The Social Economy, a Response to the Crisis in the District of Castelo Branco
Assessing the situation of charitable organizations
The study "The social economy, a response to the crisis in the district of Castelo Branco" addressed the situation of charitable organizations in the District of Castelo Branco, namely how they can be effective vehicles of future social change, become self-sustained and create jobs, while generating revenue. Furthermore, it provides policy makers and charities a new outline for understanding the Third Sector: its role in society, and its relationships with government, the market and the citizens of the region.
The document recommends, among other measures, that the District’s charities provide goods and services to the public and private sectors, such as gardening and catering, as a mean to overcome its financial difficulties and go beyond the state financing for its revenues. The study also suggested the creation of two awards by the Civil Government: one to distinguish the charitable organizations that have a higher degree of financial self-sufficiency and another for those that are more entrepreneurial.
This study was commissioned by the Civil Government and made by IPI Consulting Network Portugal, in 2010.
The study's Portuguese language version is already available online.
