A portion of the social sector’s work is located on the periphery of the marketplace. We are trying to solve homelessness, and private equity has yet to figure out how to monetize addressing homelessness. Environmental causes aim to protect land and wildlife, working in the liminal space between federal, state, private landowners, and public access. Nonprofits aspire to support local artists, building bridges between educators, art collectors, galleries, and the community.

If the market prevailed, efforts to address the aforementioned areas of focus would be less viable in many cases. The social sector works on problems that are not easy to solve and require enduring commitment. It employs ambassadors who provide uniquely positioned voices and lead with empathy. Nonprofits often toggle between two realities: a human-centered approach and the marketplace.

How might we leverage the market to our advantage without sacrificing our intentions of being a force for good?