Engaging an independent impact evaluator to survey program beneficiaries and measure long-term outcomes, as opposed to solely assessing annual activities and outputs, offers a multitude of advantages. Without following up to confirm how people’s lives change over time, nonprofits cannot fully assess the effectiveness of their programs. This is where the role of independent impact evaluators becomes crucial.
Consider the case of a nonprofit mentoring organization that recognized the importance of gaining a comprehensive understanding of their program’s long-term impact. They made the decision to invest in an independent impact evaluation and conducted surveys with their program beneficiaries to measure outcomes beyond annual activities and outputs.
The results of this evaluation were striking. The evaluation revealed that when students developed close teacher-mentor relationships and attended three or more classes, the positive outcomes were significant. The findings indicated that compared to their peers who did not benefit from such mentorship and attendance, these students experienced remarkable improvements in various areas of their lives.
Specifically, the evaluation found that among the mentored students who attended classes regularly, there was an 80% increase in the number of students holding leadership positions. Moreover, there was a notable 44% reduction in disciplinary issues reported at school for these students.
The impact extended beyond the classroom as well. The evaluation indicated that among the mentored students who met the attendance threshold, there was an impressive 87% increase in the number of students achieving their goals through hard work. Additionally, regular volunteer service more than doubled, demonstrating the positive influence of the program on fostering a sense of civic engagement among the students.
Perhaps most encouragingly, the evaluation revealed a remarkable 77% increase in the number of students who expressed optimism about their future and expected to have a great future. This finding suggests that the program not only had a direct impact on their immediate circumstances but also instilled a sense of hope and aspiration in these young individuals.
This example exemplifies the power of engaging independent impact evaluators and conducting surveys to measure long-term outcomes. By going beyond surface-level activities and outputs, the organization gained valuable insights into the profound effects of their program on the lives of the students they served. These findings not only validated the organization’s efforts but also provided a solid foundation for further program improvements and strategic decision-making.
In conclusion, enlisting independent impact evaluators to survey program beneficiaries and measure long-term outcomes is a worthwhile investment. Their impartiality, expertise, and emphasis on long-term impact contribute to accurate evaluations, improved program effectiveness, and heightened accountability. By following up with beneficiaries to confirm the long-term changes in their lives, nonprofits can gain valuable insights to assess the true effectiveness of their programs. This holistic approach ensures that nonprofits have a comprehensive understanding of program impact, enabling them to make informed decisions and improvements to maximize their positive impact while safeguarding against mission drift.
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. Contact us today to learn how we can help your nonprofit measure its impact and achieve its mission.