India’s development goals come with an enormous funding requirement. To achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, the country will need close to USD 1 trillion each year. Current funding levels fall short by nearly USD 560 billion annually, and government expenditure alone cannot close this gap. The Social Stock Exchange (SSE) is a pioneering platform connecting mission-driven organisations with investors to create measurable social change. By offering a regulated, transparent platform for raising capital, the SSE has the potential to transform how India finances development.
What Sets the Social Stock Exchange Apart
The SSE operates as a dedicated segment within both the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE). It allows non-profit organisations (NPOs) and for-profit social enterprises (FPEs) to raise funds for projects that deliver clear community benefits.
Innovative Fundraising Mechanisms
A standout feature is the Zero-Coupon Zero-Principal (ZCZP) bond, an instrument where investors receive no financial return, but generate a verified social impact. Additional fundraising avenues include social impact funds, development impact bonds, and mutual fund schemes linked to social projects. For-profits often continue to raise funds through traditional equity or debt outside the SSE.
Emphasis on Transparency
The SSE framework embeds accountability at its core. Listed entities must publish financial statements and impact reports and undergo assessments by certified Social Impact Assessment Firms. This strengthens trust and ensures that contributions are both transparent and comparable.
Momentum in Action
The platform’s adoption is already visible, with 200+ NGOs registered and ₹43+ crore mobilized through 14 listed projects. With NSE reaching 11.5 crore+ donors, the SSE is emerging as a game changer in mobilizing capital for social impact.
Why the Social Stock Exchange Matters for CSR
The Social Stock Exchange (SSE) is a credible, regulated, and transparent platform designed to help nonprofits raise capital for social good. It brings greater accountability, visibility, and trust to how resources are mobilized for impact. By enabling mission-driven organizations to access funding more effectively, the SSE has the potential to move impact investing from niche initiatives to a mainstream driver of nation-building.
How BlueSkyCSR Fits In
At BlueSkyCSR, we help organisations unlock the full potential of the SSE by bridging the gap between eligibility, fundraising, and transparent reporting. As a certified Social Impact Assessment Organisation with ICMAI and a recognised Social Auditors Organisation, we bring both compliance expertise and sectoral insight.
We help NPOs join the SSE by assessing readiness, structuring fundraising, and building robust impact measurement systems. By doing so, we help ensure that every rupee invested through the platform contributes to credible, measurable, and scalable social outcomes.
Contact us today for more information.
