Covid-19 has sparked renewed interest among business leaders to better understand their true impact on communities and the environment. But meaningful measurement remains elusive – and experts say standardisation is urgent.
An oil company foundation has launched a climate investment fund, and investors are backing pioneering startups - but this isn’t enough to fight climate change: are institutional investors ready to join the race?
Do banks and foundations in the same family have to fund the same impact? At a session exploring ‘fruitful collaborations’ at the EVPA conference, it was striking how different such relationships could be – and also their ability to work towards joint aims.
Leading social innovator says Covid-19 offers “huge opportunity” for social entrepreneurs and impact investors to rebuild without being too stuck to past ways of working.
Greater use of tiered funding, innovation challenges and outcomes finance will help organisations across the impact space “blaze new paths to shape our world for the better”, EVPA Conference delegates told.
As Covid-19 exposes “cracks in economic system”, EVPA chair calls on impact networks and investors to “build a powerful voice”, to “build back a more inclusive and just society” – with impact “at the heart”.
European funding for the social economy faces uncertainty over the coming months – but European Commission representatives reiterate strong support and point to success of existing financial instruments.
Public sector organisations are keen to support social investment – and in many cases are already playing a wider role than commonly perceived. But misunderstandings and internal blockages can still create headaches.
Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, tells GSG Summit impact investing can “power a sustainable and resilient global economy for the long-term”.
