In Driving Social Change, author and public policy professor Paul Light argues that social entrepreneurs carry out four activities essential for a healthy society. They preserve the great achievements of past generations that are the common goods shared by all people in common. They analyze emerging trends in the society, the economy and the environment so that others can understand their potential for harm or good. They explore new ideas and innovative practices as potential solutions to problems that produce inequities, limit opportunities or compromise social welfare. They champion and defend the rights of those in society most at risk, living at the margin and facing prejudice or persecution.
The Deutsch Foundation views its philanthropy as a means for supporting these diverse types of social entrepreneurs. This section of the website showcases some examples of innovative philanthropy and exemplary social entrepreneurship.