Social Impact Bonds: The Early Years

Social impact bonds (SIBs) help bridge the gap between the public and private sectors by uniting governments, investors, and service providers under a common goal: to drive resources toward effective social programs that measurably improve lives. This paper outlines the history of SIBs, highlights how they have developed so far, and speculates what the future holds.

“At a time when Republicans and Democrats are focused on ideological differences to a paralyzing effect, we need to reorient our policymaking toward innovative ideas that create common ground. Social Impact Bonds rally uncommon allies across sector lines and political boundaries. It is a tool for building smarter, more effective governments.”