Posted on 14th October 2009
Crisis, the national charity for single homeless people, has launched a new social investment vehicle that offers a social return on investment (SROI) of 392%, instead of a financial return.
‘Urban Investors’ offers investment units starting at £1,200. The charity will report half-yearly to donors on the impact of their investment by measuring its SROI, based on the money its work saves the NHS and the benefits and justice system and ultimately the taxpayer. Financial research firm Oxford Economics calculates every £1 invested in Crisis reduces the burden on the tax payer by an average of £3.92.
The charity hopes to raise enough money to open five new Crisis Skylight centres across the UK, in addition to its two centres helping the homeless in London and Newcastle.
Leslie Morphy, chief executive of Crisis, said, “Many charities report back on the impact of their work. Urban Investors takes this to the next level. Investors can see exactly where their money is going and the value it is delivering. Investors can hold Crisis fully accountable. This marks a watershed in charitable giving.”
The full prospectus is available on the Crisis website.
