Random Thoughts

By Andrea Orr

Poverty Action Lab examines why some charitable programs work better than others.

When You Build It and They Still Don’t Come

By Andrea Orr

The World Bank reevaluates previous methods.

Zeroing in on Impact

By Susan Colby, Nan Stone, & Paul Carttar 1

In an era of declining resources, nonprofits need to clarify their intended impact.

15 Minutes with Robert Egger

By SSIR editor

Interview with Robert Egger, founder, D.C. Central Kitchen.

Why Measure?

By Katie Cunningham & Marc Ricks

Nonprofits use metrics to show that they are efficient. But what if donors don’t care?

Seal of Approval

By Melissa Fullwood 1

Accreditation prompts higher charitable giving.

Investing in Society

By William F. Meehan, Derek Kilmer, and Maisie O'Flanagan

Charitable donors should think of themselves as "investors" – and should expect returns, just like a stock market investor would.

The Emperor’s New Clothes?

By Perla Ni 26

Numbers may not add up to social improvement.

The Peer Yardstick

By Sacha Litman

Measuring success in franchise nonprofit organizations.

The Effectiveness Trap

By Jan Masaoka

Millions of words have been written about the need to measure the effectiveness of nonprofits, and millions of dollars have been spent doing just that. It's time to ask: What has been the impact of this effectiveness movement?