Take Part in the CSI Social Economy Survey
The Social Economy Survey returns for its final wave
Your opportunity to help complete three years of research into Australia's for-purpose sector.
The final wave of the Centre for Social Impact’s landmark Social Economy Survey is now open, following three years of national research.
We’re inviting senior leaders from charities, not-for-profits, social enterprises, cooperatives, mutuals, philanthropic organisations and other for-purpose organisations across Australia to contribute.
Whether you’ve taken part before or are joining us for the first time, your perspective matters.
The survey takes around 30 minutes to complete and will help build the full picture of the challenges, opportunities and evolving needs of Australia’s social economy.
Over the past two years, organisations across Australia have generously shared their experiences with us, with participation increasing by 56% in Wave 2. This final wave gives us an important opportunity to understand what has changed, what challenges persist and what the sector needs next.
Together, these insights are building critical national evidence to inform policy, guide strategic development and strengthen the case for sustainable investment in the sector.
Why this research matters
Australia’s social economy is vast.
Charities alone employ 1.6 million people across Australia, more than the manufacturing, construction and retail sectors.
When you add the cooperatives, mutuals, social enterprises and philanthropic organisations working alongside them to foster more resilient and equitable societies, the scale and contribution are even larger.
"If these organisations struggle, we lose the social fabric that holds us together in times of crisis," - Associate Professor Melissa Edwards, lead author, CSI UNSW
By taking part, you’ll help ensure the realities facing the sector are reflected in this important national research.
Share your views and help shape what comes next.
What's involved in the research project?
The Centre for Social Impact is recruiting a representative set of social economy organisations to complete a short survey about some of the most critical areas impacting them today.
This includes:
- Measuring impact and demonstrating evidence of outcomes
- Navigating legal frameworks and adapting to changing regulations for social economy organisations
- Analysis of emerging sources of funding and finance for the social economy
- Exploring patterns of collaboration and partnerships within the sector and beyond
Why should I take part? What are the benefits to my organisation?
This research aligns with work occurring globally to better understand and support social economy organisations.
Engaging in the survey offers a chance to share your organisation's insights and experience, and contribute valuable data to support the sector’s growth and positive evolution.
This is the final wave. Your involvement will influence the narrative and help establish a robust evidence-base, one that reflects the reality of what organisations like yours are facing, and that funders and policymakers can use.
Who is eligible to take part?
You are eligible to participate in this research if you are a CEO or senior manager, you are 18 or over, and your organisation meets one of the following criteria:
- Your organisation is a registered charity or not-for-profit organisation
- Your organisation is a social enterprise
- Your organisation is a philanthropic or grant-making organisation that funds for-purpose activity
- Your organisation is a co-operative or mutual
The terms 'for-purpose sector' and 'social economy' refer to those organisations that are engaged in economic, social, and environmental activities to serve the collective and/or general interest.
Why the social economy matters
Social economy organisations play a vital role in fostering inclusive growth, addressing social issues, and empowering communities. They also offer innovative solutions, create quality jobs, promote social cohesion, and drive sustainable development.
But perhaps most importantly, by prioritising social impact over profit, social economy organisations grow resilient and more equitable societies.
Australia's social economy is a crucial contributor to economic and social development.
Wave 2 findings showed a sector under sustained pressure, stretched by funding constraints, workforce shortages and emerging risks, but still delivering for communities.
This final wave will track how the sector's priorities, capabilities and challenges have evolved over three years, giving policymakers, funders and the sector itself the most comprehensive evidence base yet.
If you have any questions, please contact the research team by emailing: csi@unsw.edu.au
The CSI Social Economy Report is a national collaborative project involving all members of the Centre for Social Impact: UNSW, Swinburne University of Technology, the University of Western Australia (UWA) and Flinders University.
