2020 Research Report
CSI trends, forecasts and impacts
In this study, we compare development practices globally and continentally. We use extensive research, literature reviews and personal interviews to provide insights on prevailing trends and forecast what the trends for the coming year may be.
These research reports are useful not only because they help organisations anticipate change, but also provide evidence of what works and what doesn’t. They provide insight into the future and what it means in practice for social, community investment and development practitioners in Africa.

Disruption with Impact
Executive Summary

Historical trends
- “Do what matters, do what is right, do it the right way.” – 2015
- “Measurement leads to more giving. More giving leads to greater impact. Greater impact leads to sustainable development.” – 2016
- “We cannot move forward to exponential change and impact until we get the basics right… As long as we can provide evidence of what we have achieved, we have made a difference and society is better off because of our efforts.” – 2017
- “By working collaboratively, the sector can collectively harness the power of data and digital.” – 2018
Press releases



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Previous Reports
2018 CSI trends, forecasts and impacts – research report
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2018 CSI trends, forecasts and impacts – presentation
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2017 CSI trends, forecasts and impacts – research report
Extensive research report of trends, forecasts and impacts for the social investment and development sectors in Africa. Challenges, opportunities, impact and return on investment....
2017 CSI trends, forecasts and impacts – executive summary
Grantmaking: Executive Summary of research report 2017/2018: Reflections and insights from Africa regarding the social investment and development sectors....
2017 CSI trends, forecasts and impacts – presentation
Grantmaking: Trends, forecasts and impacts - insights and reflections from Africa...
2016 CSI trends, forecasts and impacts – presentation
This presentation follows on previous (2013,2014,2015) presentations and provides an overview of the latest trends as well insight into the future for social, community investment and development practitioners in South Africa....