As governments in the United States consider social impact bonds, the idea gets coverage in this article, which appeared in the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

From original article:

"Now a new financing effort getting attention from foundations and governments - most notably the Obama administration, which last week offered up to $100-million toward the approach - may help nonprofits like Earthen Vessels attract the money they need to expand, with the goal of saving money for society in the end.

"Backers of the new financial tool, known as social-impact bonds, want to tap the discipline of the business world by enlisting investors to put up the money to run social programs that the government normally pays for.

"The incentive for investors: If they back programs that get results, the government will not only repay the money but also provide a bonus.

"The concept is popular because it reduces fund-raising headaches for nonprofits and because it allows the government to avoid paying for programs that don't make a difference.

"If a nonprofit fails to reduce homelessness or doesn't increase graduation rates, for example, then the government pays nothing."

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