At SureImpact, our mission is to empower organizations to measure, understand, and share their impact stories. As we continue to see nonprofits, social enterprises, and foundations embrace the importance of measuring their impact, we can draw inspiration from a variety of thought leaders across sectors.
For that reason, Rose Anderson's recent article on the New Philanthropy Capital's (NPC) blog caught our eye. In her "6 Ingredients for Systems Change" post, Anderson outlines six key elements necessary for creating long-lasting systemic change. The ideas she presents are particularly relevant to those of us working in the nonprofit space, as we strive to maximize the impact of our efforts.
Anderson's core insights into the process of systems change hold valuable lessons for all organizations, regardless of mission. In my opinion, impact measurement plays a critical role in driving systems change forward.
1. Change Needs Understanding
Anderson begins by asserting that systems change cannot happen without a deep understanding of the problems that need addressing. Whether it's political, economic, or sectoral issues, Anderson emphasizes that only by examining who benefits from the status quo can we truly understand how to create meaningful change.
This is where impact measurement comes in. For nonprofits, understanding begins with data—collecting it, analyzing it, and sharing it. When organizations systematically track their outcomes, they develop a clearer picture of the actual problems their beneficiaries face. These insights allow organizations to craft interventions that are not just well-intentioned but also well-informed and effective.
Moreover, by measuring impact, organizations can challenge their assumptions about their effectiveness. As Anderson points out, too many interventions are based on a vague theory of change rather than evidence of actual progress. This is why I advocate for data-driven decision-making. When you have clear data showing what’s working and what isn’t, you can pivot quickly and improve your strategies.
2. Change Needs Resources
The second ingredient Anderson highlights is the need for resources. While financial resources are undeniably crucial, Anderson also points to the importance of non-monetary resources, such as skills, tools, and the voices of those with lived experiences.
In the world of impact measurement, resources go beyond funding. Organizations need the right tools to gather meaningful data and the capacity to analyze and act on that data. Too often, nonprofits collect data without fully understanding how to use it. This can lead to "data for data’s sake," which neither serves the organization nor its stakeholders.
Instead, nonprofits need to invest in the right systems and training to make the most of the data they collect. That’s why SureImpact provides user-friendly software designed specifically to help organizations measure their outcomes, track their progress, and share their impact stories in meaningful ways. By equipping organizations with the tools and knowledge they need, we can help ensure that their resources—both financial and otherwise—are used to drive systemic change.
3. Change Needs Collaboration
Anderson emphasizes that collaboration is key to systems change. No one organization can achieve systems-level transformation on its own. Whether it’s partnering with other nonprofits, working alongside government agencies, or engaging with the private sector, collaboration allows organizations to pool resources, share knowledge, and amplify their impact.
From an impact measurement perspective, collaboration is also essential. When organizations work together, they can create shared measurement frameworks that allow them to track collective impact. This is especially important for tackling complex social problems that require multi-sector solutions. By adopting common indicators and measurement practices, organizations can ensure that their efforts are aligned and that they are collectively moving the needle on the issues they care about.
At SureImpact, we’ve seen the power of collaboration firsthand. When organizations share their data and learnings with one another, they not only improve their own practices but also contribute to the larger ecosystem of social change. By fostering a culture of transparency and knowledge sharing, we can help build a stronger, more effective nonprofit sector.
4. Change Needs Patience
Systems change is not something that happens overnight. As Anderson points out, it often requires years of sustained effort and a multi-pronged approach. This can be a challenge for organizations that are under pressure to show immediate results. However, as anyone in the nonprofit sector knows, the most meaningful changes often take time.
Impact measurement plays a crucial role in sustaining long-term change. By regularly tracking progress and measuring outcomes, organizations can keep their stakeholders engaged and energized, even when results are slow to materialize. Data allows organizations to demonstrate the incremental steps they are taking toward their goals, providing proof that their efforts are making a difference.
Additionally, ongoing measurement allows organizations to course-correct when needed. If an intervention isn’t producing the desired outcomes, data can reveal this early on, enabling organizations to adjust their strategies before too much time and money are invested. Patience, combined with the ability to adapt based on evidence, is key to creating lasting change.
5. Change Needs Learning
As Anderson notes, learning is an essential component of systems change. No organization gets everything right the first time, and that’s okay. What’s important is that organizations are committed to learning from their mistakes and continuously improving their practices.
This is where impact measurement and learning go hand in hand. When organizations regularly evaluate their programs, they generate valuable insights into what’s working and what isn’t. These insights can then inform future strategies, leading to better outcomes over time. Moreover, by sharing their learnings with others in the sector, organizations contribute to the collective knowledge base, helping other organizations avoid similar pitfalls.
At SureImpact, we encourage organizations to embrace a learning mindset. Measurement isn’t just about proving success; it’s about discovering what’s working, what isn’t, and how to improve. By fostering a culture of learning, we can ensure that organizations are always evolving and getting better at what they do.
6. Change Needs Bravery
Finally, Anderson argues that systems change requires bravery. Whether it’s speaking out about uncomfortable truths, challenging entrenched power structures, or taking risks, bravery is necessary to push for meaningful change.
For organizations focused on impact measurement, bravery can take many forms. It might mean being transparent about your outcomes, even when the results aren’t as positive as you’d hoped. It might mean taking a stand on an issue that’s important to your mission, even if it risks alienating some stakeholders. And it might mean investing in new and innovative approaches to measurement, even when it’s easier to stick with the status quo.
I’ve always believed that bravery is essential for any organization that wants to create lasting change. Measuring and sharing your impact requires honesty, transparency, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. But the rewards—stronger programs, better outcomes, and a more just and equitable world—are well worth the effort.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
In summary, Anderson’s six ingredients for systems change—understanding, resources, collaboration, patience, learning, and bravery—offer a valuable framework for any organization looking to make a lasting impact. At SureImpact, we believe that impact measurement is a key tool for driving this change. By measuring, understanding, and sharing our outcomes, we can not only improve our own practices but also contribute to the larger movement for systemic change.
If you’re ready to take your impact measurement to the next level, we’re here to help. Together, we can build a more effective, data-driven, and impactful nonprofit sector—one that’s equipped to create the change we want to see in the world.
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