Measuring Outcomes

Measuring outcomes is a cornerstone of grantmaking from Madison Community Foundation.

Each grant applicant is asked to identify up to three outcomes and to specify the measurable indicators that are used to determine whether the grant has achieved its goals. Organizations that are awarded grants also are required to report on outcomes at the end of the grant cycle through a Grant Evaluation Report [PDF].

Why Outcomes Matter

Why should you measure outcomes? Here are two of the most important reasons:

1) Measuring outcomes helps your organization stay on track and focus on what really matters — bringing about positive change. By measuring outcomes, you can more clearly see if the work you are doing is accomplishing the goals you intend it to accomplish. If you find out it’s not, you can make changes to your program. This helps make your programs as effective as possible.

2) Funders expect measurable outcomes. Madison Community Foundation is one of many grantmaking organizations that require nonprofits to design and measure outcomes as part of the grant process. Funders are looking for accountability in where their financial support goes. They want to make sure your program delivers on what it says it’s going to do.

Evaluation Resources and Support

• MCF provides evaluation planning support and technical assistance to organizations invited to submit a full grant application. Information about accessing this support is provided to organizations with the invitation to submit a grant application. 
• The Goodman Nonprofit Center will provide access to training, webinars and technical assistance with evaluation and more to area nonprofits. 

More resources are available on our Nonprofit Resources page.