The quality of an “impact investment” should be evaluated by data that both frames the need and tells us what happened in response to an investment. Impact data only tells us whether we’ve been successful. Opportunity data is required to inform whether, where, why and how to best target...

The loud buzz of excitement about Impact Investing is cause for concern, but not only because the enthusiasm is ahead of the practice. The practice of so-called “impact investing” lacks clarity of purpose, definition, and results. The often-referenced J.P. Morgan research report, "Impact...

Measuring social impact appears daunting. Many CRA-obligated institutions are trying to comply with regulations that they provide banking services (beyond deposit) to low-and middle-income communities. Few want to be held accountable for outcomes beyond their control when they are contributing...

The measurement of nonfinancial performance is becoming increasingly important in the community impact investing industry, where individuals and institutions actively deploy capital in low-income domestic markets for both financial and social returns. Quality data ensure that the creation of...