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AI support and human judgement in SROI, showing how AI can summarise data, draft insights and organise evidence while people assess materiality, validate findings and make decisions With the rapid advancement of Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini, one question which came up was: "Can AI support an SROI?" SROI is an evidence-based, stakeholder-centred methodology. While AI is becoming remarkably good at processing information, it cannot replace the

SROI compared with other evaluation methods, including monitoring frameworks, impact evaluation, cost-effectiveness analysis and cost-benefit analysis, highlighting SROI’s focus on value relative to investment. During our recent Social Impact Dialogue on Social Return on Investment (SROI) on 29th July 2026, over 250 practitioners from NGOs, CSR foundations, philanthropy, consulting firms and academia joined us to learn about two use cases of the methodology. While we managed

SROI findings used beyond the final ratio to improve programme design, allocate resources, communicate value and inform decision-making One of the biggest misconceptions about SROI is that the final output is simply a ratio: ₹4 of social value for every ₹1 invested. In reality, the most valuable part of an SROI often lies in the insights it generates about what worked, for whom, why, and what should change next. The questions we received during the webinar highlighted an impo

SROI process for assigning financial value to outcomes, moving from defining an outcome and gathering evidence to selecting a credible financial proxy and determining value. One of the most debated and often misunderstood parts of Social Return on Investment is financial valuation. How do we assign a value to something like student agency, community empowerment, cleaner rivers or the preservation of traditional knowledge? And once a value has been selected, how do we know tha

Theory of Change pathway from inputs and activities to outputs, outcomes and impact, showing how SROI builds on this pathway by assigning value to outcomes. One of the most common questions during our webinar was whether organisations should develop a Theory of Change before undertaking an SROI study. The answer is simple: you can start from either direction. Both approaches are valid, and each serves a different purpose. Approach 1: Start With Your Theory Of Change Many NGOs

SROI discounting factors showing how deadweight, attribution, displacement and drop-off are used to adjust impact and estimate the value of change attributable to an intervention One of the strengths of SROI is that it recognises that not all observed change can be attributed entirely to a programme. People's lives are influenced by many factors like family support, government schemes, economic conditions, personal motivation, and the work of other organisations. If we simply

SROI combining quantitative data and stakeholder stories to provide fuller insights, strengthen understanding of impact and support better decision-making One of the questions we were asked during the webinar was whether SROI is "too qualitative" and how those rich conversations with stakeholders eventually become numbers. A related question was whether the final SROI ratio is enough on its own. The answer to both is no. SROI is often described as a mixed-methods approach be

Practical considerations when conducting an SROI Does SROI Increase The Burden On Communities? It doesn't have to. One of the principles of good SROI is to engage stakeholders meaningfully, not repeatedly. Organisations should build on existing consultations wherever possible, combine learning activities, and avoid asking communities the same questions through multiple exercises. Good planning can often integrate SROI into routine evaluations, reducing duplication while stil

Getting started with SROI Several participants asked whether there is an open-access SROI template, particularly for scholarship programmes and other education interventions. The good news is that while there is no sector-specific template for scholarships, health care, livelihoods or environmental programmes, there is a standard structure that underpins every SROI study. The foundation of every SROI is the Value Map. Regardless of the sector, the Value Map provides a consist

A strong monitoring and evaluation framework gives organisations a clear system for tracking progress, measuring outcomes, and using evidence to improve programs. This guide explains the five key components of a monitoring and evaluation framework, including goals, indicators, data collection, analysis, reporting, and learning. It also covers practical tools, real examples, common mistakes, and ways to build an M&E system that supports accountability and better decisions.

Impact evaluation plays an important role in measuring whether CSR programs create meaningful outcomes. This blog highlights the importance of impact measurement consulting and explains how organizations can choose the right consulting partner. It covers evaluation methodologies, consultant selection criteria, reporting practices, and the ways impact assessment services can help improve CSR planning, implementation, and long-term program effectiveness.

AI and robot handshake with evaluation evidence and trust icons above them Over the past three sessions during Glocal Evaluation Week 2026, we explored how AI is changing evaluation practice, where human judgment remains essential, and what organizations need to do to move from isolated AI tools to meaningful AI-enabled systems. The conversations brought together evaluators, researchers, technologists, nonprofit practitioners, and organizational leaders. Across all three sess