Guide for Social Organisations – Guidance on Participating in Social Impact Contracts (SIC)

UpSocial publishes the Guide for Social Organisations – Guidance on Participating in a Social Impact Contract (SIC), a document aimed at social service providers that are considering acting as service providers in payment-by-results contracts.

The document, developed by UpSocial with the support of the Juan Entrecanales de Azcárate Foundation, offers practical guidance to understand the Social Impact Contract model, analyse its strategic and operational fit, and make informed decisions on how to participate in these results-oriented public procurement processes.

The guide brings together and systematises learnings derived from practical experience and from the recent development of Social Impact Contracts in Spain, in a context marked by the formalisation of the first Social Impact Contract tendered in the country and by the growing interest of public administrations in evidence-based and preventive contracting models.

Content

• Conceptual framework of Social Impact Contracts as financing mechanisms focused on verifiable results, rather than activities.
• Participation process for social organisations in a Social Impact Contract, structured in three phases: exploration, design and implementation.
• Key elements to assess the strategic, organisational and financial fit of the model, including governance and results measurement.
• Practical recommendations for engaging with public administrations, social investors and evaluators.
• Examples of outcome metrics and sources of verification applicable to different areas of social intervention.

Relevance

Social Impact Contracts represent a strategic opportunity for social organisations to align their mission with measurable and sustainable results over time. By introducing a payment-by-results logic, SICs raise the level of requirements in terms of evidence, management and accountability, while also enabling access to multi-year funding, strengthening internal capacities and positioning organisations as key actors in the delivery of impact-oriented social services. This guide provides a clear framework to assess when and how to move forward, avoiding premature decisions and supporting solid, realistic participation aligned with the capacities of each organisation.

Date: January 2026

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