This document provides guidance for social impact investors seeking to participate in the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) Equity Instrument. It outlines the context for social impact investments, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to societal challenges amidst constrained public budgets. The guidance details criteria for financial intermediaries to receive social impact financing, prioritizing investments in social enterprises and fostering impact investing. It also highlights the importance of clearly defining and delivering positive social impact, and touches upon the role of incubators and accelerators in supporting social entrepreneurs.

This article explores the growing momentum of impact investment in India and the potential of the proposed Social Stock Exchange (SSE) to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. It analyses existing green investment options and highlights the SSE as a platform for both conscious investors and social organizations. The authors discuss the critical need to mobilise private funds towards sustainable development, emphasizing the role of professional accountants in ensuring the SSE’s success and addressing challenges like lack of awareness and performance data.

This primer offers an overview of the nascent but rapidly growing social impact investing market. It defines social impact investing as deploying private capital to create positive social and environmental outcomes alongside financial returns. The report highlights the market’s estimated size, projected growth, and significant potential to address challenges in education, healthcare, and unemployment. It discusses key opportunities and persistent challenges, such as the lack of a strong track record, limited established players, and the absence of universally accepted impact ratings.

This paper examines the role of impact investments in India’s sustainable development, particularly in closing the USD 2.5 trillion annual SDG financing gap. It highlights the growth of impact investing in India, primarily led by equity investments in social enterprises serving vulnerable populations. The report discusses challenges such as the lack of a legal definition for social enterprises and proposes policy recommendations, including regulatory platforms, tax breaks, and CSR eligibility for for-profit social enterprises, to boost the sector.

This article analyses the concept of Social Stock Exchanges (SSEs) as a mechanism to democratize capital for non-profit and social enterprises in India. It reviews global precedents and India’s unique approach under SEBI’s framework, highlighting opportunities and structural limitations. The article explores how SSEs can redefine philanthropy through market-based transparency and accountability, while questioning the readiness of social organizations to adapt to financial reporting norms. It ultimately argues for thoughtful regulatory balance, stakeholder preparedness, and capacity-building to make SSEs a viable channel for social finance.