About Impact management project
Impact Management Project: Revolutionizing the Way We Measure Social and Environmental Impact
In today's world, businesses are not just about making profits. They are also expected to contribute positively to society and the environment. However, measuring social and environmental impact is not an easy task. It requires a standardized approach that can be used across different sectors and regions. This is where the Impact Management Project (IMP) comes in.
The IMP is a global initiative that aims to create a consensus on how we talk about, measure, and manage social and environmental impact. The project was launched in 2016 by a group of leading organizations from different sectors including business, finance, philanthropy, and civil society.
The goal of IMP is to develop a set of common standards for measuring impact that can be used by all stakeholders including investors, companies, governments, NGOs, and communities. These standards will help ensure that impact data is reliable and comparable across different organizations.
One of the key features of IMP is its focus on stakeholder engagement. The project has engaged with over 2,000 stakeholders from around the world through surveys, workshops, webinars, and other events. This has helped ensure that the standards developed by IMP reflect diverse perspectives from different regions and sectors.
IMP has also developed a framework for assessing impact based on five dimensions: what (outcomes), how much (magnitude), who (stakeholders), contribution (causality), risk (uncertainty). This framework provides guidance on how to measure impact in a comprehensive way that takes into account both positive and negative effects.
Another important aspect of IMP's work is its focus on capacity building. The project provides training materials for organizations interested in implementing its standards as well as tools for self-assessment.
IMP's work has already had an impact on the field of impact measurement. Its standards have been adopted by several leading organizations including B Lab which certifies B Corporations - companies committed to social and environmental performance. The project has also received support from major investors such as the Ford Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation.
IMP's work is particularly relevant in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015. The SDGs provide a framework for addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. IMP's standards can help ensure that businesses and other organizations are contributing to these goals in a meaningful way.
In conclusion, IMP is a groundbreaking initiative that has the potential to revolutionize how we measure social and environmental impact. Its focus on stakeholder engagement, comprehensive framework for assessing impact, and capacity building tools make it an invaluable resource for organizations committed to making a positive difference in society and the environment. By adopting IMP's standards, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability while also improving their bottom line through increased efficiency and innovation.