Outcome Measurement: Collecting the data

This is the fifth in a series of six articles that discuss outcome measurement: what it is, how to do it, and most importantly, how it will help your organization. The content of these articles draws heavily on a framework...

Outcome Measurement: Defining your program

This is the third in a series of six articles that discuss outcome measurement: what it is, how to do it, and most importantly, how it will help your organization. The content of these articles draws heavily on a framework...

Outcome Measurement: Charting the course

This is the second in a series of six articles that discuss outcome measurement: what it is, how to do it, and most importantly, how it will help your organization. The content of these articles draws heavily on a framework...

Charity Intelligence: Smart giving

When it comes to giving you could say Canadians are a pretty generous bunch. Considered the second most generous charitable donors in the world on a per capita basis, in 2008 alone they were responsible for donating $8.7 billion to...

Outcome Measurement: An introduction to mission delivery

This is the first in a series of six articles that discuss outcome measurement: what it is, how to do it, and most importantly, how it will help your organization. The content of these articles draws heavily on a framework...

Lessons learned in a nonprofit world: Are we trying to reach targets or clients?

Let's say you get funded and rewarded based on the number of clients who get jobs, but the dilemma is this: do you only take clients that have a chance at employment success instead of the hard-to-serve clients who won't...

Tools for nonprofit leaders: Conducting an organization review

Many high performing not-for-profit organizations engage an objective third party - with the required expertise - to conduct an organization review. This involves a rigorous evaluation of how effectively resources are being applied to serve an organization’s vision, mission, and...

Using metrics in not-for-profit organization management

To ensure we're all on the same page when reading this article, let’s establish the definition of metrics: metrics are measurements. Another published definition is: “Metrics are a system of parameters or ways of quantitative and period assessment of a...

Measuring greatness: Defining quality standards

Introduction I opened up my closet the other day and put on a pair of casual pants that I have had for three years. As I put them on, I thought about their excellent quality. They fit well. The plaid...

Evaluating your not-for-profit organization

Not-for-profit organizations are increasingly investing time and resources in planning: strategic planning, risk management planning, crisis management planning and more. Equally important is the task of evaluating the work and progress of the organization, especially as it relates to delivering...