How a tool is helping secure India’s vulnerable workers

This platform allows policymakers to test the cumulative impact of social security schemes, forecast household risk, and offer evidence-based policy interventions for millions of informal labourers. On 9th September 2021, delivery and ride-share workers stood together in a protest outside the Supreme Court of India. They were demanding official recognition, which is denied to them because they are contracted as ‘partners’ rather than employees. This excludes them from essential social security benefits such as health insurance, pensions, and maternity cover….

Fellowship Report Compendium 2024: Driving Social Impact through Innovative Finance Approaches

Some of the finest studies on innovative finance for social impact in this compendium featuring research papers of three exceptional CIFSI Fellows. Driven by the shared goal of fostering impactful solutions, these fellows delved into critical areas, generating valuable insights and contributing to a growing community of practice. The findings have significant implications across multiple sectors, offering actionable strategies to enhance financial inclusion, improve regulatory frameworks, and strengthen ecosystem collaboration. Discover their groundbreaking work and join us in shaping the future of finance for social good.

Blended finance in the SDG Era

This document summarizes key discussions from a UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) workshop focused on blended finance in the era of the SDGs. It captures shared challenges and opportunities identified by participants from governments, the UN system, civil society, and the private sector. The report outlines common issues, including the critical need for better impact measurement tools, effective risk management strategies, and enhanced institutional capacity. It concludes with recommended actions to better integrate and mainstream blended finance approaches into national SDG strategies.

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.

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.

Opportunities and Challenges in Utilizing Social Finance Impact Investments to Support Social Innovations

This article examines the opportunities and challenges associated with utilizing social finance and impact investments to support social innovations. It delves into various instruments such as social impact bonds, pay-for-success models, community currency, and time banking. The authors explore how these financial mechanisms can provide crucial capital for innovative solutions to social problems, while also addressing the complexities and hurdles in their implementation, measurement of impact, and scalability.

Social Finance -leveraging Crypto Assets in India

This case study by Nishith Desai Associates explores the potential of leveraging crypto assets within the social finance landscape in India. It delves into the evolving regulatory environment surrounding blockchain and crypto assets, discusses the role of cryptocurrency funds, and examines the taxation implications for their use in social impact initiatives. The study highlights the opportunities and challenges in integrating these novel financial instruments to support social development and provides insights into the future of social finance in a digital economy.

Blended Finance for Development -bridging the Sustainable Development Finance Gap

The flyer discusses how blended finance can strategically use development finance to mobilise additional private sector finance towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It aims to bridge the significant financing gap by creating investment opportunities in developing countries. The OECD promotes a set of principles to ensure that blended finance maximizes development impact while ensuring transparency and commercial viability, helping to direct capital towards areas of greatest need for a sustainable future.

Defining an Ecosystem for Social Finance

This paper defines and describes the key components of an ecosystem for social finance, including various institutions and sources of capital. It outlines the interconnected elements necessary for the effective functioning and growth of the social finance market. The authors aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the infrastructure required to support social investments and foster a thriving environment for impact-driven organizations.

Delineating Social Finance

This article aims to delineate the concept of social finance, distinguishing it from traditional finance and related fields. It explores various components, including impact investments, social enterprises, and venture philanthropy, as integral parts of the social economy. The author seeks to provide a clearer understanding of the scope and characteristics of social finance, emphasizing its unique blend of financial and social objectives and its role in addressing societal challenges.
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