The concept of Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) is presented, where financial backers invest in social good with financial return on investment tied to pre-established metrics measuring success. A hypothetical example is investing in preventing a negative health issue to avoid future healthcare costs. The pros, cons, and challenges of SIBs are discussed, including finding common measures between social and financial good, and the risk of solely profit-driven social issues. SIBs are criticized for not addressing root causes of social problems, usually related to poverty and disparity. The role of government in addressing social issues is also questioned. Three programs are showcased, including a Chicago preschool education SIB, a Toronto homeless housing program, and a Canadian hypertension program.
The Invisible Heart
The initiative focuses on creating a positive impact, operating globally in 108 countries and 24 nations, and uniting efforts to tackle social issues worldwide.