One area that some US states are ahead of the curve is in the area of social enterprises. Often working toward the ‘triple bottom line’ (People, Planet, Profit), Social Enterprises can initiate the type of lasting change that many traditional non-profits seek (however incrementally).

Canada’s tax code makes it very challenging for social enterprises to work — whereas in some States and in the UK there is more government recognition (and tax code support) of the ‘social good’ that these initiatives can bring to society.

In Canada one area where there is some room for non-profits to seek a monetary profit is in providing ‘real-life’ job training for folks who have been marginalized. Some of my favourite social enterprises include St. John’s Bakery (connected to an Orthodox church in Toronto) and Just Work (justwork.ca) connected to the Grandview Calvary Baptist in Vancouver.