Major changes are reshaping the role of social investment both internationally and in the Australian context: global economic realignments, the privatisation of community services; new patterns of wealth distribution and of inter-generational wealth transfer; greater expectations of the role of corporate citizenship and of corporate philanthropy. These forces are also extending the meaning of philanthropy by encouraging the growth of new forms of 'social investment', in which commercial enterprise is being shaped by social as well as financial goals, to create innovative, and increasingly hybrid, models of sustainable community services, environmental protection and social development, as well as new business opportunities and markets.

This course will introduce the history, core concepts and current issues in the fields of social investment and the new and innovative forms of fundraising, philanthropy and social bonds that are emerging. It will also examine patterns of financial investment, philanthropic giving, ethical and philosophical perspectives and the management and legal aspects of social investment programs.
This course is an Elective in the Graduate Certificate in Social Impact program (7357). and the Business Administration (Specialised) – 8625: Social Impact - MNGTKS8625 Stream.

It is offered as a fully online course.