Innovative collaboration will use social impact bond to help young people get back on track

Yvette Verleisdonk, in collaboration with BNP Paribas Fortis, advised on the second social impact bond (SIB) in Flanders which was launched on the 4th of March 2020. The SIB is a cooperation between Oranjehuis vzw, the Flemish Government's Agency ‘Opgroeien’ (“Growing Up”) and the investors Besix Foundation, BNP Paribas European Social Impact Bonds Fund, BNP Paribas Fortis and Labido Invest (part of the BOSS paints group). The structuring is being taken care of by BNP Paribas Fortis and the BNP Paribas Group.  Curia, in particular Yvette Verleisdonk, also advises on the first SIB in Flanders on NEET youth in Antwerp.

Oranjehuis will provide support and assistance to 133 young adults aged between 17 and 25 years who are facing imminent homelessness. Back on Track will be run in line with the principle of  Housing First for Youth, an initiative whose priority aim is to find sustainable accommodation for these young people so that they can start receiving support. According to the principle of a SIB, the extent to which the objectives of the project are achieved determines the repayments by the Flemish Government to the investors. The measurement of the objectives is done by the independent research team LUCAS of KU Leuven.

A SIB makes it possible to implement innovative concepts, often focusing on prevention. The government only pays in case of proven social impact. This innovative form of financing makes it possible to implement social projects that have a concrete and measurable social impact. Curia's expertise in the field of SIBs is in line with its knowledge and experience with social impact investments, social and non-profit enterprises.

Read the full press release here.