Nonprofit organizations set out to change the world in a positive way, but can end up only counting the people it serves without really knowing if the work was impactful.
Measuring impact can be challenging, especially for nonprofits that work on complex social issues. To help nonprofits navigate this challenge, we’ve identified some guiding principles to consider for nonprofits measuring their mission impact.
CLEARLY DEFINE IMPACT
First, clearly defining the impact of the nonprofit’s work is essential. Identify the overarching goal, key outcomes that would contribute to the goal being realized more fully, and then key indicators which are incredibly tangible and concrete for the organization to measure against. For example, let’s say a nonprofit organization aims to provide clean drinking water to rural communities. The impact that they’re trying to achieve is improved health outcomes for those communities. To measure the impact, the nonprofit needs to define it in measurable terms. In this case, measurable indicators could include the percentage of households with access to clean drinking water, the number of reported cases of waterborne illnesses, or the change in infant mortality rates.
DEVELOP MEASURABLE INDICATORS
The second principle is to develop measurable indicators that align with the defined impact. Measurable indicators are data points that demonstrate progress toward achieving the intended impact. Continuing with our example, the nonprofit could develop indicators such as the number of water wells drilled, the amount of water produced by each well, or the number of people trained in water treatment and distribution. By developing measurable indicators, nonprofits can monitor progress and identify improvement areas.
USE EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACHES
The third principle is to use evidence-based approaches to measure impact. Evidence-based approaches involve using research and data to inform program design, implementation, and evaluation. For example, the nonprofit could use World Health Organization (WHO) data to identify best practices for providing clean water to rural communities. This would help them design and implement effective programs to achieve the intended impact.
MONITOR PROGRESS REGULARLY
The fourth principle is to monitor progress regularly. Regular monitoring helps nonprofits to identify any challenges and adjust their programs accordingly. For instance, the nonprofit could conduct periodic surveys to gather data on how the communities benefit from the clean water program. This would help the organization measure progress, identify gaps, and improve the program to achieve better results.
COMMUNICATE IMPACT CLEARLY AND COMPELLINGLY
Finally, effective communication is key when it comes to measuring and reporting impact. Nonprofits should clearly and compellingly communicate their impact to stakeholders, including donors, funders, and beneficiaries. For instance, the nonprofit could share stories from the communities they serve, highlighting the impact of clean water on health outcomes. They could also use data and evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness of their programs. By communicating impact effectively, nonprofits can build trust with their stakeholders and increase their support for their work.
These 5 guiding principles can help nonprofits measure their organizations’ impact effectively. By defining the impact, developing measurable indicators, using evidence-based approaches, monitoring progress regularly, and communicating impact effectively, nonprofits can ensure that their programs are making the impact they are working towards.
At Elevate, we understand the challenges that nonprofits face when measuring impact. That’s why we offer expert guidance to help nonprofits set up outcomes measurement projects that effectively capture their impact and demonstrate the value of their work. Our experienced team works closely with nonprofits to define impact, develop measurable indicators, use evidence-based approaches, monitor progress, and communicate impact effectively. By partnering with Elevate, nonprofit leaders can ensure that their efforts are making a positive difference and build trust with their stakeholders.
Contact us today to learn how we can help your nonprofit measure its impact and achieve its mission.