TOOLS and RESOURCES

Evaluation of Outcomes

Why is it Important to Measure Outcomes?
Organizations that are serious about their theory of change engage in regular self-assessment and evaluation of outcomes. The results of measuring outcomes can be shared with stakeholders to illustrate the impact of an organization's programs and activities, and to demonstrate the difference the organization is making in its community and in peoples' lives. Seeing the difference an organization is making on paper, in video, through testimonials -- is powerful. To be successful an organization must embrace a culture that supports outcomes thinking. This is not as daunting as it sounds. First, understand that a little self-reflection, when implemented for the right reason, is far from a waste of time. As urged in the powerful but easy-to-read book Leap of Reason, managing to outcomes needs to be an integral part of any organization in order for it to be sustainable.  Here are some resources to help your organization along the path to effective self-assessment and evaluation of outcomes - and ultimately to more effective delivery of its programs, services, and mission.

Tools for Evaluation of Outcomes

• Charting Impact, a joint initiative of Independent Sector, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and GuideStar USA.
• Logic Model Development Guide (WK Kellogg Foundation)
  Measuring Outcomes (US Dept. of Health and Human Services, Compassion Capital Fund)
• Perform Well offers tools (such as sample surveys and assessments) for human service organizations to use to evaluate outcomes. Also, the Urban Institute's Outcomes Indicators Project provides nonprofits with helpful case studies and guidance on how to collect and use data from outcomes measurement relevant to various types of programs.

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How Should a Nonprofit Evaluate Programs?

• Read how funders can help nonprofits with the capacity to evaluate their own effectiveness. How Do We Build the Capacity of Nonprofits to Evaluate, Learn, and Improve?  (GEO)
• Get started with outcomes measurement (Center for What Works)
• Basic Guide to Program Evaluation (Free Management Library)
• Read about evaluating the impact of capacity building efforts.
• Read about the self-assessment process for a nonprofit board.

See more at: http://www.councilofnonprofits.org/resources/resources-topic/evaluation-and-measurement#sthash.D28BWNff.dpuf
Source:  National Council of Nonprofits:  http://www.councilofnonprofits.org/resources/resources-topic/evaluation-and-measurement

Guidelines for Developing Outcomes/Goals for Evaluation
Well-written outcomes or goals should have the following characteristics of  “SMART” goals:

Specific 
Outcomes should be specific to the program and limited in scope

Measureable  
Outcomes need to be measured in some way, and practical to assess

Achievable 
Avoid unrealistic goals.  Be sure they make sense, given your program and its activities.

Relevant 
Outcomes should be related to and significant for your program. 

Time sensitive  
Outcomes should be stated within a particular timeframe, so you know your beginning and ending points.