Nonprofit Outcome Management

EDO's are more concerned about performance metrics and outcome management. This recent report by the Urban Institute might be a good source of ideas for ED managers and their boards on this subject.

A nonprofit should have certain characteristics to successfully develop and implement an outcome management process. They include the following:

--Leadership support. There must be visible support from top management in the organization.

--Commitment of time and staff resources. Initial development and introduction of the process often requires the time and effort of many staff members. Once the process is in place, the effort required typically decreases, as outcome management becomes part of basic program management.

--Program stability. Programs that are undergoing major change in mission or personnel are not good candidates for introducing performance measurement. A stable organizational environment is needed.

--Computer capability. Even if the organization is very small, the capacity to use computers to record data and prepare reports is very desirable. What is needed is hardware and software (even if rudimentary) as well as staff with the necessary expertise.

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