The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation report “Measuring and/or Estimating Social Value Creation: Insights Into Eight Integrated Cost Approaches” examines methodologies for assessing social value in the philanthropic sector. It profiles eight approaches, including traditional cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses, as well as newer methods like Social Return on Investment (SROI) and the Robin Hood Foundation’s Benefit-Cost Ratio. The report highlights challenges such as inconsistent terminology, lack of standardized measures, and data quality issues. It emphasizes the need for clarity in purpose and application when integrating cost considerations into social impact assessments.
- April 9, 2008
- Report