Impact
Impact is the change that appears in the world as a result of the work that we do. When leadership, money, management, and communications come together, they create impact. Impact isn’t just the end result of what we do, the thing you see as the curtain falls. Impact accumulates daily, providing us with data, clues, and stories that feed our vision, guide our teams, and strengthen our organizations.
When we observe our impact, we can see what is good, what is working, what should be repeated. We can also see what may not be working, what might be doing harm, what might be “nice” but not creating change.
The Organizer covers all aspects of impact, from theories of change to the nitty-gritty of impact measurement. At the end of the day, this is why we are here.
You’ve decided to measure impact … now what?
The first step in impact measurement is instrumentation, when you determine how you are going to collect information.
Before you write that next impact report, read this
Tired of creating endless impact reports for your nonprofit’s different audiences? That “whack-a-mole” feeling means you’re on the right track.
Showing up counts
When chaos reigns, showing up may be your greatest achievement. So do it. Loudly. Relentlessly. And don’t say sorry.
Effective stories start with just four ingredients
You don’t need to be a master storyteller to tell great stories. Great stories are built on details about the work you do every day.
Changing the world feels so good … until it doesn’t anymore
The paradox of social impact work is that the altruism, integrity, and respect that you love about your work can be what burns you out
What to do when your impact story doesn’t feel impactful
When the success of your advocacy or your financial health is on the line, you need to move people with your impact stories.
Nonprofit key performance indicators and impact measures
When measuring nonprofit work, there’s a difference between key performance indicators and impact measures | The Organizer #67
Impact stories are easier than you think
Impact stories attract support, build momentum, and propel you forward. And they are easier to create than you may think.
Nonprofit partnerships: small organizations, big impact
Nonprofit partnerships might be right for your “small’ organization.
Keep your impact measurements honest, even when you don’t want to
Good social impact requires honesty, even when things don’t turn out how we thought. Without the truth, we cannot create real change.
You need to start measuring your impact
Impact is more than performance or the number of reports you produced or the amount of money you raised. “Impact” is the change your work is creating in the world.
Changing the world takes skill
It’s easier to love work that you know how to do well. Building skills makes work more enjoyable and more fulfilling.