SFF reporting template

Here’s how reporting works:

1. SPOs complete this template and use the Impact Data Converter to generate an impact data capsule —a structured file formatted according to the Common Impact Data Standard. They then send this capsule to their investor(s) or funder(s).
2. Their investor(s) or funder(s) —also known as Social Finance Intermediaries (SFIs)— compile multiple SPO impact data capsules into one single file and send it to their wholesaler(s) (fund of fund managers).
3. Wholesalers compile multiple SFI impact data capsules—each containing SPO data— into one and submit it to the Government of Canada.

This cascading system helps reduce the reporting burden on SPOs by giving SPOs only one report to create, rather than three (one for their SFI, one for the wholesalers, and one for the Government of Canada).

The template is a ready-to-use Excel spreadsheet aligned with the Common Impact Data Standard. This means that the template uses a shared set of definitions and structures. This alignment allows the data you enter to “speak the same language” as other systems that are also aligned to the Data Standard.

This spreadsheet is exportable as an impact data capsule, a practical feature that makes your data portable. When you export, the template generates a machine-readable file that can be imported by any other tool aligned with the Common Impact Data Standard.

Some other key things to note when using the reporting template:

• Each tab includes basic instructions for your reference.
• Only input data into the grey cells — all other cells are protected and should not be edited.
• You may add your own tabs for internal use. However, only the structured tabs will be exported.
• Although this template was developed for the SFF, it can also be used by SPOs reporting to other investors who align with the Common Impact Data Standard.

Converting between Excel and an impact data capsule

The Impact Data Converter, created by Common Approach, can be used in two ways:

1. To convert an Excel spreadsheet (.xlsx file) into an impact data capsule (JSON-LD file)
   Simply upload your filled out reporting template to the Converter, and it will create an impact data capsule for you to download and send to your SFI.
2. To convert an impact data capsule (JSON-LD file) into an Excel spreadsheet (.xlsx file)
   This is useful if your SFI already has some of your historical data that you would like to access in a spreadsheet format. In this case, your SFI can send you an impact data capsule, which you can upload to the Converter to receive a filled-in and downloadable reporting template.

The SFF template privacy policy can be accessed here.

This template was developed by Common Approach to Impact Measurement, in collaboration with the Government of Canada’s ESDC and SFF wholesalers (Boann Social Impact, Cap Finance, and Realize Capital Partners).

✉️ Questions about the template or the Impact Data Converter? Contact Common Approach at socialfinancefund@commonapproach.org.

✉️ Questions about privacy or data use? Contact ESDC at social_innovation_sociale@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca.

🌐 For more information about the Social Finance Fund, visit https://socialfinance.fund.