At Social Impact Measurement Network Australia (SIMNA), we seek to achieve the best possible outcomes through the consideration of social impact measurement in decision making. This premise is difficult to argue with, yet measuring social impact is still not a mainstream practice within our charities and non-for-profit sector. A common reason for why organisations avoid getting started is that they lack the financial resources and/or expertise to know what to do.

Directly tackling this barrier is The Ian Potter Foundation, recipient of the 2017 SIMNA Outstanding Funding Organisation Award. They have undertaken a strategic and multifaceted approach to helping grant recipients build their social impact measurement capacity. They are:

• directly funding social impact measurement via direct funding, as part of a grant, as impact enhancement and as stand-alone grants
• supporting grant recipients via workshops
• undertaking meetings with all grantees to discuss project evaluation and dissemination strategies at the outset of the grant.

The Ian Potter Foundation has demonstrated that a concentrated effort in supporting social impact measurement leads to a win-win for them and their recipients. It assists the recipients to be as effective and efficient as possible, by having clear strategies, measuring outcomes and reflecting on their processes. It also assists The Ian Potter Foundation to be a strategic and proactive grant-maker targeting programs and organisations that are making a real difference.

The SIMNA judges commented:

“This is a stand out example of best practice philanthropic evaluation leadership and support.”

We are excited to share their video of the steps they have taken to support Australian charities measure their impact.

The SIMNA Awards were held on May 10, 2017 as part of the Think Outcomes conference. The Awards are held annually and will have a new and exciting format for 2018. For sponsorship opportunities and enquiries contact Mike Davies on mike@purposeful.com.au