The document discusses social enterprises and social return on investment (SROI). It provides background on the size and scope of the voluntary sector in Canada and Alberta. It then defines social enterprises as businesses initiated by nonprofits to generate income to support their missions, often providing training. Several examples of social enterprises are described, including catering businesses, job training programs, and rehabilitation centers. SROI is introduced as a methodology to demonstrate the social value and impact of organizations. The City of Calgary has piloted applying SROI to 13 social programs to understand and communicate their social value.

1. Social enterprise and SROI: a discussion SOWK 679 October 18, 2010 Prepared by CML Pearl

14. Calgary Centre for Newcomers

15. Vocational Rehabilitation and Research Institute (VRRI)

16. YWCA

17. Edmonton’s experience

19. Homeboy Industries Jobs not Jails: Homeboy Industries works with at risk and former gang involved youth to become positive & contributing members of society through job placement, training and education.

21. San Partignano

22. San Partignano

23. San Partignano