The program aims to create a new support infrastructure institution for civil society in support of social entrepreneurship.
The Social Finance Association (SFA), the promoter and pillar organization of AFIN IFN S.A., aims to develop an integrated operational model that simultaneously addresses the need for entrepreneurial knowledge/skills, as well as access to financing for organizations interested in establishing or consolidating social enterprises.
Â
Context
Financial sustainability is one of the major challenges of non-governmental organizations in Romania, which are constantly making efforts to diversify their income sources. According to the 2024 FDSC report on the non-governmental sector in Romania, NGOs mainly rely on income from donations, sponsorships and grants. Only 11% of the active NGOs engage in income-generating activities, and of these, approximately 60% manage to make minimal profits.
Organizations need not only adequate financial support for starting a social business, but also specialized assistance to be competitive on the market.
Strategy
The program will support the start-up activities of the Social Financing Association in the development of this model of dual assistance (financial and consulting) for social entrepreneurs, which will be provided through a partnership between a non-profit organization (SFA) and a social lending vehicle (IFN).
The activities of the Social Finance Association will include personalized consulting and mentoring sessions for social entrepreneurs, webinars, and an international conference dedicated to social finance.