On the Path to Sustainability: Expanding and Diversifying Afroreggae’s Social Enterprise

Since its founding in 1993, Grupo Cultural AfroReggae (GCAR) has promoted justice and social inclusion in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Over the years GCAR has grown in size and scope, partnering with multinational corporations like Banco Santander, Nestle, and the Brazilian  cosmetics giant Natura. It has also worked with the local and state governments to help bring basic services to these previously neglected communities. Through these partnerships, GCAR has demonstrated unique capabilities to help private and public sector actors reach their financial and social goals. However, GCAR has primarily offered its knowledge and expertise to  institutional sponsors, on whom it depends for the bulk of its funding. At this critical moment in its growth, GCAR is attempting to broaden its revenue base and evolve into a more sustainable “social business.” A team of SIPA students was asked to make recommendations on how the organization can develop a more financially sustainable model through expanding and diversifying its partnerships.