Practice briefs and tools
Nonprofit leaders need more resources about the early stages of performance measurement programs and about how to overcome the practical challenges they will face as they build their programs. Complementing the community of practice, the Measure4Change team has published a series of practice briefs and blog posts that explain key concepts and address relevant topics in performance measurement.
Measure4Change Playbook
The Measure4Change Performance Measurement Playbook is designed to help nonprofit organizations increase their performance measurement capacity with practical recommendations and strategies. Organizations can use this tool to build a learning culture, develop performance measurement tools, collect data, manage data, and communicate their findings.
Data Collection and Reporting Guidance for the Full-Service Community Schools Program
The guidance document underscores the importance of results-based planning and continuous improvement, emphasizing the use of real-time data to inform decision-making and drive change. It equips grantees with the tools and methodologies necessary to establish a robust reporting system. While tailored to the specific needs of the FSCS grantees, the recommendations outlined in the guidance document hold relevance for other place-based initiatives seeking to improve educational outcomes.
Performance Measurement to Evaluation
Introducing the performance measurement–evaluation continuum: from using performance measurement and formative evaluation to improve and refine programs, to summative evaluation to determine impact of selected programs.
Expanding Audience and Impact: Nonprofits Communicating Data to External Audiences
Examples and strategies to effectively communicate program data with external stakeholders such as policymakers, funders, and clients.
A New Model for Growing Impact: Measure4Change and Nonprofit Performance Management
A description of the Measure4Change model—a mixture of deep-dive coaching, grant support, peer learning, and practice-oriented briefs—and reflection on lessons learned from the first cohort.
Strategies for Cultivating an Organizational Learning Culture
For nonprofit practitioners seeking to strategies to cultivate a learning culture within their organizations.
Centering Racial Equity in Measurement and Evaluation
Explores how racial equity and inclusion can strengthen nonprofits’ measurement and evaluation work and to use data to improve the operationalization of measurement practices.
Starting Small and Thinking Long Term: Q&A with Performance Measurement and Evaluation Professionals
Three nonprofit performance measurement staff who have been navigating their positions within the Washington, DC, area for several years share lessons learned and tips for getting started and growing.
Navigating Performance Management Software Options
A selection guide for service-delivering nonprofits seeking a software solution.
Urban Wire blog posts
Is evaluation valuable for every nonprofit?
Selected resources
Getting started
- Six Steps to Success: Collecting and Using Performance Data in Place-Based Initiatives
- Key Steps in Outcome Management
- From Compliance to Learning: Helping Community Development Financial Institutions Better Determine and Demonstrate Their Results
Selecting outcomes
- Outcome Indicators Project
- Developing Community-wide Outcome Indicators for Specific Services
- DC Out-of-School-Time Programs Tackle Outcome Measures
- Measuring Performance: A Guidance Document for Promise Neighborhoods on Collecting Data and Reporting Results
Setting performance targets
Collecting data
- Surveying Clients about Outcomes
- Preparing and Fielding High-Quality Surveys: Practical Strategies for Successfully Implementing Neighborhood and School Climate Surveys in Promise Neighborhoods
Performing analysis
Managing organizational culture, staff engagement, and continuous improvement
- A Resource Guide for Head Start Programs: Moving beyond a Culture of Compliance to a Culture of Continuous Improvement
- Pathways for Community Voices: Building Feedback Loops with Clients of Charitable Food Assistance
Communicating with external audiences
Governing and securing data
Moving toward evaluation
