This primer is for philanthropists and social investors who want to learn more about the role of philanthropic capital in strengthening and growing social enterprises. It serves as a “how-to” guide to social enterprise philanthropy
by providing an overview of this sector and information about how philanthropists can most effectively work within it to achieve high social impact.

The book is divided into two parts. First, the primer introduces the social enterprise sector and the overall opportunities that exist for philanthropists to dive deeper to help develop and grow social enterprises. It includes suggestions on how an interested philanthropist can become informed of concrete opportunities that coincide with their interests and appetite for risk. The second half of the primer uses five case studies to demonstrate how philanthropists and intermediaries have contributed to the growth and impact of social enterprises. The case studies include social enterprises at different stages of development located in the United Kingdom, Central Europe, and South America. Each demonstrates the use of various types of philanthropic capital, and in some cases capacity-building assistance, to help social enterprises become sustainable.