AI for Good: Strengthening SPOs through Data and Responsible AI Innovation

The article discusses the growing but cautious adoption of AI within India’s social sector. While major tech companies and some SPOs are exploring AI’s potential, significant challenges remain. Smaller SPOs are often left behind due to high costs and a lack of skills and funding. Additionally, a key barrier is the limited availability of high-quality, well-organised data and a fear of issues like bias and data breaches. The article concludes that for AI to truly benefit the sector, SPOs must build a strong data foundation, start with small-scale projects, and receive sustained support from funders to build both infrastructure and an ethical mindset.

Tech for Good: Leveraging open data to advance the SDGs

The article argues that SPOs in India must embrace data and technology to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals. It highlights that while regulations like the CSR Act and DPDPA are pushing for data-driven compliance, SPOs often lack the necessary infrastructure, skilled staff, and funding. The article stresses the need for open data platforms, AI tools, and a collaborative ecosystem where funders and private institutions invest in data literacy and governance frameworks. The goal is to move SPOs beyond basic compliance toward using data for strategic decision-making and greater social impact.

Data analytics: The key to improving education outcomes

Most of the world’s trillion-dollar companies thrive on the power of data. The advent of ChatGPT is the most recent example of how data is changing the world by increasing individual as well as mass productivity and efficiency. While data is oiling the engine of growth for for-profits, the social sector is trying to ‘catch up’ in leveraging it for greater social impact. A tremendous amount of data is generated in the social sector, and evidence-based policy and programming have emerged practically as a norm in the social sector. But the usage of data is still limited by data availability, accessibility and quality, as well as the lack of capacity and dearth of resources.

Unleashing the Power of Philanthropy for Inclusive Development

This report by CPID explores how philanthropy can drive equitable social change in India. Drawing from qualitative research and stakeholder interviews, it examines the motivations, methods, and challenges within the philanthropic ecosystem. The report identifies key barriers to inclusive development and proposes actionable strategies to overcome them. It emphasizes the need for systemic thinking, collaborative partnerships, and a focus on marginalized communities to unlock philanthropy’s full potential in fostering justice and sustainability. This working document serves as a catalyst for reimagining philanthropic practices towards inclusive outcomes.

Beyond Compliance: Firstsource’s CSR Blueprint for Inclusive and Sustainable Impact

This case study explores how Firstsource goes beyond compliance in CSR by focusing on deep employee engagement and long-term, trust-based partnerships with NGOs to create sustainable impact. It exemplifies practices aligned with Philanthropy for Inclusive Development (PID) through inclusive hiring, volunteering, and community partnerships.

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.

Exploring Consortium Funding Model for Smaller Non-profits

The Consortium Funding Model is a collaborative approach that enables multiple funders to support nonprofits through a common platform. By pooling resources and aligning on shared priorities, the model reduces duplication in due diligence and reporting, eases administrative load for grantees, and creates space for more strategic and flexible implementation. It fosters joint learning and coordination among funders while enabling nonprofits to engage with funders as partners rather than individual grant managers.

Outcomes Readiness Framework

The Outcomes Readiness (OR) Framework provides a structured approach to assess and strengthen the ability of nonprofits to plan, deliver, and adapt programmes for measurable outcomes. It identifies three key dimensions—outcomes culture, outcomes-oriented systems and processes, and programme-level capabilities—that collectively enable organisations to transition from input-focused to outcomes-focused work. Developed through literature review, practitioner input, and field-testing, the OR Framework supports funders and nonprofits in aligning intent, practice, and performance for social impact.

Impact or Illusion: Current Practices and Challenges to Impact Measurement

This report explores the evolving landscape of impact measurement, drawing on insights from practitioners, ecosystem experts, and organisations working in education, healthcare, and livelihood. While impact is often understood differently across stakeholders, the study highlights key themes shaping impact narratives Systemic Change, Community Empowerment, and Women’s Empowerment-revealing how different organisational models influence their measurement approaches. The report talks about common challenges-capacity constraints, funding limitations, and operational barriers-and explores practical strategies to address them.

Outcomes Readiness Tool

The Outcomes Readiness Self-Assessment Tool enables nonprofits to evaluate their preparedness to plan, implement, and adapt programmes for measurable outcomes. Structured around the Outcomes Readiness Framework, the tool assesses three dimensions: outcomes culture, organisational systems and processes, and programme-level capabilities. It offers a practical, diagnostic lens to identify strengths, surface capability gaps, and inform capacity-building efforts.
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