Defining and Communicating Results

Traditional reports and evaluations tend to be large and dense. They convey a complex picture and many differences that prove difficult to “roll up in a coherent way. This is especially true in the area of connection between project results and community indicators.

Investors define their outcome framework and the logic that connects target achievement to community impact in advance of making any grants. Indeed, we urge them to write their final report in advance of the action. What will the investor want or need to tell its key audiences (whether a governor or legislative body or a foundation board) at the end of the grant cycle that will clearly be taken as strong success? This framework helps set the bar for achievement levels needed from individual grants.

In result communication we also look at:

• how to use graphic and other display to insure that stakeholders do not get lost in the detail of reports;
• how to integrate stories of individual successes and collective data such that they are mutually reinforcing and connected;
• how to use data to improve future investment behavior—getting stronger and stronger at achieving gains for available funds.