Outcome Measurement Tools

All of us are trying (or should be trying) to be better and measuring outcomes. We all know that outcomes in some parts of the nonprofit sector are really, really tough to measure. But that doesn't mean that we shouldn't try, and we should always be looking for new tools with which to measure.

I think I found one recently and wanted to share it with you. It's called VistaShare, and is a set of software and a website that allow you to track a wide variety of measurements in both your organization as well as in a group of organizations (ideal for a trade association, for example). I like the look of the options, and particularly am pleased that VistaShare is a nonprofit microenterprise.

For a couple of good readings on outcome measurement in our sector, check out these:

Outcome Measurement: Showing Results in the Nonprofit Sector (United Way of America)

A wonderful set of readings from Carter McNamara at the Free Management Library

An old management sage once said "You can't manage if you don't measure." I agree.