Understanding impact in social investments

Thames Rivers Trust / The Rivers Trust (Paul Colley)

Understanding the impact of our social investments is critical for our learning and ensuring that we are an effective investor. In a new report, we outline how we assess the difference each social investment is intended to make, how we track its progress over time, and how that shapes our learning as an investor.

View the report in full-screen or click the button in the top left hand corner to download.

By sharing our thinking and learning so far, we hope other social investors considering similar questions will find it useful. We are still at an early stage of this work and would welcome feedback, as well as the opportunity to learn from others about what they're doing on understanding impact.

Do get in touch by emailing: communications@esmeefairbairn.org.uk.

Learn more

Latest

You might be interested in

  • RE-PEAT - Rowtor Dartmoor workshop September 2025 credit Jim Wileman Peat-Fest South-West

    Pre-application Q&A webinar: 3 June 2026

    We're hosting a pre-application Q&A webinar on 3 June at 2pm for organisations interested in applying to Esmée for support who have questions about our application process or guidance.

    Read more
  • Gender justice mid-strategy review AW-LD.pdf

    Gender justice: mid-strategy review

    A new report examines Esmée’s portfolio of gender justice grants and the progress made since the launch of the strategy. It explores the changing context for gender justice and its impact, and shares recommendations for Esmée and other gender justice funders.

    Read more
  • Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage-young women looking at archival collection

    Our work towards Racial Justice: actions in 2025

    Following a review of our approach to racial justice by Chrisann Jarrett published last year, we wanted to provide an update on the five actions we committed to, and to share our next steps.

    Read more