Measuring outcomes is difficult. I’ve written about this before (here). However, there are many ways that nonprofits make life even harder for themselves than it has to be. You’re probably familiar with many of them:
- The grant-writer works in isolation and promises outcomes that the program cannot measure and/or achieve.
- Outcomes are written so broadly, no one knows how to measure them. As a result, they are measured inconsistently or, worse, not at all.
- Having confused the idea of demonstrating value with measuring impact, they over-reach and promise outcomes that are unrealistic and outside the scope of their programs. They doom themselves to fall short.
- Trying desperately to seem valuable, they promise too many outcomes, burying themselves in measurement tools and data for which they have no other use.
- And on and on . . .
One mistake I see often is particularly problematic now that so many organizations’ abilities to deliver their services is impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Outcome “Mad Lib”
Years ago, I introduce my “mad lib” for outcome statements in a blog called Measuring Outcomes that Matter.
___ of ___ (__%) participants who ______ will ______ as indicated by _______, by _______.
Ex. 65 of 75 (87%) participants who complete three counseling sessions will improve school engagement as indicated by increasing attendance rate by 5% by the end of 10th grade.
Why “Who” Matters
One key component of this statement is often missing – “who.” Who do you expect to achieve the outcome? When the achievement of an outcome depends upon a client participating in particular services, at a particular level of engagement, or for a minimum amount of time, say so!
This is particularly true now when clients are participating less frequently and in different ways. If your outcome statement doesn’t specify the conditions under which a client is likely and able to achieve an outcome, you’re likely to fall short of your goal. By specifying “who” in your outcome statement, you focus your denominator to include only those who could have and should have been able to achieve the outcome. Consider how your “who” has changed if you’ve adapted your service design, delivery, or frequency.
The more specific you are, the easier your life will be!