Question 1

What is SIP?

Accepted Answer

Social Impact Partners (SIP) is a Hong Kong S88 registered charity with a mission to support and enable sustainable Social Purpose Organisations (SPOs).

Question 2

What does SIP do?

Accepted Answer

Rather than simply donating money, SIP acts as an investor, using tools from the private sector investment industry to tailor solutions for sustainable and scalable SPOs. SIP works with them to achieve organisational maturity. SIP activates the appropriate funding solution (grants/loans/equity) to match the SPO’s needs. The recovered capital is recycled for the next SPO.

Question 3

What is SIP’s target market?

Accepted Answer

We support Hong Kong companies of any legal entity striving to generate impact through their goods or services.

Question 4

How do SPOs in HK benefit from SIP?

Accepted Answer

Unrestricted funding and practical support on issues such as financial planning are challenging to access. SPOs often get stuck in the grant cycle, which generally does not lead to long-term sustainability. SIP provides unrestricted funding to SPOs, allowing them to structure their operations and position themselves for long-term growth. In addition to financial support, SIP organises workshops and events to build collaboration opportunities among our portfolio SPOs and our partners.

Question 5

How does SIP support SPOs post investment?

Accepted Answer

Our pro bono partners carry out intensive due diligence before we confirm the deal. This covers financial, legal, operational, ESG, and human resources—whatever is deemed required. In the process, we see the full picture of the organisation’s strengths and weaknesses. The SIP team uses the findings to tailor suitable solutions, such as training or connecting to additional resources via our network to help improve. The SIP team meets the SPO founders every month to check in on their status and provide timely support where needed. We have established the SIP Founders Club for our SPO portfolio founders to share experiences and learn together.

Tailored solutions
Training & workshops
Co-learning platform (Founders Club)
Networking events

Question 6

What is SIP's impact thesis? How does it align with its values and objectives?

Accepted Answer

SIP's impact thesis is based on principles that align with its values and objectives:
Collaborative approach: SIP works closely with social purpose organizations, providing both financial and non-financial support, including expertise, networks, and resources.
Long-term perspective: SIP supports organisations through long-term, trust-based relationships, recognising that social change takes time and sustained effort.
Impact measurement: SIP measures the social, environmental, and financial impact of its investments, using metrics to refine its approach continually.
Focus on systemic change: SIP supports organisations driving systemic change, addressing root causes rather than just symptoms.
Overall, SIP aims to create lasting and meaningful social impact by collaborating with organisations, taking a long-term view, measuring impact, and focusing on systemic change.

Question 7

How does SIP measure and report its impact? Is there a clear set of metrics or standards in place?

Accepted Answer

SIP collaborates with SPOs to set tailored impact key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with each organisation's specific needs and goals. Recognising that different organisations have varying impact objectives, SIP works to identify the most relevant and meaningful metrics.
SIP uses approaches like the logic model and theory of change to develop these impact metrics.
By using these models, SIP ensures that impact metrics are aligned with organisational goals, accurately capturing the intended impact. This strategic approach improves the effectiveness of SIP-supported programs and increases their positive social and environmental impact.

Question 8

Are there any specific themes SIP focuses on?

Accepted Answer

SIP uses the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework and focus on three of the seventeen SDGs:
Good health and well-being (SDG 3)
Reduced inequalities (SDG 10)
Climate action (SDG 13)

Frequently asked questions