Blended Financing, Canadian Foreign Aid Policy, and Alternatives

This case study examines blended financing within the context of Canadian foreign aid policy, exploring its implications and alternative approaches. It delves into the dynamics of public-private finance and privatization in development, raising questions about effectiveness and broader policy goals. The study contributes to understanding the evolving landscape of development finance and the role of different actors in achieving international assistance objectives.

From Impact Investing to Investing for Impact

This report by The Carlyle Group outlines a strategic shift from merely “impact investing” to actively “investing for impact,” emphasizing a more intentional approach to generating positive social and environmental outcomes alongside financial returns. It explores how integrating social goals and sustainability considerations throughout the investment process can lead to more meaningful and measurable results. The paper provides insights for investors looking to move beyond traditional ESG considerations towards a proactive stance in driving systemic change.

Great Expectations: Mission Preservation and Financial Performance in Impact Investing

This report from the Wharton Social Impact Initiative examines the relationship between mission preservation and financial performance in impact investing. It investigates whether investors and enterprises can achieve competitive financial returns while staying true to their social or environmental missions. The study analyses various strategies and motivations of impact investors, providing insights into how organizations can navigate the potential trade-offs and synergies between financial viability and impact fidelity, offering practical guidance for the sector.

Social Finance Investment Instruments, Markets and Cultures in the Eu

This report examines the landscape of social finance investment instruments, markets, and cultures within the European Union. It delves into various funding instruments, investor motives, and return expectations, providing a comprehensive overview of the nascent social finance sector in Europe. The study outlines both the advantages and disadvantages of different financial tools and explores the cultural nuances influencing social investments across EU member states.

Negative Returns: the Impact of Impact Investing on Empowerment and Advocacy

This article critically examines the impact of impact investing on empowerment and advocacy efforts. It suggests that while impact investing aims to create positive change, it can inadvertently lead to “negative returns” by shifting focus away from core advocacy and capacity-building activities within organizations. The author questions whether the pursuit of financial returns might compromise the broader social mission and the ability of organizations to empower communities and champion their interests.

Social Stock Exchange for Social Enterprises and Social Incubators: an Exploratory Study for India

This exploratory study examines the concept of a Social Stock Exchange (SSE) for social enterprises and incubators in India. It analyses the framework proposed by SEBI and explores the working models of SSEs in other countries like the UK, Canada, South Africa, and Singapore. The paper aims to understand how an SSE can address financial constraints faced by social enterprises and promote socio-economic upliftment, providing insights into its core components, structure, regulations, eligible entities, investors, and financial instruments.

Blended Finance in the Least Developed Countries 2020

This report analyses how blended finance was deployed in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to support a resilient recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. It highlights case studies that leveraged concessional capital, public guarantees, and technical assistance to boost critical sectors like health, SMEs, and digital infrastructure. The paper provides actionable recommendations for policymakers, development partners, and investors on how to better structure blended instruments for crisis response and long-term sustainable development, emphasizing the need for faster deployment and greater risk tolerance in these vulnerable economies.

Esg, Sri, and Impact Investing: a Primer for Decision-making

This primer aims to clarify the often-confusing terminology surrounding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing, Socially Responsible Investing (SRI), and Impact Investing for institutional investors. It emphasizes that ESG investing is not a separate asset class but a set of considerations that can be integrated into investment strategies. The authors provide a practical framework for investors to evaluate different approaches based on their goals, beliefs, resources, and circumstances. The paper discusses various forms of ESG integration, active ownership, portfolio screening, and targeted impact investments, aiding informed decision-making in this evolving landscape.

Is Blended Finance Trending in the Ldcs? Perspectives From the Ground

This paper synthesizes findings from four country studies in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to assess the state of blended finance. It reveals that while blended finance is gaining traction for SDG implementation, it has yet to be fully mainstreamed in LDCs due to lack of awareness, definitional consensus, institutional challenges, and capacity deficits. The report highlights existing blended operations, primarily public-private partnerships in infrastructure, and offers policy recommendations for LDCs to leverage its potential while mitigating risks.

What is Driving the Growth of Green and Social Finance?

This blog explores the rapid growth of green and social finance from private sources, driven by both environmental and social goals and increasing financial motives. It highlights how these financing mechanisms contribute to a green and inclusive recovery, especially in the context of large investments needed post-COVID-19. The piece emphasizes the real environmental and social benefits, such as improved environmental performance by firms issuing green bonds, and the crucial role of engaged public policy in nurturing this sector through regulatory frameworks and integrated sustainability risks.
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