The Good
Economy
Creating social value through employment.
THE GOOD ECONOMY IS A BROWNIE POINTS INITIATIVE
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SOCIAL EMPLOYMENT FUND
THE GOOD ECONOMY IS A BROWNIE POINTS INITIATIVE
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SOCIAL EMPLOYMENT FUND
Together with 13 additional partners who the Good Economy aims to tackle South Africa’s unemployment rate by
creating meaningful employment opportunities that contribute to the social economy.
The social economy encompasses all enterprise activities intentionally designed to achieve social or environmental outcomes,
blending social objectives with market-driven strategies.
This includes initiatives such as early childhood development (ECD) centres, recycling programs, social housing projects, and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. It also incorporates nonprofit endeavours where cost recovery
through market mechanisms is not a factor.
Social employment operates on the principle that there is an abundance of meaningful work needed to address the pressing challenges faced by South Africans. These efforts not only support marginalised and disadvantaged communities but also strive to empower and upskill individuals engaged in advancing the public good.
PARTNERS
PAST
THE GOOD ECONOMY IMPACT
13
Organisations Making an Impact
R72,573,963
Funding Raised
for NPO’s
189
Missions
Completed
3,707
People
Impacted
2,256,229
Hours of
Volunteer Time
3
Campaigns
Launched
13
Companies Making an Impact
R72,573,963
Funding Raised
for NPO’s
187
Missions
Completed
3,707
People
Impacted
2,256,229
Hours of
Volunteer Time
3
Campaigns
Launched
Past Success
Social Employment Fund
IDC
7 provinces | 13 partners
188 worksites | 3,755 participants
Social Employment Fund
IDC
7 provinces
13 partners
188 worksites
3,755 participants
Read about our stories
Unlocking Opportunity for All PBOs: A Big Win for Digital Inclusion
At Brownie Points, we believe that access is the foundation of impact. Without it, the most valuable tools for education, health, and social services remain out of reach for the very people who need them most. That’s why the successful zero-rating of 25 Public Benefit...
From Groceries to Good Deeds: What Checkers Sixty60 Can Teach Us About Virtual Volunteering
Sixty minutes. That’s all it takes to have your groceries picked, packed, and delivered straight to your door. Checkers Sixty60 has changed the way South Africans shop, making convenience king and efficiency non-negotiable. No more long queues, no more wasted time,...
If We Can Organise a Braai in 10 Minutes, We Can Organise Social Change Just as Fast
South Africans have a very particular set of skills, and at the top of that list is our ability to organise a braai at lightning speed. Give us 10 minutes, and we’ve got the WhatsApp group buzzing. Someone’s bringing the wors, another is handling the garlic bread, and...
Empowering Change: The Dual Impact of The Litterboom Project
Since its inception in 2017, The Litterboom Project (TLP) has focused on protecting our oceans and environment, targeting plastic waste in innovative and impactful ways. By strategically placing litter booms along river systems, the project intercepts floating...
TGE – Partner – Litter 4 Tokens
In an era defined by challenges and opportunities, the value of work extends beyond economic activity - it restores dignity, builds confidence, and empowers individuals who have previously not had the chance to engage in formal employment. For someone entering the...
The Transformative Power of Nonprofit Organisations in South Africa
South Africa is a country of contrasts. A vibrant land of incredible potential, rich cultural diversity, and daunting socio-economic challenges. Amid the complexities, nonprofit organisations (NPOs) emerge as a powerful force for transformation. They bridge gaps,...
Why Companies with a strong social impact component are more attractive to funders
In today’s business landscape, profitability alone is no longer the golden ticket to securing funding. Investors, grant-makers, and venture capitalists are increasingly prioritising companies that don’t just generate revenue, but generate impact. This shift isn’t...
The Business of Doing Good: Why Market-Driven Strategies Are Changing the Social Economy
The idea that making money and making a difference are two separate things? That’s old news. The social economy is rewriting the rules, proving that businesses and organisations can be both profitable and purposeful, without compromise. It’s no longer just about...
Shaping Future Changemakers: Why Community Service Should Start in the Classroom
There’s something powerful about seeing a young learner light up when they realise they’ve made a difference, whether it’s by bringing an extra packed lunch to school for a fellow student in need or collecting winter coats for families in need. These small acts of...
IDC: Social Employment Fund (2022 – present)
Overview The Social Employment Fund (SEF) is one of South Africa’s most ambitious public employment programmes, designed to create meaningful, part-time work in service of the common good. By funding civil society organisations to deliver socially valuable services —...