Impact Measurement at Lind Foundation.
Why do we measure impact?
At Lind Foundation, we are engaged in creating persistent improvements in the lives of vulnerable and socially marginalised people while at the same time generating value for society. For that reason, we support organisations and projects that enable people to make the most of their potential. To understand and maximise the impact of these efforts, we rely on impact measurement.
Our first step is to ensure that the change created by the initiatives is genuine and would not have happened otherwise. Measuring impact provides valuable insights into the people, projects, and organisations we work with and most importantly, it allows us to analyse and demonstrate the effects of their efforts.
At its core, impact measurement describes the relationship between what you invest (the input) and the financial and social value that is generated (the outcome). The purpose is not to increase earnings. Rather, it is to ensure that meaningful change can be directly attributed to the initiatives and that the positive effects remain sustainable for the people and communities they serve — both now and in the future.
Our principles for measurements.
To ensure that your impact analysis is both efficient and credible, it is important to follow a structured approach. We recommend starting with seven key principles of impact measurement. It starts with involving key stakeholders, developing a theory of change, and ends with evaluating your results. It is important not to over-claim and to stay transparent throughout the process: Would the change have happened anyway?
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Involve beneficiaries and other stakeholders when planning what to measure and how.
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Develop a theory of change and gather evidence of positive and negative change.
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Rate the importance of different outcomes by valuing economic, social, and environmental benefits and costs (not captured in existing financial accounting value).
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Report on everything relevant and significant – but no more.
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Compare your results with what would have happened anyway.
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Explain all your evidence and assumptions clearly.
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Have others to check and validate your results.
Theory of Change.
To ensure coherence between target group, activities, and outcomes, it is crucial to make sure that there is a clear logic between what you do and what you expect to happen. This happens by establishing a Theory of Change: A description of how and why a desired change is expected to happen. Start by using the canvas provided (including a concrete example) and collect information through conversations with stakeholders.