The fonds consists of records that reflect the range of functional responsibilities within the social development sector beginning from the 1980s including: producing research, studies, and publications; policy development; establishing and maintaining external partnerships including with civil society and NGOs; managing and monitoring global trust funds; and participation or organization of conferences, training, and other learning events.

The records were created by the Social Development Department (SDV) and the Environment Department's Social Policy and Resettlement Division (ENVSP, 1993 - 1997). Records from other departments in this fonds that were originally responsible for the Bank's NGO and non-UN international organizations liaison function include: the International Relations Department (IRD) of the Office of the Vice President, External Relations (VPE) between 1983 and 1987; the International Economic Relations units in the Strategic Planning Department (SPRIE) between 1987 and 1990 and the External Relations Department (EXTIE) from 1990 to 1993; and the Operations Policy Department (OPRIE) before being integrated into OPR's Policy Group (OPRPG) between 1993 and 1997. The fonds also includes research and policy records of Sociologist Michael Cernea while he was part of the Environment Department.

The fonds includes records that address a range of sectoral subjects, such as population resettlement, the inclusion of indigenous peoples and other ethnic groups, gender concerns, social policy, social analysis, and social assessment. The records also document the evolution of social safeguard policies regarding resettlement, indigenous communities, and NGOs, as well as the activities of the early NGO-World Bank Committee, which served as a precursor to the formation of dedicated NGO units within the Bank. Cultural development is represented, though to a lesser extent.