The field of impact investing has evolved significantly over the last decade. What trends, challenges and opportunities exist? READ MORE >
Evaluators are increasingly engaged in market-based approaches and innovative finance in international development. READ MORE >
A group of African institutions are delivering executive education training on impact investing in South Africa and Ghana. CLICK HERE >
New blog post on “Setting Standards for Impact Investing: What Does Africa Want?” at the Evaluation for Africa website. CLICK HERE >
What is Impact Investing?
Impact investing involves the allocation of capital with the intent of generating a social or environmental impact and also a financial return. Commercial banks, private foundations, pension funds, venture funds, major corporations, governments, development finance institutions and non-profit financial institutions are active in this industry in all parts of the world.
Evaluating Impact Investing
Impact investing can be evaluated at a variety of levels: the impact investing industry as a whole in a given country, an investment policy, an investment or grant-making program, an investment fund, an investment product, an individual investment, an investee firm, an entrepreneur, an employee, or the household or community in which they live.
Topics
In this emerging field, a number of themes and issues that are gaining interest and relevance. Examples include standards, methods, capacity building and multi-stakeholder perspectives.
Resources
There is a wide range of established and emerging literature, including market surveys, guidelines, case studies and toolkits. These span a range of sectors and regions, and can often be adapted.
Training
Developing and nurturing capacity within the impact investing sector remains both a key challenge and opportunity. Training is occurring via workshops, courses, networks and conferences.
