ImpactStory FAQ
How is ImpactStory related to Program Evaluation?
I think about program evaluation being scientific (e.g., proving a program really works) or explorative (e.g., understanding a process). In both cases, this requires someone outside the nonprofit to be involved, it's often a one-time experience, and it can be unwieldy.
ImpactStory is focused on sustainably gathering the essential, actionable data that allows you to improve programs, track staff productivity, and find out what clients got from working with you.
Learn more about the ImpactStory Strategy here: https://mailchi.mp/16bcedb174d4/strategy-brief
What kind of organization does ImpactStory work for?
ImpactStory was developed based on my experience with small- to medium-sized nonprofits (about $250K - $5M) and their funders, but organizations of any size are welcome. Evaluation or data staff at a nonprofit or foundation would also find ImpactStory helpful.
Here's what you need:
(a) leadership who's fully bought in,
(b) a fully functioning board,
(c) a staff person with 5 hrs/wk, on average, to manage the data (but - if you don't have this person - as me about options!),
(d) the person who attends should have a moderate level of Excel knowledge (i.e., know how to use formulas and how to basically creating a graph)
Is creating the ImpactStory Strategy at my organization hard?
Like establishing an accounting system, the strategy does take some time and effort to set up, and the tools must be tailored to the specific immediate impact sought. However, even the process of setting up the Strategy is valuable because it can build buy-in, help promote a learning environment, and engage creativity.
Once the Strategy’s structures are in place, and in as little as about five hours a week, impact tracking, data-driven decision-making, and powerful storytelling evolve as part of the fabric of the organization.
The ImpactStory Academy gives you literally everything you need to set up the ImpactStory Strategy.
Who should attend the ImpactStory Academy?
Nonprofits
-Executive Director
-Development Director
-Marketing Director
-Program Supervisor
-Director of Community Engagement
-Data Manager or Internal Evaluator
Funders
-Foundation President
-Director of Community Engagement and Impact
-Portfolio Manager
-Grants Manager
-Marketing Director
-Data Manager or Internal Evaluator
Bring as many staff as you like, the cost is per organization, NOT per person.
My organization is very small, there are less than 4 staff and we are all stretched very thin. Can we make use of ImpactStory?
Yes! Your data needs are probably pretty straightforward and I can talk to you about what you might need.
I'm also developing shared data capacity, 5 hrs/week of embedded staff support. An Impact Specialist is a professional who knows ImpactStory and who can make the Strategy happen at your organization.