Social and solidarity economy — practical tools for local groups
Economic tools should serve people and place — not turn every organization into a marketplace.
by Camille Renard · Updated 2026-10-07
Quick answer Match the economic form to the mission: cooperative ownership, social enterprise revenue, or mutual-aid structures — then test viability before scaling.
Solidarity economy is a toolbox — choose the form that protects mission and community benefit.
Common forms local groups use
- Worker or consumer cooperatives
- Nonprofit social enterprises with clear social aims
- Collective purchasing or shared services
- Mutual-aid and reciprocity networks
A careful launch checklist
- Clarify the social purpose in one sentence
- Map who benefits and who decides
- Test demand with a small pilot
- Price for sustainability without excluding the people you serve
- Separate mission reporting from cash-flow reporting
Partnerships without mission drift
Public and private partners can help capitalization and procurement. Keep decision rights with the community organization, and write purpose clauses before money moves.
FAQ
Is every nonprofit a solidarity-economy project?
No. Solidarity economy emphasizes democratic ownership, social purpose, and community benefit — structure and practice both matter.
When should a group avoid launching a social enterprise?
When the core service is already unstable, governance is unclear, or the revenue idea competes with the mission.