A practical guide for small and grassroots nonprofits who want to collect meaningful data — without feeling overwhelmed.
What This Guide Will Help You Do
Data Made Simple is designed to help you:
- Understand what “performance measures” actually mean
- Learn the difference between output, outcome, and impact data
- Identify which data matters most for funders and donors
- Start collecting data with the tools you already have
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What You’ll Get
When you download this guide, you’ll receive:
✔️ A clear explanation of the three types of performance measures
- Output: How much did we do?
- Outcome: How well did we do it?
- Impact: Is anyone better off?
✔️ Real-world examples from human service programs
✔️ A visual model to apply directly to your own programs
✔️ A 6-Week Quick Start Plan to help you:
- Choose the right data points
- Modify existing forms
- Add one simple measurement tool
- Begin tracking data
- Practice telling one clear “data story.”
✔️ Guidance on using free tools like spreadsheets and surveys
Who This Is For
This guide is especially helpful for:
- Leaders of small or grassroots human service nonprofits
- Executive directors wearing multiple hats
- Program managers preparing for grants
- First-time grant writers
- Organizations without formal evaluation staff
If you’re early in building your systems — or trying to strengthen them — this guide was written for you.
Why This Matters
Collecting the right data helps you:
- Strengthen grant proposals
- Build funder confidence
- Clarify your own program strategy
- Demonstrate impact without overburdening staff
- Tell stronger stories about your work
And most importantly:
It helps ensure your organization is grant-ready before you apply.