Agents of Change: Exploring Purpose-Driven Organizations

Task 1: Read the Case Studies

Below are four fictional case studies. Each one represents a different type of organization. As you read, consider the key characteristics, purpose, and structure of each organization. You will use this information to create your mind map in the next task.

Case Study 1: Social Enterprise – “Green Wheels”

Green Wheels is a business that sells eco-friendly bicycles made from recycled materials. The founder, Jessica, created the business with a mission to reduce the carbon footprint of urban transportation while providing affordable, green transportation options to city residents. The company reinvests its profits into expanding its product line and supporting environmental sustainability programs in local schools. While it operates like a business, Green Wheels prioritizes social and environmental goals over profit maximization.

Key features:

  • Operates to make a profit, but profits are used for social/environmental causes.
  • Aims to make a positive impact on society (sustainability).
  • Reinvests profits to support its social mission.

Case Study 2: Charity – “Food for All”

Food for All is a charity founded by a group of volunteers to combat food insecurity in low-income communities. The organization collects food donations from supermarkets and distributes them to families in need. Unlike businesses, Food for All does not sell goods or services, and it relies on donations from individuals and companies to fund its operations. The charity’s primary goal is to reduce hunger and provide assistance to those in need, with no expectation of financial return.

Key features:

  • Non-profit organization.
  • Funded by donations and grants.
  • Provides free services to people in need.

Case Study 3: NGO – “Clear Water Project”

Clear Water Project is an international NGO focused on providing clean drinking water to rural communities in developing countries. The organization is funded by governments, corporate sponsors, and individual donations. It works independently from the government but often partners with local authorities to implement sustainable water systems. The primary goal of Clear Water Project is to address the global water crisis and advocate for policies that improve access to clean water.

Key features:

  • Non-governmental organization, independent from the state.
  • Works on specific issues such as water, health, or education.
  • Funded through donations and grants, often collaborates with governments.

Case Study 4: Cooperative – “Farmers Together”

Farmers Together is a cooperative founded by a group of small-scale farmers who wanted more control over how their produce is sold. Instead of relying on middlemen, the farmers pooled their resources to create a cooperative where they collectively own and manage the distribution of their goods. Profits from the cooperative are shared among the members, and decisions are made democratically, with each member having one vote regardless of their financial contribution.

Key features:

  • Owned and controlled by its members (democratic decision-making).
  • Profit is distributed among members.
  • Focus on mutual benefit for all members.

TASK 2: Create a Mind Map

Based on the case studies, create a mind map to organize the information you’ve gathered about each type of organization.

Your mind map should include:

  • The name of the organization type.
  • Its main characteristics (e.g., profit orientation, ownership, goals).
  • The purpose or mission of the organization.
  • An example from the fictional case study.

TASK 3: Research Task

Now that you’ve created your mind map based on the fictional examples, it’s time to expand it with real-world examples.

For each of the four organization types (Social Enterprise, Charity, NGO, Cooperative), research and find one real-world example. Add these examples to your mind map under the appropriate section.

For each real-world example, answer the following questions and add them as notes to your mind map:

  1. What is the mission or goal of the organization?
  2. How does it operate? (e.g., how is it funded, what services/products does it offer?)
  3. What impact does it have on society?

TASK 3 Completion Criteria:

  1. Comprehension – Did you identify the main characteristics of each organization from the case studies?
  2. Mind Map – Is your mind map clear, detailed, and organized?
  3. Research – Did you find accurate and relevant real-world examples?
  4. Reflection – Did you thoughtfully answer the three questions for each real-world example?

TASK 4: Extension

For students who finish early or want to explore more, research how these different organization types collaborate with each other. For example, how might an NGO partner with a social enterprise to achieve a shared goal? Add this information to your mind map.