Social Stock Exchange

In November of 2009, the Gulbenkian Human Development Programme launched a new project in the field of social innovation: the first European Social Stock Exchange.

In 2003 the São Paulo Stock Exchange (BOVESPA), the largest stock market in Latin America, set up the world’s first Social Stock Exchange. Modelled on a stock market environment, the initiative has mobilised resources in support of projects carried out by Brazilian NGOs. It builds a bridge between the organisations in need of funding and investors and companies seeking to give donations.

From November the São Paulo model will be replicated in Portugal with the support of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, the EDP Foundation and Euronext Lisbon. Following the same logic as the stock market, in which companies strengthen their business through the stock market, returning capital to the investor in the form of profits and dividends, the NGOs that receive support become stronger and return the investment in the form of a more just, collaborative and environmentally responsible society.

This initiative could gain greater visibility than its counterpart in São Paulo, given that it will be fostered within the Euronext network and can function as a model for the other European stock markets in the network. At a time when third sector organisations need to foster the support of individuals, businesses and other organisations, markets within the Euronext network will be able to witness how they might adopt a new social responsibility platform.

The inauguration and day-to-day management of the Social Stock Exchange in Portugal will be the responsibility of Atitude/SSE, a third sector association who ran the Social Stock Exchange in São Paulo.