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.
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.
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
When you need to raise more money, don’t go it alone
If you’ve hit a plateau and you still need to raise more money, it’s time to build a team.
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
Measuring impact enhances your organization’s approach and allows you to manage your resources efficiently.
Changing the world takes skill growth
It’s easier to love work that you know how to do well. Building skills makes work more enjoyable and more fulfilling.
How to measure your impact (and why it’s important)
For most organizations, one impact measure is powerful enough to monitor progress and keep your team on the same page.