What Impact? A Framework for Measuring the Scale and Scope of Social Performance
Leaders of organizations in the social sector are under growing pressure to demonstrate their impacts on pressing societal problems such as global poverty. This Social Enterprise Initiative, Harvard Business School working paper reviews the debates around performance and impact, drawing on three literatures: strategic philanthropy, nonprofit management, and international development. We then develop a contingency framework for measuring results, suggesting that some organizations should measure long-term impacts, while others should focus on shorter-term outputs and outcomes. In closing, we discuss the implications of our analysis for future research on performance management.
Nonprofit Program Evaluation Made Simple
This is a lovely book that simplifies all the academic program evaluation language so it can be readily used by nonprofits. This is a nice, easy book to read. A nice, easy primer in program evaluation, written for nonprofits. However, the book does assume that you know you need to do program evaluation - which most small- and medium-sized nonprofits do not really need to do. And, while she presents a section on reports, it's a little lean. This book is really great to read if you *want* to understand all the terms in program evaluation so you can do fancier impact measurement or talk with outside evaluators who are conducting a program evaluation with you.
US Census
The Census Bureau conducts surveys to provide periodic and comprehensive statistics about the nation on current facts, quality data and figures about America’s people, places, and economy. Surveys include statistics about America's changing population, housing and workforce, state and local government, public finance and public employment, a count of every resident in the U.S. every 10 years, employer businesses, industry, geography, and more. Along with collecting information about cost for the data and services provided, the survey results are critical for government programs, policies, and decision-making.
US Census Data on Families and Living Arrangements
The Census Bureau collects data about American families for the nation, states and communities. Our statistics describe trends in household and family composition, and show the number of children, young adults and couples living in the United States.
US Census Data on Housing
The Census Bureau’s housing data present a comprehensive picture of housing in America. You’ll find a wide range of data on the size, age and type of American homes; home values, rents and mortgages, affordability, the housing and construction industry, and more.