Alan LAU’s Post

Voluntary organisations and charities play a crucial role in shaping vibrant, resilient communities. But in today’s evolving landscape, it’s essential for these groups to think creatively about sustainability, growth, and long-term impact. That’s why the #LondonBoroughTowerHamlets Social Enterprise Impact Programme is such a valuable opportunity. This programme is designed to help charities and voluntary organisations: Develop sustainable business models to create long-term income streams Build capacity to deliver greater social impact Access expert mentorship and resources to support growth and innovation Collaborate with like-minded organisations to strengthen community ties and broaden influence By joining this programme, you’re not just securing the future of your organisation—you’re enhancing your ability to drive meaningful change in the communities you serve. It's time to explore new ways of working, create social value, and amplify your impact. If your charity or organisation is ready to take the next step, this programme could be your gateway to transformation. #SocialImpact #VoluntarySector #CharityGrowth #Sustainability #CommunityImpact #LondonBoroughTowerHamlets #SocialEnterprise https://lnkd.in/eP-V89Ad

Let's mutualise the social sector! 🎺 My last post about field building (rather than organisational capacity building) seemed to strike a chord with people. I'd still love you to share examples of interesting practice there if you have them. https://lnkd.in/e9T5tqG8 🙃 But I'm interested in the flip side - what if the field decides to build the field, on its own impetus rather than funders'? 📉 This begs the question of whether that's possible: if the default business model for charities is not to have enough revenue to meet their objectives, how do they have enough time to organise collectively and work beyond individual organisational interests? 🚧 I don't take this question theoretically - I think it's a real and concrete barrier. I think if every charity were suddenly given 110% of their budget as unrestricted funding, then we might see much more of this happen. Just as we do in commercial organisations where surplus and profit enable development, innovation and yes, collaboration. 💡 But I also know that nonprofit and social enterprise leaders are an extremely resourceful bunch. Not having the resource to do something doesn't immediately mean they won't try anyway! ❓ So here's my question: who's building the field from the field side? Where are the examples of organisations coming together with a shared agenda and taking that collective approach out to the funding 'market'? And what can we learn from them about how to accelerate and support such collective efforts to build the Commons? 🫂 Who's trying to unionise the social sector? OK, the term unionise may be a bit of a stretch, but I feel comfortable using it in this context. When individual organisations come together to organise and structure for common purpose and the benefit of all the people they exist to serve, I see it as a form of unionisation and mutualism that acts against the fragmentary and isolating forces of competition for funding. Please share examples that are inspiring you! It would be great to be able to learn from all the fantastic work that's (hopefully?) going on out there, that I'm not aware of! Image credit Alex Radelich on Unsplash

Let's collectivise the social sector! 🎺 My last post about field building (rather than organisational capacity building) seemed to strike a chord with people. I'd still love you to share examples of interesting practice there if you have them. 🙃 But I'm interested in the flip side - what if the field decides to build the field, on its own impetus rather than funders'? 📉 This begs the question of whether that's possible: if the default business model for charities is not to have enough revenue to meet their objectives, how do they have enough time to organise collectively and work beyond individual organisational interests? 🚧 I don't take this question theoretically - I think it's a real and concrete barrier. I think if every charity were suddenly given 110% of their budget as unrestricted funding, then we might see much more of this happen. Just as we do in commercial organisations where surplus and profit enable development, innovation and yes, collaboration. 💡 But I also know that nonprofit and social enterprise leaders are an extremely resourceful bunch. Not having the resource to do something doesn't immediately mean they won't try anyway! ❓ So here's my question: who's building the field from the field side? Where are the examples of organisations coming together with a shared agenda and taking that collective approach out to the funding 'market'? And what can we learn from them about how to accelerate and support such collective efforts to build the Commons? 🫂 Who's trying to unionise the social sector? OK, the term unionise may be a bit of a stretch, but I feel comfortable using it in this context. When individual organisations come together to organise and structure for common purpose and the benefit of all the people they exist to serve, I see it as a form of unionisation and mutualism that acts against the fragmentary and isolating forces of competition for funding. Please share examples that are inspiring you! It would be great to be able to learn from all the fantastic work that's (hopefully?) going on out there, that I'm not aware of! Image credit Markus Spiske, Unsplash

As the year draws to a close and our mailboxes and inboxes fill with requests for donations, the challenge of where to allocate our resources becomes more apparent. I understand how this can feel overwhelming, especially for small business owners like myself, who want to give both generously and sustainably. In the past, I reactively wrote small checks to many of those who asked, but that doesn’t feel right anymore. I’m now looking to channel my efforts and resources into causes that touch my heart deeply — like providing clean water, healthy food or science education; fostering effective communication; and supporting those navigating through trauma or grief. I ask myself — how do we, as entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and community organizers embed genuine social impact into our professional activities?  Even if we have chosen a cause or group to donate to, there are so many ways in which to give! If you've been grappling with these questions or want to start crafting a social impact strategy that aligns with your values, I invite you to a special event. Join me and Carolyn Keller from Curio412 for an interactive 50-minute webinar titled "Gratitude in Action: Getting Started with Social Impact." Here, we'll explore actionable ways to integrate meaningful social initiatives into our professional lives. Webinar details: Gratitude in Action: Getting Started with Social Impact Date: Tuesday, November 19th Time: 12PM Central / 1PM EST Registration deadline:  Monday 11/18 Learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/dWKweJ4R The session is complimentary, and you can find the registration link in the first comment. This is a wonderful opportunity to start your journey or enhance your capabilities in social impact. I hope you’ll join us to expand your horizons and perhaps find that missing piece in your strategic giving puzzle. Carolyn and I are looking forward to connecting with you and growing together in generosity and impact. #socialimpact

The social impact sector is broken. And if you are someone who works in a nonprofit, you likely know what we mean. This space is FILLED with people who want to make a difference. And if you’ve ever found yourself wondering if your efforts are truly creating change — or been frustrated by wanting to positively influence an organization — then today’s LHS Community Blog feature is one you need to read! Heather Hiscox is the founder and CEO of Pause for Change, and the co-creator of Possibility Project — both organizations are dedicated to helping changemakers impact THEIR organizations through social impact strategies. Her new book, “No More Status Quo,” is an amazing resource for disruptors and changemakers in our community! Today’s article is the introduction to Heather’s book, which calls all frustrated changemakers to question the “rules” set in place to create social impact. Heather also introduces us to her PAUSE framework, which helps people gain certainty about which solutions will create the greatest impact while using fewer resources and less time. If you and your organization are ready for change, “No More Status Quo” will give you clear, easy-to-use skills and tools to open your thinking, adapt your work behavior, and get more impactful results right away. 📖 You can order your copy today or listen to the audiobook version through Amazon: https://a.co/d/9KkuYrH 💻 Read Heather’s intro on the Let Her Speak Community Blog today: https://lnkd.in/eKXCUhQD

Make your business a multi-tasker. 🔄💼 Ever wondered how to turn the beneficiaries of your social contributions from passive recipients into active participants? 🤔💡 It's a question that's not just good, it's golden: How can I engage the beneficiary in my company's social contribution In a world where consumers are not just buyers but believers in a cause, the idea of empowering the beneficiary through engagement isn't just a lofty concept; it's a strategic revolution. It's the kind of move that turns heads, opens wallets, and most importantly, creates real change. If your goal is to grow your business while uplifting the very people you serve, then welcome to your playbook. The missing link in modern business is often the view of beneficiaries as passive receivers of aid. But what if we flip the script? The traditional top-down model overlooks a critical resource—the beneficiaries themselves. By engaging those you aim to help in your business operations, you can unlock untapped potential, drive innovation, and foster a sense of ownership that elevates your mission from charity to partnership. It's not just about giving back; it's about building together. Ready to dive deeper into this transformative approach? Subscribe to our 'Impactpreneurs' Questions Answered' series and discover how to truly engage beneficiaries and elevate your social impact. Let's turn the page from passive aid to active empowerment. 🚀🤝 Read the entire blog, and subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/gusXnjWM #Impactpreneurs #SocialImpact #BusinessGrowth #DEIB #ConsciousEntrepreneurship #SheIMPACTpreneur

'Happy to help' vs. 'how can I help?' In my role supporting ConnectedGroup's social purpose I speak to a lot of talented people who feel like they want to 'do more' to have a positive impact. This may not be as radical as moving from corporate to nonprofit but, they want to give their time, energy and expertise. I also see that this goodwill can often dissipate in the face of the reality that, you need to be intentional and work to find the right opportunities, even as a volunteer. My advice is to shift the narrative from a statement of 'happy to help' to a question of 'how can I help?' and keep drilling for the answers. Our article on the transition to nonprofit also has a lot of advice and resources that are relevant. #stayconnected #recruit4good #volunteer #lifewithpurpose #haveanimpact

My vision for Make Life Kind Charity has always been to inspire positive change by equipping young people with the resources and confidence they need to thrive. Imagine a world where every young person is prepared to navigate the challenges of today, not just in school, but across social media, gaming, and the rapid shifts in society. Watching that mission grow has been incredible 🙏 Building a charity is not easy, big respect to everyone working hard in this sector, it’s a completely different world from the business environment I was familiar with. But by bringing a business mindset into the nonprofit space, I’ve set my sights on driving big, lasting change across the UK with the goal of making a real impact in the way we educate young people on social, safety and stigmatised topics. Now, we’re ready to scale. We’re looking for like-minded businesses that value corporate social responsibility (CSR) and community impact to join us as partners. Whether your company is passionate about empowering the next generation or wants to actively engage your team in meaningful initiatives, together we can make a real difference. Here’s how you can help: 💡 For just £3, we can educate one child on vital topics such as: Anti-knife crime Online safety  Mental health awareness Anti-bullying and anti-racism DEI Body and mind confidence Careers & Finance Let’s inspire the change we all want to see in the world. Could your business partner with Make Life Kind in 2025? Let’s collaborate and make a meaningful impact, because together, we can transform lives. #MakeLifeKind #CSR #CorporatePartnerships #SocialImpact

You Won't Believe the Impact Small Businesses Can Make! 🌍🤝 Small businesses can make a BIG difference! 🌟At Admin Boutique LLC Boutique, we believe in the power of giving back. Social responsibility isn't just an afterthought—it's woven into our operations. I remember when we partnered with a local nonprofit to organize a community clean-up. The turnout was incredible, and seeing our team and neighbors come together to make a tangible difference was truly inspiring. It reminded me that even small efforts can create ripples of positive change. Here are some ways to create your own ripples: 🌱 Ethical sourcing ♻️ Sustainable practices 🤲 Supporting local causes 🤝 Partnering with nonprofits 🎓 Offering education & mentorship Align your purpose with your actions and inspire others to do the same. Dive into the full article to learn how! What's one way your business or workplace gives back to the community? Share your stories and ideas below! ⬇️💬 #GivingBack #SocialResponsibility #SmallBusiness #CommunityImpact #Sustainability #AdminBoutique #MakeADifference

180 Degrees Consulting was the best investment I made throughout my four years of college. As I progressed from a consultant to a project leader, and finally, to the executive team, I gained invaluable experience that helped me explore different facets of my professional identity. Serving as Operations Director challenged me to meticulously review every detail of our processes to ensure our clients and students were set up for success. Looking back, I am so proud of the growth of the organization, as well as the personal growth in myself. We could not have made such a monumental impact without the work of every member who set aside countless hours of their personal time to give back to these non-profits. However, I’d like to give a special shoutout to the leadership team I worked so closely with (Kara Emsley, Mustafa S., Braden Maxwell, Sohum Rampal, aPHR, and Anika Bhadriraju) for going above and beyond to push us to our maximum potential that led to our recognition as the Best New Branch in the America’s by our global parent organization. I have already been thoroughly impressed by the new executive team (Jack Hagan, Owen Streppa, Ben Cole, Anika Bhadriraju, Nitya R., Harrison Carter, Yash Agarwal, and Alexander Polo) and I cannot wait to see what the future holds. I was blown away by the caliber of this project cycle's final presentations, and while saying goodbye to 180 Degrees Consulting NC State will be tough, I know it is being passed into good hands! #ThinkandDo #180DC #SocialImpact