In today's world, where financial resources are increasingly sought after for addressing complex social and environmental challenges, social impact funding has emerged as a powerful tool for positive change. But what exactly is social impact funding? Who are the key players involved, and what are their motivations?

This blog delves into the world of social impact funding, shedding light on its diverse forms, motivations of investors, and the crucial role it plays in creating a more sustainable and equitable future.

Understanding the Different Forms of Social Impact Funding:

Social impact funding encompasses a diverse range of financial instruments, each with its unique characteristics and objectives:

Philanthropy: Traditional charitable giving, where wealthy individuals or organisations donate resources to support social causes, forms the foundation of social impact funding.

Venture Capital and Private Equity: These investment models, traditionally used to finance high-growth businesses, are increasingly being adapted to support social enterprises with the potential for both financial returns and positive social impact.

Impact Investing: This specific form of investment aims to generate both financial returns and measurable social or environmental impact alongside financial returns. Impact investors actively seek out enterprises or projects that address specific social or environmental challenges while generating a financial return on their investment.

Grants: Non-profit organisations and foundations often offer grants to support initiatives aligned with their missions. These grants may be non-repayable or require repayment under specific circumstances.

Social Impact Bonds: These innovative financing instruments tie investment returns to the achievement of predetermined social outcomes. If the social outcomes are achieved, investors receive a financial return.

Who are the Key Players in Social Impact Funding?

A diverse range of actors participate in the social impact funding landscape:

Investors: Individuals, foundations, corporations, and investment firms seeking financial returns alongside positive social or environmental impact.

Social Enterprises: For-profit businesses with a primary mission to address social or environmental challenges.

Non-Profit Organisations: Organisations focused on addressing social and environmental issues, often seeking funding to support their programmes and initiatives.

Impact Intermediaries: Organisations that connect investors with social enterprises and non-profit organisations, providing due diligence and expertise in evaluating social impact.

Government Agencies: Governments can play a role in facilitating social impact funding by providing tax incentives, creating enabling regulations, and supporting the development of the impact ecosystem.

Motivations for Engaging in Social Impact Funding:

The motivations for engaging in social impact funding vary depending on the player involved:

Investors: While financial return remains a key driver for some investors, an increasing number are motivated by a desire to make a positive social impact alongside financial gains. This aligns with the growing interest in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing, where investors consider the environmental and social impact of their investments alongside financial performance.

Social Enterprises and Non-Profit Organisations: These entities seek funding to support their missions, whether it's providing essential services to underserved communities, developing innovative solutions to environmental challenges, or fostering social change.

Governments: Governments may utilise social impact funding to achieve specific development goals, attract investment in critical sectors, and promote social innovation.

The Growing Impact of Social Impact Funding:

Social impact funding is playing a vital role in addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges:

Promoting Sustainable Development: By supporting initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), social impact funding contributes to achieving a more sustainable and equitable future.

Empowering Social Enterprises: This funding provides crucial resources for social enterprises to scale their operations, reach a wider audience, and create a more significant social impact.

Fostering Innovation: Social impact funding acts as a catalyst for innovation, encouraging the development of new solutions to social and environmental challenges.

Investing for Good: How Can You Get Involved?

There are numerous ways individuals can become involved in the social impact funding landscape:

• Invest your money in impact investment funds or socially responsible businesses.
• Support social enterprises by making conscious consumer choices and purchasing their products or services.
• Volunteer your skills and expertise to support social enterprises or non-profit organisations.
• Raise awareness about social impact funding and the importance of social responsibility.

A Collective Force for Positive Change

Social impact funding presents a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between financial resources and social change. By harnessing the combined efforts of diverse players, from individuals to governments, this landscape holds immense potential to create a more sustainable and equitable future.

1. Standardisation of Impact Measurement: Developing standardised frameworks for measuring social and environmental impact is critical to ensure transparency and accountability in the sector.
2. Capacity Building: Equipping social enterprises and non-profit organisations with the skills and knowledge to navigate the social impact funding landscape is essential for effective resource utilisation.
3. Collaboration and Innovation: Fostering collaboration between diverse stakeholders, including investors, social enterprises, and government agencies, can unlock innovative solutions to social challenges.

By addressing these challenges and harnessing the collective power of social impact funding, we can move towards a future where financial resources are invested not just for profit, but also for the betterment of society and the environment. Remember, every individual, organisation, and investment decision holds the potential to contribute to this positive change.

Bushra Ansari and Sowmya Rajaram | Published: 15 April, 2024

It hasn’t been a good week for women in India. When a 28-year-old Spanish-Brazilian vlogger was gangraped in Jharkhand, US journalist David Josef Volodzko posted on social media about India being an unsafe country for women. To this, the National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Rekha Sharma responded, accusing him of “vilifying” India. She then purported to respond with “statistics” and “data” (sans sources) that “over 6 million tourists arrive in India every year, many of them are single women, and they holiday safely.” So let’s look at what the data actually says.

As per the Women Peace and Security Index 2023 released by Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, India ranks 128 out of 177 countries in terms of women’s inclusion, justice, and security.

The latest data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reveals that the rate of crimes against women in India (calculated as crimes per 100,000 of the women population) increased by 12.9% between 2018 and 2022. In India, the reported crimes against women per 100,000 women population is 66.4 in 2022, in comparison with 58.8 in 2018. This increase could be due to a number of factors, including an increase in actual crimes, an improvement in reporting mechanisms, and a growing willingness of women to speak out about their experiences of violence.

The statistics in “Crime in India 2022”, the annual report by NCRB, show that a total of 13 States and Union Territories recorded crime rates higher than the national average of 66.4. Delhi topped the list at 144.4 ,followed by Haryana (118.7), Telangana (117), Rajasthan (115.1), Odisha (103.3), Andhra Pradesh (96.2), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (93.7), Kerala (82), Assam (81.2), Madhya Pradesh (78.8), Uttarakhand (77), Maharashtra (75.1), and West Bengal (71.8). The rate of crime in Uttar Pradesh — which contributed nearly 15 percent of the cases in India — stood at 58.6.

“India takes the safety of women very seriously, evidenced by its implementation of stringent laws over time,” Sharma said in her response. Yet, despite the enactment of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005), the majority of crimes against women under the Indian Penal Code were of cruelty by the husband or his relatives (31.4 per cent). This was followed by kidnapping and abduction of women (19.2 per cent), assault on women with intent to outrage her modesty (18.7 per cent), and rape (7.1 per cent), NCRB records state.

There is more. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the crime rate per 100,000 women population jumped from 56.5 in 2020, to 64.5 in 2021. A number of factors could have contributed to this, including reverse migration, social isolation, and economic strain. These factors can aggravate existing tensions within households and create additional stressors, leading to increased violence.

A lack of economic independence further cripples women’s ability to protect themselves from abuse and harassment. Despite legal frameworks, most women are not entitled to a share in property, due to established social norms. Also, women’s participation in the labour force is mostly in the informal economy, which gives them little access to social protection.

In the workplace too, women face a higher risk of gender violence. Data tells us that women’s quest for financial independence actually seems to augment their risk of facing harassment within professional settings. This, despite the existence of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 (commonly known as POSH Act). As per NCRB, the victim count for workplace sexual harassment against women has increased from 402 in 2018 to 422 in 2022. This is cause for concern, because it is well-established that women actually under-report crimes against them due to fear of repercussions, inadequate awareness, and societal biases.

Globally too, Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is a serious and pervasive issue. According to the World Health Organization, at least one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, and nearly one in 10 girls has experienced forced intercourse or other sexual acts.

In India, this is exacerbated by entrenched gender bias and patriarchal social norms, which allow women little agency, and prevent them from reporting crimes against them for fear of repercussions. So, what can we do?

We need a systemic change, which can only happen through a multi-faceted approach. Gender-transformative approaches can be implemented via childhood education and household- and community-level interventions. Innovative methods such as gameplay can be used to involve both men and women in gender equality initiatives. Other methods include changing cultural attitudes, reforming policy and law, increasing support services for survivors, and conducting more information campaigns, workshops, and training programmes, and designing intervention programmes based on data.

Initiatives such as Government of India’s One Stop Centre (OSC) scheme (launched in 2015) help by providing a range of integrated services under one roof including police facilitation, medical aid, legal aid and counselling, psycho-social counselling, and temporary shelter to women affected by violence or in distress. Currently, 752 OSCs are operational across India, which have assisted over eight lakh women. Civil societies, SPOs, ASHA workers, SHGs, religious/faith-based institutions, and government initiatives can also play a vital role in raising awareness about gender-based violence through social gatherings and networking sites. These entities can raise awareness through educational campaigns, community outreach, and media engagement. They operate by organising workshops, leveraging social media, and collaborating to address gender-based violence and promote a culture of respect and equality.

VAWG has serious social, economic, and cultural implications. it has been linked to higher rates of poverty, poor health outcomes for women and their children, and lower levels of education and economic participation. Discussing VAWG in India is the first step to addressing it, and we must let the data and evidence guide us toward implementing solutions that create a safer and more equitable society for women.

Bushra Ansari is a Data Analyst, and Sowmya Rajaram is a Communications professional at ISDM DataSights, a singular online data hub under the umbrella of the Indian School of Development Management (https://www.isdm.org.in/), which hosts comprehensive data, knowledge assets and tools for analytics and research on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Social change initiatives in India are driven by a collective desire to make a positive difference. Billions of dollars are poured into programs aimed at tackling complex issues like poverty, education, and healthcare. But often, the impact of these programs is difficult to measure, leading to a nagging question: are we truly achieving lasting change?

This is where Results-Based Program Management (RBPM) steps in as the missing piece. RBPM is a structured approach that equips program managers with the skills and tools to design, implement, and monitor programs strategically, ensuring they deliver measurable social impact.

Why Results-Based Program Management Matters in India

India's development sector faces unique challenges. Here's how RBPM can address them:

• Focus on Outcomes, Not Outputs: Many programs measure activities (outputs) like workshops conducted or meals served. RBPM emphasizes measuring outcomes, the actual change achieved in people's lives (e.g., increased literacy rates or improved health outcomes). This ensures resources are directed towards programs with demonstrably positive impacts.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Social change is complex. RBPM equips program managers with the skills to collect and analyze data throughout the program cycle. This data informs crucial decisions about resource allocation, program adjustments, and future interventions, leading to greater efficiency and effectiveness.
• Transparency and Accountability: With RBPM, stakeholders like donors and beneficiaries have a clear understanding of program goals, how progress is measured, and the results achieved. This transparency fosters trust and accountability, leading to greater support for impactful programs.

Empowering Changemakers: The ISDM Results-Based Program Management Certificate Program

The ISDM Results-Based Program Management Certificate Program equips you with the knowledge and skills to become a leader in driving social change through effective program management.

• Developed for the Indian Context: The curriculum is designed specifically for the Indian development sector, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by social change organizations in the country.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: The program delves into all aspects of RBPM, from understanding program design principles to crafting a robust monitoring and evaluation system.
• Interactive Learning: The program offers a unique blend of instructor-led sessions, project-based learning, case studies, and coaching, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience.
• Networking and Growth: Connect with a community of passionate development professionals and build your network to further your career and social impact goals.

Who Should Take This Program?

This program is designed for:

• Aspiring Program Managers: Individuals seeking a career in program and project management roles within the development sector.
• Development Professionals: Those looking to enhance their existing program management skills and advance their careers.
• Changemakers: Anyone passionate about social change who wants to learn how to design and implement programs that create lasting impact.

Invest in Making a Difference

The ISDM Results-Based Program Management Certificate Program is an investment in your ability to make a real difference. By mastering RBPM, you'll gain the skills to:

• Design programs with clear goals and measurable outcomes.
• Manage resources effectively and efficiently.
• Lead and motivate teams to achieve program objectives.
• Make data-driven decisions for continuous program improvement.
• Become a recognized expert in program management within the development sector.

Take the first step towards a fulfilling career driving social change. Enroll in the ISDM Results-Based Program Management Certificate Program today!

Program Details:

• Duration: 3 months (60 hours)
• Delivery Mode: Online live sessions
• Cost: INR 60,000 + taxes (scholarships available)

Bushra Ansari | Published: 01 April, 2024

How do women in India spend their time? Apart from paid work, community activities, cultural engagements, religious practices, volunteering, and sports, many women spend a significant amount of time on household duties. The data points to a significant gender influence here - women predominantly shoulder unpaid responsibilities such as cooking, cleaning, and caregiving, while men are generally more engaged in paid work.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) reports that globally, men spend an average of 83 minutes per day on unpaid care work, while women devote three times more time with 265 minutes. In India, the gender gap is even more pronounced, women spend 297 minutes daily on unpaid care work, compared to men who spend only 31 minutes. India's first Time Use Survey (TUS), conducted by the National Statistical Organization (NSO) in 2019, gives us more insight into this gender gap.

1. The average time women spend on unpaid work is 7.3 times that of men

*TUS activity classification as per International
Classification of Activities for Time Use Statistics 2016 (ICATUS 2016)

The gender disparity in time allocation is the highest with regard to time spent on unpaid domestic work and caregiving services, followed by employment and related activities. The ILO estimates that unpaid care work is amongst the most critical barriers preventing women from joining and remaining in the workforce. This disproportionate burden of unpaid care work creates “time poverty”, which limits women’s ability to engage in paid work and acquire the skills they need for better job opportunities.

2. The highest duration of time women dedicate to paid employment is observed in the western and southern areas

According to a report titled "Viewport 2022: Top Cities for Women in India", which analysed Indian cities on four metrics – women's ease of living, women's safety, women’s representation rate in employment and women’s empowerment initiatives, the South and West regions attract more women, with average scores of 46.17 and 41.13, respectively. North Indian cities rank third (36.03), followed by the Central (31.17) and East (29.43) regions.

In the southern states of India, women's participation in regular jobs is higher compared to the northern states due to a highly educated society and women's freedom in decision-making. On the other hand, North India tends to be more patriarchal and feudal, leading to more restrictions on women's behaviour, and limited access to work opportunities.

3. The north-eastern regions showcase the least disparity in time allocation for household work between women and men

The northeastern states, known for having societies with a more gender-neutral outlook, have higher male participation in domestic household work compared to other regions of the country. For example, the existence of matrilineal societies in Meghalaya, where children receive their mother's last name, husbands move into their wife's home, and the youngest daughters inherit the ancestral property.

Women in the northeast dominate public spaces. Women of all age groups can be found running small and big businesses. Asia's largest all-women 'Mother's Market' is in Manipur, where only married, divorced, or widowed women set up stalls to sell everything from daily essentials to fancy items.

4. Cleaning and cooking show the most pronounced gender gap in household tasks

Most households prefer home-cooked meals; thus, it is not surprising that a major part of women's time is allocated to cooking. Cooking has been associated with the female identity and ascribed gender roles, so much so that men in India are seldom encouraged to learn how to cook.

Social norms dictate that women perform unpaid labour. The consequences for straying from the norm can be harsh. OXFAM India’s 2019 household care survey found that one in three respondents thought it acceptable to beat a woman for failing to care well for the children or for not attending to a dependent, ill or adult member in the household.

Women in India often have to juggle multiple responsibilities, which can lead to stress, burnout, and a lack of time for themselves. It is important to address the gender divide in household duties and paid employment to create a more equitable society for women in India. This can be done by challenging traditional gender roles, providing more economic opportunities for women, and challenging social norms. For instance, in Jharkhand, a workforce of over 50,000 skilled women masons has defied stereotypes by building toilets under Swatch Bharat Mission, contributing significantly to the state's attainment of open-defecation-free status.

Additionally, accessible crèches would reduce the time and energy women have to spend on childcare. Similarly, schemes to ensure the availability of drinking water (Jal Jeevan Mission) and cooking gas (Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana) would reduce the time women have to spend on collecting water and firewood. Moreover, steps to ensure women’s right to property and assets can help provide them with financial security and recognise their contribution to the household.

Bushra Ansari is a Data Analyst at ISDM DataSights, supported by Capgemini.