NextSME
Ensuring continuity and sustainability for small and medium-sized family businesses beyond the third generation with modern tools and knowledge.
European Center for Social Finance
Financing Social Innovation Across Europe
The most experienced organization in European social finance — bridging theory, practice and policy.
100+
Intermediaries, foundations & banks supported
12+
European countries
15+
European projects delivered
Who we are
Bridging Theory, Practice, and Policy
The European Center for Social Finance (ECSF) was created to help establish best practices and distribute knowledge in financing the provision of social services and social innovations. It works at the intersection of theory, practice and policy and views social finance as a process which encompasses among others selection criteria, financing structures and impact assessment. Members of the European Center for Social Finance write studies and books, provide technical assistance, organize trainings, consult financial intermediaries and participate in research projects.
Over the last years, the European Center for Social Finance has worked with more than 100 social finance intermediaries, foundations, banks and microfinance institutions in Romania, Austria, Germany, France, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, Slovakia and Netherlands among others.
The Center is based at the Munich Business School (MBS) and works with a network of partner organizations across Europe.
What we do
Our Services
Technical Assistance
Expert guidance and capacity-building for social finance institutions, helping to design structured selection criteria, financial assessments, and impact measurement frameworks to maximize organizational effectiveness.
Learn More →Research
In-depth, data-driven academic research on the social and solidarity finance sector. We explore convergence trends, impact investing, and the role of institutional investors in financing social innovations.
Explore →Projects
Implementation and evaluation of cross-border social finance initiatives. We work with European partners to apply theoretical knowledge to practical, on-the-ground challenges in the social sector.
Our Work →Our work
Featured Projects
StayOK
Focusing on well-being at work for small companies, addressing hybrid work, AI for HR, and work/life balance to curb the trend of great resignation.
Deal4Good
Empowering social enterprises to participate in Social Public Procurement, bridging the gap between VET and the social economy.
Technical Assistance
We are delivering technical assistance to social finance intermediaries and microfinance institutions.
Studies on Embedded Finance and AI for Micro Businesses
We are conducting research on embedded finance as well as the use of artificial intelligence for micro businesses.
Impact Due Diligence and Impact Audit
We are continuously preparing impact due diligence reports and impact audits for social finance intermediaries.
Insights
Latest News
Stay updated with our recent activities and upcoming events.
18 June 2026
Join our Deal4Good Pilot Training Programme
Gain practical skills in Social Public Procurement, social innovation and sustainable public practices through our EU Erasmus+ funded pilot training — with certificate and digital badges.
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6 March 2026
March Newsletter
Workshops for Entrepreneurs and Policymakers & NextSMEs International Webinar updates.
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14 August 2025
Join the International Webinar on Social and Green Public Procurement – 19 September 2025
Leveraging public procurement for social and green goals. Online webinar insights.
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