Social ROI for CSR Projects: Is the CFO/Board Ready to Look at It? 

It’s high time we swap the narrow lens of financial ROI for a wider view - one that sees profit and purpose as partners and not merely obligations

So, what’s SROI? It’s the yardstick that measures the social, environmental, and economic value of CSR efforts. For us at Mon Ami, it’s the lives transformed by handmade treasures—like the crocheted roses made by women artisans in NCR slums - or the community pride sparked at events like Serendipity Arts Festive (catch the highlights on LinkedIn). A Harvard Business Review article makes it clear: companies weaving social impact into their DNA gain a competitive edge - think stronger brands, loyal customers, and happier stakeholders. Yet, many boards still drag their feet. Why?

Let’s break it down. CFOs are wired for hard numbers - revenue, profit margins, cost sheets. SROI, with its blend of feel-good stories and crunchy data, can feel like a foreign language. How do you put a price tag on an artisan’s newfound confidence or a cleaner planet? It takes new tools, fresh mindsets, and a dash of courage - because let’s face it, CSR investments don’t always deliver instant cash returns. A Deloitte survey found 60% of execs struggle to quantify social impact, even as 80% see it as critical to long-term success. That’s a gap begging to be bridged.

At Mon Ami, we’re not just talking the talk - we’re walking it. Our projects aren’t just workshops; they are launchpad for skills, confidence, and sustainable livelihoods. Those crocheted roses? They’re funding school fees and family dreams. Our mental wellness sessions and IT inclusion efforts (check them out on our site) go deeper, building emotional resilience and digital know-how. The payoff’s real - an MIT Sloan Management Review study shows 75% of investment execs now prioritize sustainability, yet only 60% of corporate leaders think investors notice. That disconnect? It’s our sweet spot.

So, how do we win over the number-crunchers? Start with data that sings. Track jobs created - like the 50+ artisans we’ve empowered in Noida - or carbon slashed by sustainable crafts. Pair those with financial wins, like cost savings from local sourcing. A Forbes piece suggests blending SROI with traditional metrics can boost board buy-in by 25%. Our Market Linkage partners doesn’t just sell products – they grow micro-entrepreneurs, cutting poverty while delighting buyers.

But it’s bigger than spreadsheets. SROI taps into what’s driving the world today. Consumers are voting with their wallets - Nielsen data shows 66% will pay more for brands with purpose. Investors are leaning in too a BlackRock report predicts sustainable assets will hit $53 trillion by 2025. Boards ignoring this risk being left behind, while CFOs who embrace it can future-proof their firms. Imagine a company where every rupee spent on CSR lifts communities and the bottom line - that’s the SROI promise.

Still, it’s not a solo gig. Governments can sweeten the deal with tax breaks for social impact, like India’s CSR mandates under the Companies Act. Corporates can lean on partners like us to design projects with teeth - our Craft Hub’s a blueprint. At Mon Ami, we’re not stopping at “nice to have” - we’re pushing CSR into “must-have” territory, one measurable win at a time.

SROI isn’t just about doing good - it’s about doing smart, aligning profit with a purpose that lasts. Mon Ami Foundation’s ready to team up, showing corporates how to turn goodwill into gold. Let’s explore this together - because a future that benefits all isn’t just possible, it’s profitable.