Merging finance and social impact to make a better world
Vacant properties silently erode community health and local budgets. But strategic investments in reuse, rehab, and redevelopment can pay off handsomely. With returns as high as 30 to 1, cities that prioritize vacant property solutions not only save money—they create stronger, safer, and more prosperous communities.
When it comes to driving long-term economic growth, few strategies are more effective than investing in infrastructure. Roads, bridges, water systems, broadband networks, and energy grids are not just physical assets—they are the foundation of a thriving economy. According to research from the Center for American Progress, public infrastructure investments yield significantly higher returns than previously thought, making them one of the smartest economic strategies for state governments.
Higher education is a critical pathway to economic mobility, yet many students, particularly those from underserved communities, struggle to complete their degrees. The City University of New York’s (CUNY) Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) has emerged as a game-changing initiative, significantly increasing college graduation rates and providing a scalable model for nationwide replication.
According to a national study conducted by the Institute for Social Research and the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan, every $1 invested in Boys & Girls Clubs returns $9.60 in benefits to communities. This return on investment (ROI) is driven by higher academic achievement, lower crime rates, reduced substance abuse, and increased earnings for club members and their families. Let’s explore the key reasons why Boys & Girls Clubs are transforming lives and creating lasting social and economic impact.
The Minnesota Catholic Conference’s report, “Fruits of the Vine: The Economic Impact of the Catholic Church in Minnesota,” reveals the Church’s substantial contributions to the state’s economy and social fabric, with an annual economic impact exceeding $5 billion.
The global transition to green energy has accelerated rapidly, increasing the demand for critical materials like rare earth elements (REEs), lithium, nickel, silicon, and cobalt. While these materials power wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicles (EVs), their mining and processing have significant social impacts. This study presents a quantitative assessment of these impacts, addressing employment rates, labor income share, gender equality, work safety, informal employment, and child labor—key indicators aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 5, and 8.
A groundbreaking study conducted by the Human Services Chamber of Hamilton County in collaboration with the Alpaugh Family Economics Center at the University of Cincinnati has quantified the economic and social impact of nonprofits in Greater Cincinnati. The findings highlight the critical role nonprofits play in job creation, economic growth, and social services while generating substantial tax revenue for local and state governments.
A comprehensive 14-year study has highlighted the significant economic benefits of Project QUEST, a San Antonio-based workforce development program established in 1992. The research indicates that participants experienced an average income increase of $54,000 over the study period, with those aged between 35 and 64 seeing gains of nearly $139,000 compared to a control group. This translates to a 234% return on investment, considering the average program cost of $16,244 per participant.
A comprehensive study titled “Arts & Economic Prosperity 6” (AEP6), conducted by Americans for the Arts (AFTA), has unveiled the significant economic and social contributions of Delaware’s nonprofit arts and culture sector in 2022. The Delaware Division of the Arts reported that this industry generated $209.5 million in economic activity, comprising $148 million from organizational spending and $61.5 million from event-related audience expenditures. This financial activity supported 3,330 jobs and yielded $40 million in revenue for local, state, and federal governments.
Large employer investments foster economic dynamism, higher wages, improved employment rates, lower crime, and better access to private healthcare. The data-driven approach challenges anecdotal skepticism and provides a compelling case for policymakers and communities to actively attract and support major business investments.