The article analyses the issues of social investments of the Russian business abroad. The author compares the expenditures of the Russian companies to implement social projects with the costs of the foreign corporations. He also indicates the factors, explaining the return on investments for social projects. A special emphasis is made on the analysis of the practices, associated with implementation by the Russian companies of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes. In conclusion the author suggests the recommendations on strengthening CSR practices, exercised by the Russian business abroad.