Impact Seed’s Post

This is something we are always thinking and talking about in our work at the Sorenson Impact Institute - how can we measure and report impact in a meaningful way, so that organizations can take tangible action to change what they are doing and maximize the impact they are having. The point in the article - that funders need to demand meaningful impact measurement and reporting - is so important. What organizations will make the effort and take the reputational risk of reporting their impact if they can get the funding they need without it? Of course, some will because they want to understand and therefore grow their impact, but there's a lot less incentive...

Just finished the course “Mission and Vision Statements Explained” by EntrepreneurNOW! Check it out: https://lnkd.in/e_uhmNFD #strategicvision #corporatebranding.

Is there a 'best' way to present a Theory of Change? Is there a 'right' way to manage impact? There is good practice and learning from others, but my perspective if it all depends on what you are trying to do and for whom. Yesterday was the first workshop for the 3rd cohort of the Impact Action Learning groups I'm facilitating in Brighton & Sussex (UK). This is a structured 6 month program to support 6 local impact-focused organisations to embed impact in their strategy, management, measurement and reporting. One participant talked about how a consultant helping them develop a Theory of Change insisted that it should be presented in a particular way that didn't make sense to her. We also looked at Theory of Change from another organisation that was full of content and the group felt too detailed for an external audience, but very useful internally to set out for staff what is done and why. This discussion usefully highlighted that there is no 'should' in impact. The key is for each organisation to be clear about what change they seek to achieve in the world, what they do to get there, where and for whom they can add the most value, and what do they need to know to stay on track and improve as well as report externally. This was the first of 6 workshops. Its an engaged and thoughtful group all on a journey, driven by a desire to be the best they can be. So lots of learning to come. Justlife Foundation FOCUS Mission Foundation Independent Lives Rockinghorse Children's Charity Little Green Pig ESTEEM Charity Dominic Goodeve Cherry Simmonds Mandi Stanley Fran Masey O'Neill Emma Edwards Joel Carter Sharon Gearing Nicky Crabb Jess Estcourt

Just finished the course “Mission and Vision Statements Explained” by EntrepreneurNOW! Check it out: https://lnkd.in/gi_tgJSv #strategicvision #corporatebranding.

Over the weekend I caught up with a friend who was shaping the strategy day for a not for profit board they were on. One of the things we discussed was the importance of everyone getting on the same page about why the organisation exists (charitable purposes), what it does and how it does it. And I think one of the best ways to do this in certain contexts is the business model canvas: - who we serve (customers) - what we serve them (value proposition) - the way we serve them (channels and relationships) - the way the services are funded (revenue) - what we need to do to provide the services (activities) - what and who we rely on to provide them (resources and partners) - how much all that costs — For a long time, I wasn’t a fan of the business model canvas. Like a lot of strategy frameworks I think it came down to seeing too many instances of it being poorly used - a box filling exercise, not thinking about the interactions and coherence between the components, being used for the wrong purpose etc But done well, I think it can be a great way to get on the same page - literally. — One thing that occurred afterwards, was that it’s potentially missing a consideration of culture. Are their beliefs of philosophical principles that underpin what we do and how we do it? And I think underneath the revenues and costs boxes is probably the right place for it, as a foundational building block, potentially in healthy tension with financial considerations.

We've just added a few more impact framework templates and examples to our library, covering a wide span of impact themes to inspire ✨ you on how to build a sustainable impact framework for your organization! Some themes we cover include: - Workforce Development - Affordable Housing - BIPOC Entrepreneurship - Mentoring - Health & Wellness Recovery Program - Early Education - Youth Development - Sports-Based Youth Development - Civic Engagement Within the 'Define' stage of our signature DeCAL Methodology 💡, UpMetrics customers are guided through the creation of a strategic and effective Impact Framework, enabling them to define and operationalize how they measure and communicate their social or environmental impact, both internally and externally. Are you ready to tell your story of impact? Get a taste of the process by checking out the free resource below👇! #tellyourstory #impactframework #missiondriven #impactmeasurement #datamanagement #impactreporting #philanthropy #impactinvesting #nonprofits #foundations #freeresource #socialimpact https://lnkd.in/dVk4YWxz

I really enjoyed reading this Harvard Business Review article about strategy creation, and although the focus is the commercial sector, I think a lot of the same principles apply for strategic planning for charities and nonprofits. I would even say the Third Sector struggles with a few additional challenges like funder needs and board direction. It's definitely worth a read if your organisation is currently undergoing work on your strategy and you want to ensure innovation is a part of the exercise. #charities #strategicplanning

Really useful article all about #SocialValue and some tips for charities and not for profits Take a look 👇

🌟 Introducing the Do (More) Good (Better) Newsletter 🌟 Our team at Beyond Advisers is thrilled to launch the Do (More) Good (Better) Newsletter—a must-read for those looking to make a greater impact in their work and lives. 🎉 Curated by social impact experts, this newsletter is crafted to elevate leaders in philanthropy, family offices, businesses, social enterprises, law firms, and anyone committed to positive change. Each edition provides practical insights and inspiration, helping you make a difference in meaningful ways. 📝 What’s inside each edition? 💬 A good quote – to spark reflection ✍️ A good note – to inspire thoughtful action 🌟 A good example – highlighting real-world impact 📚 A good recommendation – book, podcast, or tool ❓ A good question – just for you! (Your answer may be featured in a future issue!) Above all, this newsletter delivers strategies to help you do (more) good (better)—whether in your career, organization, or community. 🌍✨ Ready to take your impact further? Subscribe now and join a community committed to positive social impact. 📩 Sign up and read the first edition here: https://lnkd.in/g-DbAT5u #SocialImpact #BeyondAdvisers #DoMoreGoodBetter #NewsletterLaunch #PurposeDriven #ImpactBeyondBelief #SocialImpactLaw #Nonprofits #Philanthropy #FamilyOffice #CSR #SocialEnterprise