Accountability & Evaluation
They may be the same donors, but they are asking different questions. Donors are not only asking about the value of the mission, they're also asking for results. The good news is that it's within our power to demonstrate results.
- Diana Aviv, president, Independent Sector
Accountability and evaluation resources are divided into three sections:
Don't Miss Tools
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Innovation Net
http://www.innonet.org/
Innovation Net is a website dedicated to building the evaluation capacity of nonprofits and grantmakers. It provides web-based tools for nonprofit program planning and evaluation.
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United Way of America Outcome Measurement Resource Network
http://national.unitedway.org/outcomes/
Offers information, downloadable documents, and links to resources related to the identification and measurement of program- and community-level outcomes.
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Nonprofit Good Practice Guide
http://www.nonprofitbasics.org/
This website is designed to help you manage your nonprofit organization efficiently and effectively. The website provides articles, standards of practice, resources, and glossaries.
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Community Tool Box
http://ctb.ku.edu/
Over 6,000 pages of practical skill-building information on over 250 different topics, including step-by-step instruction, examples, checklists, and related resources can be found on this website. Sample topics on evaluation and accountability include:
- Some Methods for Evaluating Comprehensive Community Initiatives
- Using Evaluation to Understand and Improve the Initiative
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Publications and Research
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United Way of America Outcome Measurement Resource Network
http://national.unitedway.org/outcomes/
This Resource Network offers information, downloadable documents, and FAQs related to the identification and measurement of program- and community-level outcomes.
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“Exploring Evaluation: What We Measure and Why”
http://www.nonprofitquarterly.org/section/189.html
This article, from The Nonprofit Quarterly, examines how using the United Way Outcome Model can improve the work we do for the benefit of our constituents and communities.
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WK Kellogg Foundation Knowledgebase – Evaluation Publications and Resources
http://www.wkkf.org/Knowledgebase/Pubs/Categories.htmlx?CID=281
Accessing this site exposes you to an extensive database created by the Foundation as well as references to external resources.
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Standards for Excellence in Nonprofit Sector
http://www.mdnonprofit.org/sfex_intro.htm
The standards proposed here go beyond the minimum legal requirements by outlining how well managed and responsibly governed nonprofits should operate.
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The Urban Institute – How and Why Nonprofits Use Outcome Information
http://www.urban.org/url.cfm?ID=310464
Examines how non-profits use outcome information in an environment where there is an increasing focus by all parties on increasing program effectiveness.
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Independent Sector – Nonprofit Organizations: Current Practices and Recommendations
http://www.independentsector.org/programs/research/outcomes.pdf
Provides an overview of the state of outcome measurements and examples of procedures used by nonprofits.
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Best Practices for Nonprofits: Outcomes and Quality Improvement
http://www.wcnwebsite.org/practices/outcomes.htm
Provides a quick look at quality improvement best practices and suggestions for achieving outcomes.
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Creating Public Value Through State Arts Agencies
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/connections/conn_item_print.jhtml?id=123300052
Harvard public management authority Mark Moore advises agency managers how to measure and communicate arts and culture groups' worth; cultivate support from policymakers, the arts community, and the public; and discern what they can realistically achieve, given the strong competition for limited state resources.
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Online Communities for Information and Support
As always, we would like to hear from you! Contact us with comments.
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