Measuring out social impact

A lasting legacy

For 100 years, the Big Brother Movement (BBM) has shaped lives, communities and industries across Australia and beyond. From its origins in migration to today’s scholarship programs, BBM has created social value that extends well beyond individual participants.

Measuring this impact matters. It helps us understand the difference our work makes, strengthens accountability and guides how we invest in the future.

By measuring social impact, BBM is able to:

  • Understand outcomes over time, not just outputs

  • Capture social, environmental and economic value

  • Improve how programs are designed and delivered

  • Clearly communicate value to partners, funders and supporters

This approach ensures BBM remains focused on creating meaningful and lasting change for people, communities and future generations.

BBM impact at a glance

  • Nearly 12,000 Little Brothers supported through BBM’s migration scheme

  • An estimated 97,613 direct descendants of Little Brothers in Australia

  • Approximately 0.37 per cent of Australia’s population connected to BBM

  • $9.34 of social value created for every $1 invested in the Global Footprints Scholarship program

Our approach to measuring social impact

BBM uses Social Return on Investment (SROI) as a key tool to understand and articulate social impact.

SROI is a recognised impact measurement framework that looks beyond financial inputs to assess the value created through outcomes that matter most to stakeholders. It combines quantitative and qualitative evidence to capture social, community and environmental change.

In 2024, BBM commissioned an SROI study conducted by 180 Degrees Consulting, a globally recognised organisation specialising in impact measurement and strategic consulting.

The study focused on BBM’s scholarship programs in their various forms and assessed outcomes at the individual, industry, community and environmental level. It also included a market sizing assessment of the Little Brothers network in Australia.

The study was designed to both quantify BBM’s impact and inform future direction.

The findings reveal the scale and depth of BBM’s contribution over time.

What the SROI study revealed

The findings demonstrate the scale and depth of BBM’s impact across generations.

While close to 12,000 Little Brothers were brought to Australia under BBM’s migration scheme, their contributions have multiplied over time. Today, there are an estimated 97,613 direct descendants of Little Brothers living in Australia. This figure does not include extended family members who later migrated and made Australia their home.

Despite the hardships many experienced, numerous Little Brothers went on to become farmers, tradespeople and community leaders. Their descendants have continued this legacy, contributing to Australia’s rural, regional and urban communities and playing an important role in the nation’s social, economic and cultural development.

The study quantified this impact while also highlighting BBM’s influence on industries, communities and Australia’s evolving identity.

Impact of the Global Footprints Scholarship program

The SROI study also assessed the social value created through the Global Footprints Scholarship program.

The results were clear.

For every $1 invested, $9.34 of social value is created, delivering benefits to individuals, their industries, communities and the environment.

These outcomes include:

  • Skill development and increased confidence

  • Global knowledge exchange and learning

  • Stronger professional and community networks

  • Contributions to more sustainable practice

This result confirms the program’s effectiveness and BBM’s continued relevance in a changing world.

How social impact complements our sustainability framework

BBM’s approach to social impact measurement sits alongside our broader commitment to sustainability.

We align our work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on those where contribution can be demonstrated using proxy indicators. SROI complements this by providing a broader view of impact, capturing social, environmental and economic outcomes over time.

Together, these approaches strengthen transparency and accountability and support meaningful partnerships and funding relationships.

Learn more about our commitment to sustainability and SDG alignment.