"Can a nonprofit organization rely solely on good intentions to ensure sustainability?"   Korean nonprofit organizations are actively working at the forefront of social problem-solving. Yet internally, they still face deep questions about governance.   In the context of nonprofits, governance is more than just how a board operates or how decisions are made. It reflects the relational structure of an organization — how decisions are made together, responsibilities are shared, and trust is built. Key Issues in Governance of Korean Nonprofits   In nonprofits, “how we work together” often matters more than “what we do.”   Korean nonprofits exist in various forms, including foundations, associations, civic organizations, and social cooperatives. Legally, most are structured around a board of directors, but in practice, boards often only participate in formal decision-making or lack deep involvement in operations.   In some cases, boards exi...

  Why Civic Assetization?   Recently in Korea, alleyway commercial districts that reflect local characteristics have become popular destinations. Not only Koreans but also international tourists frequently visit these areas, and countless people pass through them every day.   As foot traffic increases, the local economy thrives. However, rent prices rise, and long-standing shops and residents are often forced out. This leads to the transformation or loss of local history and culture, a phenomenon known as gentrification .   One promising solution to this issue is civic assetization .   What is Civic Assetization?   Civic assetization refers to residents and community members pooling funds to collectively own and democratically manage various tangible and intangible assets, such as buildings, land, cultural spaces, and renewable energy facilities.   The key is that it’s not just about shared ownership. Civic assetization aims to ut...

The reason social economy enterprises must prioritize both social value and profitability is that this ensures the sustainability of the business. Only sustainable enterprises can achieve long-term impact and realize the goals they initially set.   Moreover, stable social economy enterprises are better positioned to attract impact investment . Impact investment deserves attention because it influences both the growth and expansion of a business.   What is Impact Investing?   Impact investing is different from simply pursuing financial returns or making donations. It involves investing in businesses or organizations that address social issues — such as the environment, poverty, education, and human rights — through business solutions, while simultaneously generating social/environmental value and financial returns. Impact investing has been formally introduced in Korea for over ten years.   Investment targets include social economy enterprises, non-pr...

  Why Social Finance ? Traditionally, finance has focused on maximizing profits. However, as social issues like climate change , inequality , aging populations , and regional decline intensify, there is a growing global movement to use capital to address these problems. Amid this shift, the concept of Social Finance has emerged. What is Social Finance?   When I first heard the term social finance, the first question that came to mind was “How is it different from conventional finance ?”   The answer is straightforward. Social finance is not just about generating profit; it aims to simultaneously solve social problems and expand social value.   In other words, social finance considers both financial returns and social/environmental impact, setting it apart from traditional finance.   Types of Social Finance   Social finance can be broadly categorized into four types 👉 Inclusive Finance : Financial services for vulnerable or underserved ...