Social Impact Bonds - Hogeschool Gent

How can a collaboration between a service provider, a private investor and a government agency have a positive impact on a social problem?

The Social Impact Bond mechanism is a result-based partnership contract between a government agency, a private investor and a service provider. The aim of the government is to solve a social problem. A private investor will pre-finance the initial capital for a service to the implementer that tackles this complex social problem.

The objective is to achieve measurable social impact. The government will only repay the investor if the proposed impact is achieved, supplemented by a return based on the savings achieved through this initiative.

What is a Social Impact Bond?

Guideline for a Social Impact Bond.

While there are already examples of succesful innovative interventions within the current arsenal of financial mechanisms on offer, there is a need for instruments that bring about long-term cooperation and ensure sustainability for socially responsible partnerships.

This publication seeks to provide government agencies with the guidance and tools necessary for implementing SIBs. But equally, for investors and social entrepreneurs, it offers an insight into the very creation of SIBs, thereby ensuring everyone is prepared to work together in making a difference for those in need.

Download this publication.

Learn more.

Watch the videos below and learn more about SIBs.

Meet our expert.

Ian Dewae is a researcher at the Research Centre for Sustainable Organizations. With his in-depth knowledge of SIBs, he served as the architect and project coordinator behind the first two Flemish SIBs. Find out more about his expertise.

"I want to use SIBs as a tool for the capital market and the social sector to work together to address societal challenges. "

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Get in touch!

Curious about this mechanism? Then contact ian.dewae@hogent.be for more information.

Social Impact Bond.