Funders: Use your power to create high impact results
I learned how impactful clear impact metrics can be while working as an administrator at a large private university. Two external entities—their accrediting body and U.S. News & World Report rankings—exerted their influence to push universities toward measurable outcomes.
The accrediting body shifted from counting inputs (like faculty degrees and library size) to requiring evidence of outcomes: improved graduation and employment rates. They also added mid-cycle reviews, forcing swift, measurable progress. Almost overnight, internal priorities changed—departments set explicit student success goals, adjusted budgets, and took action grounded in data.
Around the same time, U.S. News recognized that its old rankings rewarded privilege rather than performance. In 2023, they overhauled their system to reward impact—graduating more low-income and first-generation students, improving retention, and reducing debt. Public universities that had long focused on student success rose in the rankings. Overnight, new conversations began: How do we better serve vulnerable students?
In both cases, outside organizations used their leverage to spark meaningful change. Funders can do the same. Your dollars have tremendous influence—not only in sustaining programs, but also in shaping how nonprofits define and measure success.
When you fund an organization, ask:
- What measurable, lasting changes in people’s lives define success?
- How will progress be tracked and used to adjust programs?
By expecting clear impact metrics and evidence of learning from results, funders drive the virtuous cycle that leads to lasting change.
At Fierce Philanthropy, we’ve built a method to help funders make this shift effectively. Read it here. If you’re ready to strengthen how you and your grantees measure and achieve impact, we’d love to help. Find out more here.
