The social sector is undergoing a major transformation. We are witnessing an explosion in efforts to deliver social change, a burgeoning impact investing industry, and an unprecedented intergenerational transfer of wealth. Yet we live in a world of rapidly rising inequality, where social sector services are unable to keep up with societal need, and governments are stretched beyond their means. Alnoor Ebrahim addresses one of the fundamental dilemmas facing leaders as they navigate this uncertain terrain: performance measurement. How can they track performance towards worthy goals such as reducing poverty, improving public health, or advancing human rights? What results can they reasonably measure and legitimately take credit for? This book tackles three core challenges of performance faced by social enterprises and nonprofit organizations alike: what to measure, what kinds of performance systems to build, and how to align multiple demands for accountability. It lays out four different types of strategies for managers to consider-niche, integrated, emergent, and ecosystem-and details the types of performance measurement and accountability systems best suited to each. Finally, this book examines the roles of funders such as impact investors, philanthropic foundations, and international aid agencies, laying out how they can best enable meaningful performance measurement.
"Measuring Social Change offers a powerful framework to guide social sector leaders. This is not a simplistic "one-size-fits-all" argument, but a refined yet practical roadmap for how to build the systems needed to know whether your work is having an impact. The frameworks and case studies could revolutionize how organizations manage for impact. An important book."
Jeffrey L. Bradach, Managing Partner and Co-Founder,The Bridgespan Group
"This book goes beyond the promise of its title to elucidate the key concepts of nonprofit strategy and propose nuanced improvements. A valuable mix of the theoretical and practical, richly illustrated by real-world examples."
Paul Brest, faculty co-Director, Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society
"A valuable contribution in addressing the crucial challenge of targeting and measuring impact."
Sir Ronald Cohen, Chair, Global Steering Group for Impact Investment
