Training Course on Social Impact Measurement and Management for Foundation Program Officers

Course Outline

 

Module 1: Introduction to Social Impact Measurement and Management

ü  Defining social impact, outcome, output, and activity

ü  The purpose and benefits of measuring social impact for foundations and non-profits

ü  Key drivers for impact measurement: accountability, learning, funding, strategy

ü  Overview of common impact measurement frameworks (e.g., SROI, IMP, logical models)

ü  Challenges and opportunities in social impact measurement

ü  Practical Session: Discussing why foundations need to measure the social impact of their grants beyond just financial oversight.

Module 2: Developing a Robust Theory of Change

ü  Understanding Theory of Change (ToC): definition, purpose, and benefits

ü  Components of a ToC: problem, long-term outcomes, intermediate outcomes, activities, assumptions, external factors

ü  Steps in facilitating a ToC development process

ü  Using ToC for program design, planning, and evaluation

ü  Distinguishing ToC from logic models

ü  Practical Session: Developing a basic Theory of Change for a hypothetical foundation program (e.g., youth empowerment program).

Module 3: Identifying and Selecting Social Impact Indicators

ü  Types of indicators: input, activity, output, outcome, impact indicators

ü  Criteria for selecting good indicators (SMART, relevant, attributable)

ü  Developing disaggregated indicators for equity and inclusion (e.g., by gender, age, disability)

ü  Baselines, targets, and milestones for impact measurement

ü  The role of qualitative indicators in capturing nuanced impact

ü  Practical Session: Selecting a set of 3-5 indicators (output, outcome, impact) for the program developed in Module 2.

Module 4: Social Impact Data Collection Methods

ü  Overview of quantitative data collection methods (surveys, administrative data, pre/posttests)

ü  Overview of qualitative data collection methods (interviews, focus group discussions, case studies, observation)

ü  Designing data collection tools (questionnaires, interview guides)

ü  Sampling strategies for social impact studies

ü  Leveraging technology for data collection (e.g., mobile apps)

ü  Practical Session: Designing a short survey questionnaire for program beneficiaries to collect outcome data.

Module 5: Analyzing and Interpreting Social Impact Data

ü  Basic quantitative data analysis: descriptive statistics, trend analysis, simple comparisons

ü  Qualitative data analysis techniques (e.g., thematic analysis, content analysis)

ü  Triangulation of data from multiple sources

ü  Drawing conclusions and formulating actionable insights from data

ü  Understanding limitations of impact data and avoiding over-claiming

ü  Practical Session: Analyzing a simple dataset of survey responses and identifying key findings.

Module 6: Designing and Managing Social Impact Evaluations

ü  Purpose and types of social impact evaluations (formative, summative, process, outcome)

ü  Key components of an evaluation plan (evaluation questions, methodology, timeline, budget)

ü  Introduction to experimental and quasi-experimental designs (conceptual)

ü  Managing external evaluators and ensuring quality of evaluations

ü  Ethical considerations in evaluation

ü  Practical Session: Developing a basic evaluation framework for a foundation grant.

Module 7: Integrating Impact Measurement into the Grantmaking Cycle

ü  Incorporating impact measurement requirements into grant applications

ü  Due diligence on grantee's M&E capacity

ü  Setting impact expectations with grantees

ü  Providing technical assistance and capacity building to grantees on M&E

ü  Reviewing grantee progress reports and impact data

ü  Practical Session: Discussing how a Program Officer can integrate impact measurement into the review process for new grant proposals.

Module 8: Communicating Social Impact Effectively

ü  Tailoring impact communications to different audiences (e.g., board, donors, public, beneficiaries)

ü  Crafting compelling impact narratives and stories

ü  Using data visualization and infographics to present impact effectively

ü  Developing impact reports, dashboards, and presentations

ü  The role of transparency and accountability in impact communication

ü  Practical Session: Drafting a short paragraph or infographic concept to communicate the impact of a foundation's program.

Module 9: Data for Learning, Adaptation, and Strategic Decision-Making

ü  Creating a culture of learning and continuous improvement within the foundation

ü  Using impact data for adaptive management and program adjustments

ü  Informing strategic planning and future grantmaking priorities

ü  Identifying successful approaches and scaling promising interventions

ü  The role of "fail forward" and learning from unintended outcomes

ü  Practical Session: Identifying how a foundation could use negative or unexpected impact data to improve its future grantmaking strategy.

Module 10: Ethical Considerations and Future Trends in Social Impact Measurement

ü  Ensuring equitable and empowering impact measurement processes

ü  Data privacy, security, and consent in collecting beneficiary data

ü  Avoiding bias and promoting objectivity in impact reporting

ü  The role of technology (AI, blockchain) in impact measurement (conceptual)

ü  Collective impact initiatives and shared measurement systems

ü  Practical Session: Discussing an ethical dilemma in social impact measurement (e.g., data privacy) and proposing solutions.

About the Trainers

The training will be delivered by a team of highly experienced Social Impact Measurement Specialists, Evaluation Experts, Foundation Program Managers, and M&E Consultants with extensive backgrounds in designing, implementing, and managing impact measurement systems for philanthropic organizations and social programs. Our trainers bring a wealth of practical strategies, hands-on experience with evaluation methodologies and data analysis tools, and deep insights into navigating the complexities of assessing and communicating social change. Their expertise ensures that participants gain cutting-edge knowledge and actionable skills to drive evidence-based philanthropy and maximize social impact.

Quality Statement

We are committed to delivering high-quality, practical, and relevant training programs that empower professionals to excel in their roles and contribute significantly to the success of their organizations. Our courses are continually updated to reflect the latest industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices.

Admission Criteria

ü  Participants should be reasonably proficient in English. 

ü  Applicants must live up to Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

1. Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free
2. What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.
3. Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.
4. The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.
5. Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training.

Or call us on +254720272325 / +254737566961

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

1. Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.
2. Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.
3. Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

1. Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.
2. Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.
3. No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

Tailor Made Courses

This training course can also be customized for your institution upon request for a minimum of 5 participants. You can have it conducted at our Training Centre or at a convenient location.

For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737566961 or Email training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com

Accommodation and Airport Transfer

Accommodation and Airport Transfer is arranged upon request and at extra cost. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737566961