president and CEO.  SEA is a nonprofit membership association consisting of almost 1,200 nonprofit organizations, grantmakers, and technical assistance providers.  The organization seeks a visionary leader, experienced in building constituencies and growing a membership organization, who will take SEA to the next level of impact. Read the position description.

AltruShare, a for-profit company, recently "sold" itself to two nonprofit organizations, the Tides Foundation and Underdog Foundation.  While continuing to operate as a traditional brokerage firm, the company will invest all of its profits in community organizations, at no cost to its clients. In a company statement, Dawn Edwards, co-founder and president, says AltruShare's goal is to "develop a sustainable source of support for economically disadvantaged communities. We feel that given the same service and cost, clients will choose a brokerage firm whose profits are reinvested in the community."

In a drive to foster female entrepreneurship in Africa, Nigeria's Access Bank, in partnership with the International Finance Corporation, has set aside $15 million for lending to women.  As the publication Business in Africa reports, "the funding opens the door to a new chapter in female entrepreneurship" and will help to leverage the power of women operating businesses in developing markets.  The initiative will also provide female entrepreneurs with the "tools and guidance they need to build their businesses, creating jobs and developing sustainable new income for both the entrepreneurs themselves and the workers they employ."

How do you spend your day?  Ryan Gembala, a young business school grad from Georgia, breaks down his day into 15-minute chunks to give BusinessWeek readers an inside peek into the work and life of a social entrepreneur.  Gembala is the co-founder and co-executive director of H.E.R.O. for Children, a nonprofit that brings together Atlanta investors to improve the quality of life for children infected with HIV/AIDS.