This work is in the Field of studies regarding third-sector organizations. They saw a large increase in revenues, workload and media exposure. The main objective of this work is to develop upon relations between non-profit sector, of Anglo-Saxon origin, social economy, of a French origin and social innovation.It is a qualitative, exploratory study, where the means of investigation are two case studies. The first case was at an association located in São Paulo, Brasil, with its arts school; the other, is a solidarity-based cooperative located in Montréal, Québec, Canada. The results are indicated at the end, considering some relationship between management models and social innovation.