It has become common practice for nonprofits and corporations to partner in a variety of ways. One could involve a corporation sponsoring a nonprofit event. Another kind of partnership could involve co-creation of a product line specific to that partnership. According to Mark Kramer’s recent article, “Catalytic Philanthropy” in the Stanford Social Innovation Review (Fall 2009), it’s not only beneficial but absolutely necessary for the two sectors to collaborate, leveraging all available resources, in order to achieve the next generation of long-term social impact. 

Often met with a dreadful shudder or apathetic roll of the eyes, measurement can be an unfriendly topic among leaders of nonprofit organizations or program officers.  It can be seen as academic exercise that yields little useful information or, worse yet, a way for innovative and likely effective programs to be pushed off the table because measuring their impact seems impossible to do without unlimited time and resources.

"We just met with a foundation the other day, and that's what piqued their interest — the outcomes. A lot of donors are saying, 'If you can't show me the difference my dollar makes, I'm probably not going to give you that next year.' " - Joshua Hale, Big Shoulders Fund Executive Director "...over the years there's been an increase in requests to understand the tangible outcomes. Now [donors] say, 'Give me a specific story, give me a quantitative result.' " - Lorrie Lynn, United Way Director of Research, Planning and Education

Your organization has likely done a masterful job of cultivating strong funding relationships with a cadre of donors who value the fine work you do in the community. These donors have meaningful relationships with your leadership team and with your board members. In fact, they may socialize with your board members and executive director from time to time outside of the context of your organization. Or their spouses are on the board of another community organization together or know each other from their college days. Regardless, their support of your organization is primarily based on strong social and personal relationships and an emotional valuing of your cause.