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.
When the success of your advocacy or your financial health is on the line, you need to move people with your impact stories.
When measuring nonprofit work, there’s a difference between key performance indicators and impact measures | The Organizer #67
If you’ve hit a plateau and you still need to raise more money, it’s time to build a team.
Impact stories attract support, build momentum, and propel you forward. And they are easier to create than you may think.
Nonprofit partnerships might be right for your “small’ organization.
Good social impact requires honesty, even when things don’t turn out how we thought. Without the truth, we cannot create real change.
Measuring impact enhances your organization’s approach and allows you to manage your resources efficiently.
It’s easier to love work that you know how to do well. Building skills makes work more enjoyable and more fulfilling.
For most organizations, one impact measure is powerful enough to monitor progress and keep your team on the same page.
To start measuring impact, keep it simple. Build routines that collect and share impact stories.
Make time to define your impact. Forget the excuses and focus on making your workmore meaningful and effective.
Impact measurement works best when you collect useful data, then use it to tell your story, motivate yourself, and grow.