Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) are generating significant interest - both as a public policy instrument and as an emerging source of support and learning for the community and voluntary sector. They have engaged support across governments, the community and voluntary sector and socially-motivated investors worldwide. SIBs are also included in the Programme for Government (2011 - 2016).
Clann Credo - the Social Investment Fund in collaboration with The Atlantic Philanthropies and The Centre for Effective Services is conducting research to identify high-potential SIB areas in Ireland. Social Finance in the UK, the first organisation to launch an SIB, is advising us in this process.
It is envisaged that this research project will culminate in a report identifying two-to-three high-priority, high-potential areas for Irish SIBs.
We believe SIBs could be applied to a wide variety of pressing social needs (unemployment, health, criminal justice, housing, etc.) and have the potential to unlock new sources of private and philanthropic capital to support public purposes.
All responses will form a key part of a research project.
Please circulate this call for proposals widely, not just within yourown organisation, but to anyone whom you feel may usefully contributeto the process.