The term "social entrepreneurship" covers all kinds of activities that have a 'social benefit'. "Social entrepreneurship" is not in itself a new phenomenon but a new term for something that has existed throughout time. Social entrepreneurs offer innovative solutions to the most pressing problems of our society.

Social finance encompasses all investment techniques that generate social and/or environmental value and returns. The best-known social finance investment categories are socially-responsible investment (SRI), micro-finance and, more recently, venture philanthropy.

Philanthropy can be defined as giving money and assets to create social, cultural or environmental impact without necessarily expecting a return.