Glossary

A crosswalk is a way to identify similarities and differences between two schema or data standards. The purpose of this exercise is to better understand the relationship between them—it can help in planning and decision-making when considering how two systems might work together. (Source)

An organization that is beginning to take ownership of metrics that work for them. They are thinking strategically about their purpose and those they serve and what data they need to make decisions; however, they remain funder-driven and are working to find their own footing. (Source)

A flexible approach emphasizes bespoke indicators based on a learning process within the organization.

The portion of changes in outputs and outcomes that result from the organization’s activities.

Our definition of impact is consistent with global consensus builders (including the Impact Management Project and work from the Rockefeller Foundation) but differs from other definitions. For example, Innowave defines impact as “the intended and unintended (positive or otherwise) changes (outputs, outcomes) that occur across the organization (within and/or across its programs) and with its stakeholders (including users, clients, partners, etc.) over a period of time (short term, long term) as a result of the organization’s activities.” The key difference is that the Common Approach does not place impact after outputs and outcomes. Impact is the outputs and outcomes.

The qualitative or quantitative assessment of impact based on measured observations (using survey data or other instruments) with a control group or theory-informed estimation.

Our definition of impact measurement is informed by academic work on theory-driven evaluation. There is a school of thought that believes random control trials (RCTs) as the only true way to measure impact. Theory-driven evaluation, by contrast, views outputs and outcomes as early or visible indications of long-term outcomes, such that well-selected indicators with a good theory of change can be used to reasonably estimate impact.

Pool investment capital from individuals, foundations, and other institutions and, in turn, invests in SPOs. Forms of SFIs include, but are not limited to, limited and general partnerships, trusts and investment co-operatives. (Source)

Estimates and aggregations don’t have to be “right”. They have to be reasonable, replicable, and transparent so that they can be reviewed by a third-party.

A social purpose organization (SPO) who is confident in adapting its metrics to stay aligned with evolving strategy and insight, and is not at all funder-driven. If the SPO undertakes additional measurement to comply with funders, it is out of obligation. (Source)

A minimum level of impact practice already in place to benefit from the Common Approach standards. It is about being good enough rather than great.

An organization that has no existing impact measurement system. (Source)

Concepts and categories that show the properties and relations between data. It connects data taxonomies and vocabularies.

An organization with a mission to advance social, cultural, or environmental objectives. These include registered charities, nonprofits, co-operatives, hybrid organizations, and private businesses.

Standards are communities, not documents.

It is the community, not the documents, that will sustain over time. A standard becomes strong and effective by focusing on building community, not by focusing on building documents. The decisions and actions of Common Approach are led by our guiding principles.

A set of data classification rules that organizes data by shared characteristics into hierarchies.

A uniform approach seeks to create and promote shared indicators.

The names and terms for things. It ensures that the meaning of data is clear, explicit, and consistent across users.