Another in a series of articles related to association management selected from our reading list by:
Robert O. Patterson, JD
CEO/ Principal
The Center for Association Resources, Inc.
From Stanford Social Innovation Review
Impact. Defining it is often difficult. Measuring it can be harder yet. And the final step—communicating impact—remains a formidable challenge for many organizations.
Even in the midst of a climate primed for moderate economic growth, success in the nonprofit sector is elusive. Supporters, donors, and funding organizations comprise a limited pool of financial sustenance, which nonprofits of all shapes and sizes must continuously vie for with their messages to affirm the worthiness of their missions.
It’s a competition rife with nuance and largely decided by how substantially nonprofits can prove the mission-focused impact of their work. For decades, they have relied on two dimensions—efficiency and effectiveness—to define and frame their success. But these approaches are limiting and in some cases even detrimental when proving outcomes.
Luckily, nonprofits can supplement the shortcomings of these traditional means. There’s a more dynamic and tangible third dimension through which nonprofits can define, measure, and communicate their success: economic impact.Read More
