The essentials of social finance

"Social Finance provides an interesting, accessible overview of this fascinating ecosystem, blending insights from finance and social entrepreneurship. It highlights the key challenges facing social finance, whilst also showcasing its vast opportunities. Topics covered include microfinance, venture philanthropy, social impact bonds, crowdfunding and impact measurement. Case studies are peppered throughout, and a balance of US, European, Asian and Islamic perspectives are included. Each chapter contains learning objectives, discussion questions and a list of key terms. There is also an appendix explaining key financial concepts for readers without a background in the subject, as well as downloadable PowerPoint slides to accompany each chapter. This will be a valuable text for students of finance, investment, social entrepreneurship, social innovation and related areas. It will also be useful to researchers, professionals and policy makers interested in social finance."