RSF Social Finance Monthly -- November 2011
Highlights from RSF Social Finance
Inspiration from Bank Transfer Day
November 5 was Bank Transfer Day, an initiative asking motivated individuals to move their funds from large commercial banks to community banks and credit unions.
We’re excited to see a grassroots movement like this, reaching tens of thousands of people (over 70,000 people posted on Facebook that they are ‘attending’ this event) that calls to action anyone truly frustrated with the challenges of the current banking system, and who seeks a real economic change.
For inspiration, we wanted to offer an archive of highlights from our blog that speak to these challenges, as well as offer alternatives...Read the full post on the Reimagine Money blog.
Three New Loans Made in October!
Our lending team had an incredibly busy October closing three new deals in our Core Lending and Mezzanine Finance programs. We are pleased to welcome Wild Planet Foods, *interrupcion Fair Trade, and Scandinavian Child to the RSF community. Follow the links below to read more about each company.
Moving to Equilibrium: Risk-Return in the New Economy
The hyphen highlights the assumption that with higher risk comes higher return and that the investor’s interest stands at the top of the investment system hierarchy. Such a unilateral perspective has produced enormous investment wealth very efficiently for a limited number of people—after all, only a few can afford to take the risks that produce the highest returns... Read the full post on the Reimagine Money blog.
The Controversy over Grass Fed Beef
Our recent loan to Estancia Beef, a California based company which provides American consumers with free range grass fed beef, has raised a number of questions in our community. These same questions were also debated by RSF staff when deciding whether or not to approve the loan. In the spirit of transparency, we wanted to share more about our decision making process and why we’re so enthusiastic about our loan to Estancia... Read the full post on the Reimagine Money blog.
Governor Brown Signed the Bill!
Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 361, creating a new corporate form known as a benefit corporation. Benefit corporations are required to pursue the creation of a material positive impact on society and the environment, while meeting higher standards of accountability and transparency... Read the full post on the Reimagine Money blog.
Guayaki is a Finalist in the BBC World Challenge!
Guayaki has been selected as 1 of 12 finalists from nearly 1000 entries in the BBC World Challenge. The World Challenge is a global competition in its 7th year at the BBC World News. It seeks to highlight and reward small businesses around the world that bring economic, social and environmental benefits to local communities through innovation and enterprise at a grassroots level.
If Guayaki wins, the Ache tribe in Paraguay will receive $20,000 to support food security in their local community. This will be an especially meaningful win, as the Ache Guayaki tribe recently won the title to their land after 10 years of struggle with the government.
Please vote at the link below and share with your network. Every vote makes a big difference!
Follow this link to vote and to view a one minute video on Guayaki:
http://www.theworldchallenge.co.uk/finalists/6/Jungle-Brew
Guayaki is a borrower of the RSF Social Investment Fund. Click here to learn about how you can help RSF support more social enterprises like this.
Dancing Deer Baking Company Voted America's Best Tasting Brownie!
The votes have been counted and the results are in — Dancing Deer Baking Company Brownies have been voted America’s Best Tasting Brownies! And to mark this honor, Dancing Deer Brownies are now being made available for everyone to taste for themselves – for free... Read more in the RSF newsroom and get your free brownie sample.
August and September Grant Making Activity with a Spotlight on Juma Ventures
Juma Ventures is committed to helping break the cycle of poverty. Located in San Francisco, Juma was founded in 1993 with an initial focus on giving homeless youth the job experience they needed to transition from living on the streets to enjoying a living wage and stable adulthood... Read the full post on the Reimagine Money blog.
Celebrating Rudolf Steiner: A Recap
Over 500 people gathered at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Club last month to celebrate the 150th birthday of Rudolf Steiner, RSF’s namesake and inspiration. We were joined by others who have been inspired by Steiner’s thinking and body of work, and the day was full of interactive panel discussions, workshops, Biodynamic treats, eurthymy, and more! Check out photos from the event on the Reimagine Money blog.
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