Leveraging Evidence, Technology, and Outcomes-based Financing for Learning in Govt Schools

This article explores how evidence-based practices, technological integration, and outcomes-based financing can transform public education in India. It emphasizes that linking funding to measurable results incentivizes schools to adopt effective pedagogical methods and innovative solutions. The authors suggest that by focusing on outcomes, rather than just inputs, and utilizing technology for better data collection and delivery, India can significantly enhance the quality of learning in government schools and ensure more impactful educational investments.

To Dib or Not to Dib

The “Enterprises by Business Size” dataset presents structural business statistics by firm size, categorized under ISIC Rev.4 standards. It provides comprehensive metrics on the number of enterprises and employment distribution across micro, small, medium, and large firms. Designed for policy analysis, the dataset supports examinations of SME contributions to economic growth, innovation, and employment. It also contextualises how business demographics interact with macroeconomic indicators and informs comparative studies across countries and regions.

Nonprofit Capacity and Social Performance: Mapping the Field and Future Directions

This academic article maps the current landscape of nonprofit capacity and its influence on social performance, proposing future research directions. It examines various dimensions of organizational capacity, including financial, human, and programmatic, and their correlation with achieving social impact. The authors synthesize existing literature and identify gaps, highlighting the need for a holistic understanding of how nonprofits can build and leverage their capabilities to enhance effectiveness and sustainability in the pursuit of their missions.

Catalysing Climate Finance in African Markets

This event report discusses strategies for catalysing climate finance in African markets, recognizing Africa’s vulnerability to climate change despite its minimal contribution to global warming. It highlights the continent’s untapped potential in natural resources, especially renewables, and the need for significant investment in green infrastructure. The report emphasizes mobilizing public and private sector funds through innovative financial instruments and addressing roadblocks to attracting green finance for sustainable economic development.

Five Myths About Impact Bonds

This report debunks five common myths surrounding impact bonds, clarifying their nature and practical application in development finance. It explains that impact bonds are not traditional financial bonds but rather results-based financing mechanisms that link payments to the achievement of pre-defined social outcomes. The paper addresses misconceptions about new money, suitability for organizations, and risk allocation, providing a more accurate understanding of how these instruments can drive innovation and shared responsibility in social impact initiatives.

Can Investing in Public Equities Improve the Lives of Women?

This study explores whether investing in public equities can improve the lives of women, concluding with a qualified “yes.” It examines the nascent field of gender lens public equity funds, noting their focus on companies with women in leadership roles. The paper suggests the need for more data and research to precisely determine which companies positively impact women’s lives and perform well financially, advocating for a broader scope of gender-related investment criteria.

Blended Finance: Understanding Its Potential for Agenda 2030

This report provides a foundational overview of blended finance, discussing its origins, mechanisms, and its potential to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It analyses the effectiveness and risks of combining official development assistance with other public and private resources to fund development activities. The paper stresses the critical importance of strong governance, transparency, and clear data standards to ensure that blended finance delivers on its development promises. It calls for collaborative financing approaches that prioritize genuine development additionality and accountability to achieve the SDGs.

The Ability to Build: Absorptive Capacity in the Nonprofit Sector

This paper explores the concept of absorptive capacity within the nonprofit sector, examining how organizations acquire, assimilate, transform, and exploit external knowledge to enhance their performance and adapt to changing environments. It discusses the critical role of absorptive capacity in fostering innovation, improving service delivery, and ensuring long-term sustainability for nonprofits. The research contributes to understanding how nonprofits can strategically develop this capacity to leverage new information and achieve greater social impact.

A Recipe Book for Social Finance

This guide aims to facilitate access to social finance by encouraging investors and supporting social enterprises. It provides insights into designing and mixing financial products to meet the needs of social enterprises, emphasizing sustainable finance by society for society. The publication highlights various organizational models and social missions, offering a framework for navigating the evolving social finance markets across Europe and ensuring external social finance supports business models without mission drift.

Funder Practices That Strengthen Nonprofits’ Resilience: Lessons From India

This report identifies effective funder practices that contribute to strengthening the resilience of nonprofit organizations in India. It highlights approaches such as providing unrestricted, multi-year funding, fostering trust-based relationships, and offering non-financial support to enhance organizational capacity. The study draws lessons from Indian philanthropies and their partners, showcasing how flexible and responsive funding can empower nonprofits to innovate, adapt, and sustain their efforts in achieving social impact.
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