Attended a great webinar this morning hosted by FSG Social Impact Advisors. They are a non-profit consultancy focusing on social impact measures. The webinar talked about some of the research they have done in the sector. One of the fundamental challenges for non-profits and funders is that funders naturally want to see the results of … Continue reading Shared Measurement Systems for Non-Profits
Demonstrating Value – Building a Dashboard for Potluck Cafe
Last year I worked with Heather O'Hara, the Executive Director of Potluck Cafe to put into practice some of the techniques I have been writing about. As you can see from the story below, experience taught both of us a lot about the value of this work and how to make it more effective in … Continue reading Demonstrating Value – Building a Dashboard for Potluck Cafe
Question Zero Part 6: Next steps
In the last 5 posts, we have covered a number of components that help you answer, and communicate your answer, to Question Zero "What, exactly, are we trying to accomplish?": Choosing the type of story you are trying to tell Ensuring you are speaking the right language for your audience Making sure you are measuring … Continue reading Question Zero Part 6: Next steps
Question Zero Part 4: Goals, Activities and Outcomes
The question of measuring outcomes, defining goals and managing activities can be quite complex and many people have written on this topic. I don't want to rehash that work or get into a debate about the exact terminology, I don't think that is important. What I tell groups I work with is that you do … Continue reading Question Zero Part 4: Goals, Activities and Outcomes
Question Zero Part 3: Speaking the Right Language for your Audience
Last time we spoke about the importance of being clear on the type of story you are telling - to communicate issues, to demonstrate impact or to engage stakeholders. This time we will talk about getting the language right for your audience. No matter how well you understand your issue, if you are not speaking … Continue reading Question Zero Part 3: Speaking the Right Language for your Audience
Question Zero Part 2: Communicating, Demonstrating and Engaging with Information
Continuing from last post, let's get into the details of how to measure and communicate your success. The question to think through is "What kind of story are you trying to tell?I use the word story deliberately - many people forget that any time you are presenting a number or report there is a reason … Continue reading Question Zero Part 2: Communicating, Demonstrating and Engaging with Information
Supporting Social Enterprise management
I am very happy to announce SAP Business Objects support for the Demonstrating Value Project The project is designed to help social enterprises measure and manage their performance - financial, organizational and mission/community impact. I have been working with the folks at Vancity Community Foundation for almost two years and it is great to see … Continue reading Supporting Social Enterprise management
Constructive Public Engagement 