Stanford Social Innovation Review

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PHILANTHROCAPITALISM: How the Rich Can Save the World by Matthew Bishop & Michael Green

A new evaluation tool allows donors and investors to track their investments and compare their data to those of organizations doing similar work. 

The sustainable outdoor clothing company Nau tried on too much, too fast.

By estimating the social return on their investments, funders can deploy their dollars more effectively. To demonstrate the power of these calculations, the authors show how three organizations—the Robin Hood Foundation, Acumen Fund, and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation—use cost-benefit analysis to evaluate their ongoing programs, choose mission investments, and plan long-term strategies.