This paper explores the potential benefits and limitations of impact bonds, which aim to attract private investment to social programs by linking returns to achieved outcomes. It discusses how these bonds can bring together diverse expertise, enable investment in prevention, and foster flexibility in service delivery. However, it also highlights challenges such as complexity, high development costs, difficulties in defining measurable outcomes, and the potential for limited innovation or the “financialisation” of public services.

This LSE publication explores social finance as an emerging frontier for development in Indonesia. It examines various financing models, including crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending, and their potential to advance financial inclusion. The study highlights how innovative financial approaches can address development challenges and expand access to capital for underserved populations in Indonesia, fostering inclusive economic growth.

This report evaluates the feasibility of applying social finance mechanisms—like microloans and impact bonds—to support newcomer settlement and integration in Canada. It reviews existing models, including the Immigrant Access Fund and a Community Employment Loan program. The study finds that social finance could leverage private capital, enhance sustainability and innovation in settlement services, and deepen partnerships with government and the private sector. However, it emphasizes the need for context-specific models, sound metrics, and supportive policy frameworks for effective implementation. publications.gc.ca+7

This comprehensive case study documents SCALE’s approach to scaling development initiatives. It outlines how SCALE applies a structured scaling framework: starting with pilot testing, iterating on design, and progressively embedding solutions within policy systems. It emphasizes adaptive learning, stakeholder engagement, capacity-building, and iterative monitoring. Through real-world examples, the study demonstrates how these principles facilitated effective scale‑up of interventions across communities and governance levels. The case highlights success factors (contextual adaptation, multi-actor coordination, and flexibility) alongside common challenges such as resource constraints and maintaining fidelity during scale‑up.

This paper explores the crucial concepts of financial and development additionality within blended finance operations. It clarifies various definitions of additionality and their relationship with evaluation terms such as impact and causality. The authors argue that additionality should be assessed both ex ante and ex post, with its presence influenced by institutional structures and the interplay of public and private interests. The paper analyses different approaches to assessing additionality, providing valuable insights for evaluators and blended finance actors, and contributing to a deeper understanding of how these operations contribute to development outcomes.

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of approaches and methods for evaluating various blended finance instruments and mechanisms. It delves into the complexities of assessing financial and development additionality, impact, and results across different structures like equity, debt, guarantees, and impact bonds. The document aims to enhance a shared understanding among practitioners regarding methodological choices, opportunities, and challenges in evaluating blended finance interventions. It offers practical guidance to strengthen evaluation practices, ultimately supporting more effective deployment of blended finance to mobilise additional investment for achieving ambitious development goals like the 2030 Agenda and Paris Agreement.