"Impact at scale is the lasting change in people’s lives and society we see when products, services or practices sustainably expand their reach, when systems embed change or when society and culture shift their perspective" (Social Finance, 2021). 

This paper explores the topic of impact at scale within the Australian social sector. It sets out key features of impact at scale, with Australian case studies highlighting the different approaches in working towards this goal.

The aim is that the paper will bring together a uniquely Australian set of perspectives on the topic, which is broadly missing in current literature.

In developing this paper, Social Ventures Australia spoke with sector leaders from across the country to understand the different experiences and pathways being adopted when working towards impact at scale. They surveyed over 300 people working across the social sector to better understand their views on how impact at scale is important to their work and the enablers and barriers they faced in their efforts.