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Growing the impact economy

Home » Initiatives we’re working on » Growing the impact economy

Every year across the UK, individuals and institutions direct a small but significant portion of their money towards making a positive difference — through charities, philanthropy, social investment, social enterprise, and purpose-led business. Together, this forms what we call the impact economy.

It’s dynamic and full of innovation. But unlike other major parts of the economy such as retail or the creative industries, the impact economy is fragmented, lacks a shared identity and is missing from national statistics.

We believe this is a missed opportunity and needs to change.

Better recognition for the impact ecosystem

The impact economy holds immense potential to tackle the UK’s most pressing social and environmental challenges. But without a shared definition or credible data to demonstrate its scale, we are limiting what could be achieved.

While there are estimates for parts of the ecosystem — impact investing (£78 billion), social enterprise (£77 billion), charity (£98 billion) — there is no clear picture of the sector as a whole. Early analysis suggests it could be worth as much as manufacturing or the creative industries.

This lack of recognition has consequences. It makes it harder to advocate for and harder to attract more capital.

We want to change that by telling the story of the impact economy in a way that is accessible, credible and compelling.

Why we need better data

There is no shortage of data about impact in the UK — from HMRC tax relief statistics to research by think tanks, funders and sector bodies. But together these sources can create a fragmented and often contradictory picture. We need more cohesion so that:

Wealth holders and institutions will be more attracted to a sector that makes a more compelling case for their assets
Policymakers have the data they need to support regulatory change, matched funding, tax incentives or strategic partnerships
Charities, funders and social enterprises can present a clear business case for growth
The public narrative around the sector will be more positive with a clearer articulation of its contribution to society or the economy.

We believe drawing together existing data, telling a unified story, and making the case in both numbers and narratives, could be transformative. It would allow us to engage new allies and bring more money that could deliver meaningful impact.

At NPC, we have built our reputation on rigorous data, practical tools, and compelling storytelling. We want to bring those strengths together to help unify the impact economy around a shared vision of its value and potential.

Our mission is to grow and strengthen the impact economy

Mapping the impact economy

Our mapping the impact economy project is not just a research exercise. It’s a strategic intervention to grow the impact economy by bringing in more interest, influence and investment.

We want this work to:

Position the impact economy as a key driver of UK growth
The sector is potentially larger than manufacturing or the creative industries. Our research will help elevate its visibility to government and in the media and public discourse.
Help organisations tell their story
The data will allow charities, funders and social enterprises to position themselves within a larger, credible sector. That makes it easier to secure funding, build partnerships and advocate for their role in society.
Unify a diverse and dynamic ecosystem
From grassroots charities to high-net-worth philanthropists, corporate funders to social lenders, we want to show this is all one interconnected economy. This encourages a portfolio mindset, breaks down silos and shows how different forms of capital can work together.
Shift the narrative on impact in the UK
By showing the breadth of this activity and its enormous untapped potential we aim to persuade more people to channel their money through the impact economy.

In short, this project will change the conversation. It will create a clear, shared narrative around the size, value and future of the sector and unlock new momentum for those working within it.

Our objectives

Ultimately, this project is about helping the impact sector grow so that more money flows into activities that create meaningful social outcomes.

Through this project, we aim to:

Define and quantify the overall size and reach of the impact economy
Collate the best available data and tell a clear, compelling story
Communicate why it matters to society and the economy
Spotlight the key players and points of entry
Spark a broader, louder conversation about how to grow the impact economy.

Our approach

We’ll publish a full report in late 2025, launching it at the Beacon Conference in 2026. But the process of building the report is just as important as the outcome.

We are taking a collaborative, open and inclusive approach:

Transparent by design: We’ll share our progress publicly as we go; welcoming challenge, feedback and ideas from across the sector.
Collaboration and connection: We’ll use the networks of both NPC and Beacon to connect with charities, funders, businesses, academics and investors.
Wide engagement: We will reach out to organisations beyond the usual voices, actively seeking out different perspectives.
Data with storytelling: Led by our Director of Data & Impact, Erwin Hieltjes-Rigamonti, and journalists with expertise in wealth and philanthropy, we’ll combine data with powerful storytelling.
Rigorous research: We’ll draw on existing datasets, sector reports, and fresh interviews with philanthropists, investors, and practitioners to build a compelling case.

Will you help us map the impact economy?

We want to hear from as diverse range of voices as possible, beyond our usual and immediate networks. If you have data, insights or a story to share about your organisation or maybe your funding model or impact journey then we’d love to hear from you.

Whether you're a wealth holder, a foundation, a charity, a delivery organisation or a community leader you are part of this story.