More Nonprofits Are Starting to Think and Act Like Startups

If a coalition of philanthropic leaders have their way, more San Diego nonprofits will be heading into the shark tank.

There’s a growing movement to build a stronger social entrepreneurship ecosystem in San Diego. Supporters envision more nonprofits pitching ideas to potential backers, pursuing money-making ventures aimed at addressing social problems and seeking investment in ways a startup company might. The goal is to foster a lesser reliance on big donors and government grants and more sustainable, innovative approaches to tackling causes.

Think Girl Scout cookies, Goodwill stores or Kitchens for Good, a local example. The roughly year-old nonprofit prepares students for food industry jobs with cooking and catering gigs.