The Centre for Social Impact (CSI) is a national collaboration between four Australian universities: UNSW Sydney, Swinburne University of Technology, The University of Western Australia, and Flinders University. Established in 2008, CSI aims to catalyse positive social change through research, education, and capacity-building initiatives.
CSI’s research focuses on systemic social issues, including financial inclusion, housing and homelessness, employment, disability, and social enterprise. Notable projects include the Amplify Social Impact initiative, which provides data-driven insights to address complex social problems, and the Australian Social Progress Index, an online tool measuring quality of life beyond economic indicators.
In the realm of sustainable finance, CSI contributes through research on social impact investing and financial exclusion. Their work evaluates the effectiveness of social enterprises and explores the role of social finance in supporting inclusive economic participation.
Educational offerings include postgraduate courses such as the Graduate Certificate in Social Impact and the MBA (Social Impact), designed to equip students with the skills to lead in the social purpose sector. Professional development programs like Social Impact Leadership Australia further support capacity building across the sector.
CSI also provides practical tools and resources, including evaluation frameworks and outcome measurement guides, to assist organisations in assessing and enhancing their social impact.
Through its integrated approach combining research, education, and practical tools, CSI supports the development of a more inclusive and sustainable society.
