The results are actually evidence

When working with agencies and nonprofits, the biggest difficulty I see is understanding the Results and including them in planning and seeking funding. Somehow, the Results have been confused with the activities. But the news is that the Results are evidence that the activities have caused a change and/or a difference. Results, or evidence, are very personal to a program, organization, or mission; however, there are some common points.

Observing how others use the evidence will help you understand.

• Law enforcement must have evidence before they can arrest someone. And that evidence must prove that the arrested person committed the crime.

• The courts must have evidence before they can find someone guilty. The evidence must be strong enough to remove reasonable doubt.

• The military must have evidence that a target is justifiable before attacking.

• A pharmaceutical company must have evidence that a drug will have a positive impact on a disease before it can be distributed.

• A health care provider must have evidence that a patient will benefit from a treatment before proceeding with a drug, surgery, or other procedure.

• A football official must see indisputable evidence to overturn a decision on the field.

All of the above know the necessary tests before proceeding. They see the necessary result and determine what evidence will prove that the result has been realized. And they are often governed by the rules or practices of their profession.

Therefore, an effective method for nonprofits and agencies to know if they are dealing with Outcomes rather than activities is to ask the following questions about the Outcomes they include in their plans and strategies.

1. Will there be enough evidence of change and positivity for me to be arrested? What is the change? How will I measure it so that the proof is obvious?

2. Would a court find me guilty of impacting the people, places, or things I planned to impact? Will I be able to prove it beyond a reasonable doubt and beyond a list of activities?

3. Will my client be better off because of my program or mission? Will I be able to gather statistical proof that the cure was effective, not just record the number of people who were offered the cure?

4. Will my sponsors and board members believe that a change or impact has been made? Do I understand the evidence they need to be convinced?

As I usually do in articles, blogs and consultations, I will close again with the advice of start with the end when planning and seeking financing.