Results Count

And the latest word describing results is outcomes, which this interview with an author of a new book on outcomes, tackles, from Nonprofit About.com.

An excerpt.

“Demand is growing for nonprofits to provide proof that what they are doing actually accomplishes something. That demand is coming particularly from donors and grantors, such as foundations. Unfortunately, many nonprofits do not have objective data showing that their outcomes are worth supporting.

“That fact is a bit shocking when you think about it. But, then, charities have been very busy providing programs, and sometimes just hoping that the band aids they apply to social needs actually work.

“But even the smallest nonprofit has heard the call for greater emphasis on outcomes measurement, reporting, and transparency. Until now, however, just how to do this has been obscure or scattered from here to there.

“That is where a new book comes in. It is The Nonprofit Outcomes Toolbox: A Complete Guide to Program Effectiveness, Performance Measurement, and Results, Robert M. Penna, PhD, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2011

“Impressed with the scope of the book, but also daunted a bit by its 350 pages, I wondered how to convince smaller nonprofits to invest in an obviously helpful resource that could serve as an all-in-one course in outcomes management.

“I turned to Dr. Penna with some questions. Here is a summary of our interview.

“Nonprofit Guide: How can a focus on outcomes benefit even a small nonprofit? What are the potential “outcomes” of outcomes management for nonprofits that are time and resource strapped?

“Penna: The greatest benefits of an outcomes approach for smaller nonprofits come from the knowledge of what, among their efforts, truly works…and knowing precisely how well those things are working. While any organization would benefit from this type of information, it is particularly crucial for smaller, less well-resourced organizations that must make every dollar, every hour of staff time, count.”