IMM Programming

Impact Measurement and Management Programming 

We offer several services to help SFIs and SPOs with impact measurement and management (IMM). These supports are funded by the Government of Canada and offered to participants free of charge.

Whether you’re new to IMM and need help getting started, wish to tweak your IMM or hope to evolve your IMM in line with global leading practice, we can help.

    IMM Fundamentals

    IMM Fundamentals is a self-directed online resource introducing IMM concepts and practices reflective of the Canadian context and the SFF IMM framework to help SFIs prepare for impact-focused due diligence. This resource was developed by Impact Frontiers, Common Approach and other IMM experts.

    Open to SFIs in Canada.

    > Learn more

    IMM for the Social Finance Fund

    IMM for the Social Finance Fund is an online cohort program with hands-on, peer-to-peer learning opportunities and one-to-one coaching to support SFIs in applying IMM frameworks to their contexts. The cohorts are facilitated by Impact Frontiers with support from Common Approach and us. The program runs twice a year (March-June and September-December).

    The program is for SFIs who have received investment through the SFF.

    SFIs that have been supported through this programming:

    • Amplify Capital
    • BKR Capital
    • InvestEco Capital
    • Jubilee Fund
    • Maple Bridge Ventures
    • PaceZero Capital Partners
    • Raven Indigenous Capital Partners
    • Raven Indigenous Impact Foundation
    • Regenerative Capital Group
    • Relentless Pursuit Management

    Through this course, cohort members:

    • Learn the foundations of good impact measurement
    • Explore how a flexible framework for collecting outcomes data can support SFIs to manage impact
    • Incorporate impact considerations into financial decision making
    • Benefit from peer-peer engagement opportunities and one-to-one coaching to activate learning at their organization

    Register today for an upcoming cohort

    Advanced Topic Workshops

    Advanced topic workshops are designed to support SFIs to adopt leading SFI IMM frameworks and practices, complementing other IMM supports. Workshops are hosted by Impact Frontiers and other IMM experts throughout the year. Workshop topics may include:

    • Impact performance reporting norms
    • System mapping
    • SPO contribution and counterfactuals
    • Investor contribution

    Workshops are for SFIs that have received investment through the SFF.

    SPO IMM Programming is designed to support SPOs at various stages of IMM maturity to develop clear outcomes and impact indicators, collect data for those indicators and develop plans to measure, analyze and report on outcomes.

    This program is facilitated by LIFT Impact Partners. Participants will receive a package of supports that includes virtual workshops, group and individual coaching and peer collaboration sessions.

    This program is for SPOs that have received investment through the SFF.

    The program starts in spring 2025. Let LIFT know you’re interested in attending.

    Common Impact Data Standard Support

    In collaboration with all managers and through a partnership with Common Approach to Impact Measurement, we’re helping SFIs to implement the Common Impact Data Standard so it is easier for them to measure and share the impact of their work.

    SFIs that receive investment through the SFF are required to collect data about the social purpose organizations (SPOs) they invest in. This will need to be reported alongside data about the SFI itself. The required data includes information about the organization, the investments and the intended impacts of the SPO, collected and shared using the Common Impact Data Standard.

    The data standard was developed to complement SFIs’ existing impact measurement practices in ways that their investee SPOs will appreciate. The data standard is a standardized way to represent a SPO’s impact model (that is, their theory of change, logic model or outcome chain). It enables the exchange of impact information without requiring standard indicators. The data standard helps to make impact data flexible and shareable between SPOs, SFIs and wholesalers.

    The Common Impact Data Standard makes it easier to share impact measurement and improve reporting.

    • The Common Impact Data Standard will provide investors with a clear understanding of the outcomes and impact achieved by investments
    • A flexible, shareable approach to collecting critical data will ensure we all better understand the distribution of capital to equity-deserving communities
    • Education and capacity building will facilitate adoption by the broader impact investing sector 

    “Impact measurement is a key component of market building. Impact data is foundational to a strong social finance ecosystem. Data that is trustworthy, reliable and relevant to decision-makers will build investor confidence in the sector, ensuring it can thrive. When data flows from the bottom up, rather than being imposed from the top down, it becomes more trustworthy and reliable. The measurement approach must work for the world views of all Canadians, including Anglo-western outcomes-focused measures, Indigenous methodologies, and Social and Solidarity economy approaches.”

    – Read more

    More information about IMM programming can be found in our brochure

      About our Partners

      Impact Frontiers is an internationally recognized leader in spearheading the creation of practices and tools in impact methodology that have been adopted as global standards and best practices. It has run IMM cohort programs around the world, including in Canada, that enable investors to incorporate impact into investment decision-making.

      Common Approach to Impact Measurement grew out of government consultations and task forces to support social enterprise. Today, Common Approach is a community-driven initiative and independent nonprofit. Its theory of change is rooted in the belief that impact measurement can be improved by becoming more relevant to SPOs. It is working towards flexible, shareable impact measurement centred on the needs of SPOs. By creating standards for flexible, shareable measurement, investors and funders get the impact data they need without imposing additional burdens on the organizations they fund or invest in.

      LIFT Impact Partners is a recognized leader in supporting the growth and effectiveness of SPOs across Canada. Since its inception, LIFT has supported over 150 SPOs through strategic capacity building and coaching, equipping organizations with the skills, tools and practices needed to become investment ready, expand their impact and achieve measurable change. LIFT’s proven IMM approach provides SPOs with a clear understanding of their performance, empowering them to make evidence-based decisions that drive improvement and sustainable impact.

      Stay in touch on LinkedIn to learn more about these market-building activities, our investment strategies and the wider impact Realize Fund I is having.