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This glossary provides definitions for key terms as used by Common Approach.
Several of these terms have other meanings when used by different organizations and in different contexts. Take impact and impact measurement. There are many definitions of these terms. This glossary reflects how Common Approach uses these terms, rather than representing a definitive definition.
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 an impact measurement ecosystem that permits each organization to choose metrics and methods adapted to its own data needs and capacities. It is the opposite of a rigid, uniform approach. It means portfolio managers receive bottom-up metrics, rather than pre-selecting metrics for their portfolio organizations; it means accepting impact data capsules rather than using fillable templates to collect data.
Impact refers to a change in an outcome experienced by people or the planet. An impact can be positive or negative, intended or unintended. Our definition of impact is consistent with global consensus builders, including Impact Fronteirs, and SVI, but differs from other definitions. That said, Common Approach believes that impact measurement should meet the needs and capacities of the organization. For some organizations, outputs provide the most informative, credible data (e.g. carbon emissions). A change in outputs, such as a decline in carbon emissions, can constitute impact.
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 are a valid and credible way to measure impact.
An organization who is confident in adapting its metrics to stay aligned with evolving strategy and capacity. They are not being driven by what their funders are seeking, but asserting their own metrics and methods. (Source)
A minimum level of impact practice. While most practice standards articulate excellence, Common Foundations seeks to articulate the floor. It is about being good enough rather than great.
An organization that has no existing impact measurement practice. (Source)
In data science, ontology refers to concepts and categories that show the properties and relations between data. It connects data taxonomies and vocabularies. (SOURCE)
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. (SOURCE)
A uniform approach seeks to create and promote shared indicators and rigid methods.
The names and terms for things. It ensures that the meaning of data is clear, explicit, and consistent across users. (SOURCE)
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)