GIF Actor-Based Theory of Change
GIF Catalyst & System Actor Innovators Solution Developers Research Partners Evidence Generators Follow-on Funders Scale Capital Providers Governments System Scalers Bilateral Donors Ecosystem Funders Beneficiaries Ultimate Impact Recipients

Key System Metrics

$8.40
mobilised per $1 invested
157M
people expected to benefit
$3.35B
social value generated
74
innovations funded

How Change Cascades Through the System

1. Capital Pathway

GIF provides flexible capital (grants, loans, equity) to innovators at critical stages. This builds their capabilities (MEL, governance) and creates opportunities (access to networks, markets).

De-risked innovations become attractive to follow-on funders, whose investment enables scale to reach beneficiaries.

2. Evidence Pathway

GIF funds rigorous evaluation (25 RCTs since 2015) through research partners. This evidence shifts motivations of multiple actors.

Follow-on funders gain confidence in impact claims. Governments receive policy evidence to justify adoption.

3. Government Pathway

Proven innovations demonstrate models that governments can adopt. GIF support helps innovators build government partnerships.

Government adoption shifts from individual reach to system-wide impact — reaching millions through public systems.

4. Ecosystem Pathway

Bilateral donors fund GIF, which demonstrates the viability of innovation investment. Learning flows back to donors.

GIF's track record shifts market perceptions — attracting new capital sources and expanding ecosystem capacity.