Overview

Many United Ways are using an outcomes-based system of measuring and tracking the performance of the programs they fund. Annually, partner agencies that receive funding from the United Way are required to submit reports of how their programs met the outcome objectives. United Ways use this information to determine the impact of the programs and to communicate the outcomes results through their reports and materials distributed to the community.

Perspectives Consulting Group, Inc. has developed an organized method for compiling the outcome reports into a useable format. The outcome report information is reviewed and grouped into the funding focus areas of the United Way. The review presents the outcome information in a manner that shows how the results of the individual programs align with the objectives. Then an analysis of the outcome report information is completed to develop a community impact statement which summarizes the overall impact of programs funded by the United Way.

Outcomes Reporting

In the past, United Ways have used outcomes reporting to:

• Compile and organize partner agencies outcomes into an easily useable and accessable format
• Demonstrate to the community that the United Way holds partner agencies accountable for results
• Track the progress of partner agencies from year-to-year against their outcomes

The outcomes reporting process starts by meeting with the United Way to gain an understanding of how the United Way has structured their funding areas, priorities, and outcomes reporting. Perspectives Consulting Group, Inc. then develops the organization structure for the outcomes reporting that meets the needs of the United Way. The outcomes reports from the partner agencies are entered into the organizational structure and then reporting is developed in a format that is efficient and effective for the United Way. On average, outcomes reporting projects take two to three months to complete. Once the outcomes reporting is completed the staff of Perspectives Consulting Group, Inc. will train United Way management and staff to use the reporting system. The cost depends on the number of partner agencies and the complexity of the outcomes reporting process.

Outcomes Reporting Outline

The four main components of outcomes reporting are:

• Compilation. Compilation includes developing an organizational framework to hold the outcome report information, inputting the outcome reports into the organizational framework, and developing reporting documents. The compilation is completed in an electronic format.
  
  
• Review. The outcome report information is organized into each of the funding priority areas and by the indicators for each priority area. This review presents the outcomes information in a manner that shows how the results of the individual programs align with the objectives.
  
  
• Analysis. The outcome report information is analyzed to develop a community impact statement. This statement summarizes the overall impact of programs funded by the United Way.
  
  
• Reporting. All of the outcomes reporting is completed using computer database software so the United Way receives all of the outcome reporting as electronic files of the compilation, review and analysis.