I think it is critical that we make sure that the impact we are offering is what the community really wants and needs. It is 'easy' to say our community needs this or that without really asking the community what it needs. When Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research asked families what they needed, to our surprise, it was meals for the parents at the hospital. The hospitals feed the kids who are the patients. But not the parents and they were hungry. Once that was established, we set goals, engaged our supporters and partners and now serve Rally Good Meals & stock the pantry in four states on pediatric oncology floors. But when we started, it was just Chick-fil-a sandwiches once a month. The impact is measured by meals & smiles!

In my opinion, we must previously analyze what we are going to measure and use the most appropriate model for each case. We will use a very specific KPIs model for the analysis of the Strategic Plan and Action Plan. As we descend from the strategic level to the project level, we will integrate other more tangible or intangible KPIs that give us a more realistic vision of the purpose of that project. For example: Is it the same to do a project with 100 volunteers for 2 hours as another with 2 volunteers for 100 hours? It will depend on the objective of the project and the entity's strategy. In some cases the first case will be better compared to others the second option will be better.

Measuring success in a nonprofit requires aligning metrics with mission-driven goals. Start by defining clear, outcome-based objectives that reflect community impact. Use a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods, such as surveys, case studies, and data analytics, to track progress. Engage stakeholders to ensure the metrics resonate with community needs. Regularly evaluate and adjust strategies based on findings, ensuring transparency in reporting outcomes. Success is not just numbers—it's the stories of lives changed that truly measure your nonprofit's impact.

To measure the success effectively while striving for greater community impact, it is critical to measure both quantitative and qualitative data associated with your goals and defining success. It is important to have a quantitative goal/metric so that the organization has a clearly defined goal to strive towards as well as a clear definition of what success in this objective is. This allows for success for the team, the organization and can also be utilized for fundraising. It is equally important to also have qualitative data. Specifically in the non-profit sector, where it can be challenging to quantify community impact, having specific testimonials, stories etc allows for initiatives to still have a definition of success

To measure success effectively in a nonprofit, start by defining clear, mission-aligned goals. Use measurable indicators such as the number of beneficiaries served, improvement in quality of life, increased access to resources. Collect both quantitative data (e.g., program participation rates, funding utilization) and qualitative feedback (e.g., stories from beneficiaries or community partners). Implement regular monitoring and evaluation processes to track progress and identify areas for improvement. Engage stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, and the community, in assessing outcomes. Use the insights gained to refine strategies and communicate impact transparently, building trust and ensuring sustainable growth toward your mission.