Impact investment will rise by 16 per cent in 2016, according to a recent survey released from non-for-profit organisation The Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN).

The Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) has published the sixth edition of its Annual Impact Investor Survey, which signals continued market growth with impact.

With a sample that comprises 158 of the world’s leading impact investors, the survey provides insight into investor perceptions and a number of market variables such as types of investors, the number and size of investments made, target returns, and impact measurement practices.

During 2015, respondents committed a total of $15.2 billion to impact investments.

Survey respondents committed a total of $15.2 billion to impact investments in 2015 and plan to increase capital committed by 16 per cent to $17.7 billion in 2016.

The most commonly targeted social impact themes in the survey were access to finance, employment and health improvement, followed by education and income growth/livelihoods support.

“We are encouraged to see the development of a truly diverse and global impact investing market,” said GIIN CEO Amit Bouri.

“This survey highlights a thriving market being built across geographies, sectors and asset classes. As the practice of impact investing continues to grow and mature, the GIIN is committed to working with our Network to accelerate the market’s development so we can realise our collective potential to positively change the world.”

The findings are based on a survey of 158 separate impact investing organisations that includes fund managers, foundations, banks, development finance institutions and family offices.

The Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) is a NFP that aims to increase the scale and effectiveness of impact investing.