Outcomes-Based Finance Readiness & Structure Diagnostic

From concept to a bankable Go / No-Go decision in 8 weeks

Many organizations explore outcomes-based financing, results-linked contracts, or social impact bonds with strong intent—only to discover late in the process that the structure is not viable.

The Outcomes-Based Finance (OBF) Readiness & Structure Diagnostic is designed to prevent that outcome.

This is a fixed-scope, time-bound diagnostic product that delivers a clear, defensible answer to one question:

Is this intervention suitable for outcomes-based financing—and if so, under what conditions?

What this product delivers

Within 8 weeks, we provide a bankable decision:
🟢 Proceed — the intervention is structurally viable for outcomes-based finance
🟡 Redesign — the concept is promising, but specific changes are required
🔴 Stop — outcomes-based financing is not appropriate under current conditions

This decision is supported by a transparent, auditable assessment framework that allows leadership teams, boards, and public authorities to move forward with confidence—or stop early without sunk-cost escalation.

Who this is for

This product is designed for organizations that are:

Exploring outcomes-based contracts, performance-based funding, or social impact bonds
Considering innovative finance as an alternative to traditional grants or input-based procurement
Operating in complex public, social, or climate contexts where failure is costly
Seeking clarity before committing political capital, staff time, or design funding

Typical users include:
• Public authorities of all levels
• Foundations and philanthropic organizations
• Development finance and donor-funded programs
• Impact investors and social investors
• Ecosystem intermediaries and program sponsors

How the Diagnostic Works

We begin the diagnostic only once there is sufficient clarity to do the work properly. Before the eight-week process starts, we ask for a clear description of the problem being addressed, a defined target population, available baseline or historical data, an identified potential outcomes payer, evidence of policy or strategic alignment, and an indicative budget envelope. This upfront discipline allows us to focus the diagnostic on decision-making rather than data chasing.

Once this initial gate is closed, we move into a structured eight-week sprint. We start by validating the inputs and assessing data quality, then stress-test the concept through counterfactual analysis and risk mapping. In the final weeks, we assess which outcomes-based financing approaches, if any, are realistically viable. The process concludes with a Decision Memo that clearly recommends whether to proceed, redesign, or stop.

Each project is evaluated using a weighted readiness scorecard that looks across technical feasibility, economics, market appetite, and institutional context. Some criteria are non-negotiable. The result is a clear Traffic-Light recommendation grounded in evidence and experience, rather than opinion or momentum.

What you will receive

We do not deliver generic strategy reports.

Every engagement concludes with a Decision Package, including:

Executive Traffic-Light Summary (Proceed / Redesign / Stop)
Readiness Dashboard with weighted pillar scores
Feasibility Scorecard highlighting strengths and blockers
Structural Diagram illustrating the recommended financial architecture
Red-Line List of non-negotiable issues that must be resolved before implementation

For viable or near-viable projects, we also outline a clear pathway toward full transaction design.