The Center for Social Investment rigorously measures the impact of innovative funding models.
Across the social sector, funders are exploring new models—like impact investing and trust-based philanthropy—to better leverage capital for social outcomes. These innovative approaches need strong evaluation to prove impact and sustain support. Without solid data, funder interest and faith can decline, undermining movements to diversify and expand investments in social change efforts.
The Center for Social Investment, backed by Omni’s 40+ years of experience, offers scientific expertise and strategic guidance to help align capital with meaningful social impact.
What We Do
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Evaluation for Impact Investing
Impact investing is most powerful when the financial return is paired with real, lasting social change. We help investors, intermediaries, and social enterprises understand and measure that change. Through our services, we:
Co-design outcome metrics aligned with investment goals and community needs.
Support data infrastructure so investees can efficiently and ethically collect data.
Conduct ongoing evaluation throughout the investment lifecycle.
Interpret and translate findings to support decision-making and strategy adaptation.
Our experience spans outcomes-based work in education, workforce development, employment, housing, and financial resilience—each rooted in advancing equity and opportunity.
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Trust-Based Evaluation for Philanthropy
Philanthropy is evolving to prioritize equity, collaboration, and community leadership. Evaluation must evolve alongside it. We help foundations:
Apply trust-based principles to evaluation design and implementation.
Co-create evaluation strategies with grantees and community partners.
Lift up community voices while maintaining methodological rigor.
Generate actionable learning that fuels systems change.
From place-based giving strategies to collective impact evaluations, our work supports funders looking to build strategies around trust, transparency, and shared power.
Our Approach
Rigorous & Relational
Our methods are grounded in social science best practices—but we also prioritize relationships. We believe that the best evaluation work is done in partnership with those closest to the work and the communities it serves.
Responsive & Realistic
We customize our support to match the capacity, priorities, and timelines of our partners. Whether working with a grassroots nonprofit or a national foundation, we bring tools that fit the context.
Equity-Centered
We view every evaluation as an opportunity to advance equity. From who defines success to how data are shared, we focus on maximizing value and minimizing harm for communities.
Who We Work With
Impact Investors & Intermediaries
Philanthropic Organizations
Government Agencies
Community-Based Organizations
Social Enterprises
Why Work with Us
Decades of experience evaluating complex social initiatives
Deep methodological expertise across qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods
Commitment to centering communities in how we define and measure success
Trusted partner to change-makers across the U.S.
Let’s Work Together
Are you designing a new social investment strategy or reevaluating your current philanthropic approach? Let’s talk. Our team is ready to help you make data-informed decisions that align with your values and amplify your impact.