Purpose-driven Partnerships and Networks

Discover how strategic partnerships, collaborations, and networks are built and sustained through a shared vision, approach, accountability, and communication to amplify social impact.

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The grassroots and the grass tree: Humana People to People India (HPPI)Paper / Report

1 June 2022

The grassroots and the grass tree: Humana People to People India (HPPI)

Humana People to People India (HPPI) is a non-profit organization working for the holistic development of marginalised populations in rural and urban India. Established in 1998, today it is an organization with an organizational strength of over 4,000 people, and working in 7,000 villages across 92 districts. The case engages with how HPPI evolved a structure, culture and organizational leadership to hold together multiple kinds of talent as well as work closely with the State and public delivery system that inform the current development narrative. The case can also inform learners of principles of design as they grow to scale.

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Case Study

Better Finance Better World

This flagship report from the Blended Finance Taskforce presents a strategic roadmap for mobilizing private capital at scale to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It argues for a fundamental shift in the financial system, advocating for the strategic use of concessional development finance to de-risk and attract commercial investment into impactful projects. The report outlines actionable recommendations for creating enabling policy environments, developing pipelines of bankable projects, and establishing robust governance frameworks. It emphasizes the necessity of collaboration between public, private, and philanthropic actors to bridge the global financing gap.
Case Study

Blended Finance in the Private Sector Context

This primer provides a foundational overview of blended finance within the context of private sector development, framing it as a redefinition of public-private cooperation. It outlines the roles of different stakeholders, key financial instruments, and the ecosystem drivers necessary for success. The paper emphasizes the enabling conditions required to scale blended approaches, including effective policy coordination, innovative risk absorption mechanisms, and standardized measurement frameworks. It serves as a guide for public and private actors on collaborating effectively to channel capital towards inclusive and sustainable growth.
Case Study
  • 1 January 2015

Overcoming the Challenges of Impact Investing: Insights From Leading Investors

This article provides insights from leading investors on overcoming the inherent challenges of impact investing. It addresses issues such as defining and measuring social impact, balancing financial returns with social mission, and fostering effective collaboration among stakeholders. The authors synthesize practical strategies and lessons learned from experienced practitioners, offering guidance on navigating the complexities of this emerging investment field to maximize both social and financial outcomes.
Case Study
  • 3 January 2015

Finance, Social Economics and Community Development

This paper explores the relationship between finance, social economics, and community development, particularly in the context of social enterprises in the United Kingdom. It argues that while social enterprises have been instrumental in welfare delivery, their reliance on social finance can create a tension between achieving financial returns and maintaining community interests. The authors contend that understanding how social finance is utilised, politically domesticated, and contributes to redistributive outcomes is crucial for counter-hegemonic strategies. The paper emphasizes the need to navigate the complexities of marketization while preserving the social mission of community groups.
Case Study
  • 1 January 2019

Place-based Impact Investing: the Case of Social Impact Fund Rotterdam

This case study examines Place-Based Impact Investing through the lens of the Social Impact Fund Rotterdam (SIFR). It explores how focusing impact investments on a specific city or region offers advantages like better risk assessment and local networks. The article discusses SIFR’s approach to dealing with challenges such as impact measurement and balancing financial and impact returns. It highlights SIFR as an interesting financial innovation that fosters collaboration between public and private partners to stimulate local impact.
Case Study
  • 3 January 2019

Development Impact Bonds Targeting Health Outcomes

This case study from the Center for Global Development focuses on Development Impact Bonds (DIBs) specifically targeting health outcomes. It details the mechanism of DIBs, outlining the roles of various stakeholders involved in their implementation. The study explores how DIBs can mobilise private capital for public health interventions, emphasizing results-based financing to achieve measurable improvements in health indicators. It provides practical insights into the design and operational aspects of DIBs in the health sector.
Case Study
  • 2 January 2022

Development Impact Bonds in Developing Countries: an Emerging Innovation for Achieving Social Outcomes

This academic article examines Development Impact Bonds (DIBs) as an emerging innovative financing mechanism for achieving social outcomes in developing countries. It discusses how DIBs facilitate public-private partnerships, emphasizing their role in promoting social welfare through results-based finance. The authors highlight the potential of DIBs to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by linking funding directly to measurable improvements in social indicators.
Case Study
  • 1 January 2016

Social Impact Investments: Does an Alternative to the Anglo-saxon Paradigm Exist?

This paper explores the characteristics of the Social Impact Investment (SII) market outside the Anglo-Saxon paradigm, questioning if alternative development models exist where traditional enablers (highly capitalised foundations, specialised intermediaries, state endorsement) are less prevalent. Focusing on the Italian context through the lens of network theory, the study analyses who plays a role in SII development and how actors organise under such circumstances. It contributes to understanding the diversity of impact investment ecosystems globally.
Case Study
  • 3 January 2021

Development Finance: the Ibsa Fund and Development Impact Bonds

This case study examines the role of the IBSA Fund and Development Impact Bonds (DIBs) within the broader landscape of development finance. It highlights how these mechanisms facilitate international development cooperation and multi-stakeholder partnerships, particularly in the context of India–Africa relations concerning food security and capacity building. The authors analyse how the IBSA Fund and DIBs contribute to mobilizing resources and achieving development outcomes through innovative financing models.
Case Study
  • 1 February 2021

The Evolution of Private Sector Action in Sustainable Development

This report examines the historical and evolving role of the private sector in advancing sustainable development. It discusses how private entities, including corporations, investors, and philanthropists, have shifted from often blocking progress to increasingly becoming partners and drivers of system change. The paper highlights various forms of private sector engagement, including impact investing and corporate social responsibility initiatives, emphasizing their contributions to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through capital investment and expertise. It provides policy recommendations for leveraging private sector diversity for progress.
Academic / Journal Article
  • 3 January 2020

Development Finance, Blended Finance and Insurance

This article explores the interconnectedness of development finance, blended finance, and insurance, particularly in the context of achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It examines how blended finance, by strategically combining official development assistance with private capital, can leverage greater resources for development. The author also discusses the role of insurance mechanisms in mitigating risks associated with development investments, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of finance for global development.
Academic / Journal Article
  • 3 January 2019

Coping with Impact Investing Antagonistic Objectives: a Multistakeholder Approach

This article examines how various stakeholders in impact investing navigate the inherent conflict between financial returns and social objectives. It proposes a multistakeholder approach to manage these antagonistic objectives, focusing on instruments like Socially Responsible Investing (SRI), Social Impact Bonds (SIB), and social enterprises that embody a “blended value” proposition. The authors analyse strategies for reconciling these goals through collaboration and shared understanding among investors, beneficiaries, and service providers.
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