Discover how mental health programs deliver an average £5.80 ROI per £1 invested—creating measurable social, economic, and community benefits.
From Refugee to Restaurateur: How Emma’s Torch is Turning Kitchen Skills into Career Launchpads
Emma’s Torch isn’t just serving brunch—it’s serving second chances. This New York-based nonprofit transforms the lives of refugees, asylum seekers, and survivors of trafficking by offering culinary training, English-language instruction, and direct employment pathways into the restaurant industry.
Mental Health = Smart Money: A 20%+ Annual ROI the World Can’t Afford to Ignore
Mental health is one of the most underfunded areas in global public health—and also one of the most cost-effective to invest in. According to a growing body of evidence, every dollar invested in mental health services returns $4 to $7 in economic and social value. That translates into an annual return on investment (ROI) of 15%–23%, depending on the intervention and time horizon.
How LA’s BIG:LEAP $1K/Month Pilot Transformed Families—and Delivered 200% ROI
This bold, no-strings-attached approach targeted families with children or expectant parents living below the Federal Poverty Level. Conducted as a randomized controlled trial by UPenn’s Center for Guaranteed Income Research and UCLA, the results reveal significant social and economic benefits—without trade-offs.
Unlocking Potential Behind Bars: The ROI of Prison Education
Prison education doesn’t just change lives—it also saves taxpayer dollars. A sweeping meta-analysis from the Mackinac Center for Public Policy shows that education programs for incarcerated individuals yield up to a 210% return on investment, reduce recidivism, and improve post-release employment and wages.
Bridging the Opportunity Divide: Year Up Delivers High ROI and Strong Workforce Results for Young Adults
In today’s economy, a college degree is often seen as the ticket to career success. But for many economically disadvantaged young adults, traditional academic paths aren’t accessible or aligned with the fast-paced needs of employers. Enter Year Up—a workforce development program that’s rewriting the rules by combining job training, corporate internships, and career coaching to help underserved youth secure well-paying careers.
Doubling Graduation Rates and Delivering ROI: How CUNY’s ASAP Model Transforms College Completion
For decades, improving college graduation rates—particularly for low-income and underprepared students—has been one of higher education’s toughest challenges. But the City University of New York’s (CUNY) Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) has cracked the code.
How Corporate Art Programs Drive Measurable Social Impact
Corporate art programs are evolving far beyond office aesthetics — they are emerging as powerful tools for corporate social responsibility (CSR) and employee engagement. As highlighted in Buildings’ preview of the 2025 BOMA Conference, companies are increasingly using curated art partnerships, such as with organizations like ArtLifting, to deliver meaningful social value by empowering artists facing homelessness and disabilities.
United Way Delivers Powerful ROI and Social Impact in Southwestern PA
A recent study by Fourth Economy and the Allegheny Conference reveals what many community advocates have long suspected: United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania is more than a charity—it’s a powerful economic engine. With an annual investment of $20 million, United Way drives an impressive $211 million in regional economic activity, translating to a 10.5:1 return …
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The Economic Power of Social Impact Housing: High ROI and Stronger Communities
Social impact housing isn’t just a solution to shelter insecurity—it’s a powerful economic engine. This article breaks down how strategic investments in affordable and supportive housing create cascading returns for local governments, investors, and communities alike. By addressing root causes like homelessness, housing instability, and workforce displacement, social impact housing delivers far more than shelter—it generates measurable ROI, reduces public spending, and boosts long-term economic stability.