Building an impact-first social investment strategy

Resonance

29 November 2021

In a new report, we outline what our impact-first approach to social investment means in practice, and we share what we’ve learned, both the challenges and opportunities, from its evolution.

We hope this paper offers learning for new and existing investors, including foundations, for their own social investment practice.

Click the button in the top left-hand corner to download or click here to view on a full screen.

A huge thanks to everyone who has helped us to develop our approach.

We would love to hear what you think, so do feel free to get in touch by emailing: communications@esmeefairbairn.org.uk.

Learn more

Latest

You might be interested in

  • IYPC
    10 August 2026

    Lessons from co-designing the Youth-Led Creativity Fund

    Louise Chandler from our Involving Young People Collective shares her reflections from the co-design process for the Youth-Led Creativity Fund and what it taught her about power, responsibility and youth-leadership.

    Read more
  • White wall with lots of colourful post-it notes

    What do people think about Esmée Fairbairn Foundation 2026

    Read the key findings from a 2026 survey of successful and unsuccessful applicants on their experiences of working with Esmée, alongside what we plan to do in response.

    Read more
  • Gina Crane standing in the woods

    People can’t build for the future while they're fighting fires

    In Gina Crane’s final project for Esmée, she has been working with Oliver French to pull together six years of learning about Esmée’s strategy for Trustees. In this blog, Gina shares the challenges organisations we fund are facing and shares three things she'd like funders to do.

    Read more
  • The Warren Youth Project crew in Hull after their Good Night Out Campaign training session

    Pre-application Q&A webinar: 28 September 2026

    We're hosting a pre-application Q&A webinar on 28 September at 2pm for organisations interested in applying to Esmée for support who have questions about our application process or guidance.

    Read more