As we finish up yet another informative and exciting GMN ... err … PEAK Grantmaking conference in Hollywood and head back to our day jobs, I’m left reflecting on my experiences talking to and learning from a crowd of really smart people, committed to solving some really important issues in society.
David Goodman, Director of Impact at Fluxx
Recent Posts
Not Ready for Impact Evaluation? Here Are 4 Steps to Help You Begin.
By David Goodman, Director of Impact at Fluxx on 03/23/2017
#PEAKGrantmaking2017: Measuring Impact in Philanthropy
By David Goodman, Director of Impact at Fluxx on 03/15/2017
It’s no secret that grantmakers continue to struggle with how to approach evaluation and create a path towards more meaningful and informative impact measurement. With good reason! This is tough work.
Debunking the 5 Myths of Impact Evaluation
By David Goodman, Director of Impact at Fluxx on 03/01/2017
There are many misconceptions that obfuscate the impact evaluation landscape, leaving many foundations feeling disempowered and paralyzed. By busting a few of these myths, we hope to clear the way for grantmakers to shake that paralysis and take the first steps on a meaningful impact evaluation journey.
Philanthropy's Balancing Act: How to Embrace the Power of Data without Ignoring Cybersecurity
By David Goodman, Director of Impact at Fluxx on 02/16/2017
Last week, two powerhouse philanthropic data conferences merged under the Stanford University’s Center for Philanthropy and Civil Society (PACS) and Social Innovation Review (SSIR) umbrella. The two-day Data on Purpose / Do Good Data conference brought together academics, practitioners, and data experts from across the for- and nonprofit sectors to discuss data issues in a civil society, including various sessions on the effective and ethical use of data, creating a data culture, and collaborations around data. I came away with a new understanding of philanthropy's newest dilemma.
How Do You Know You Have the Right Data for Meaningful Storytelling?
By David Goodman, Director of Impact at Fluxx on 02/07/2017
More Than Words: Key Takeaways from J.P. Morgan and the “How” of Measurement and Impact in Philanthropy
By David Goodman, Director of Impact at Fluxx on 12/19/2016
That’s why a recent event hosted by The Philanthropy Centre at J.P Morgan in San Francisco was such a breath of fresh air. The gathering, How to Maximize Philanthropic Impact, was squarely focused on ensuring that the ideas presented there moved beyond just “talk.”
Philanthropy Has an Impact Problem That Technology Can Help Solve
By David Goodman, Director of Impact at Fluxx on 11/17/2016
David Goodman participated on the Vendor Plenary Panel at the 2016 Technology Affinity Group (TAG) annual conference, where he first discussed his views on data, evaluation, and the sometimes over-emphasis on "impact" in philanthropy.
While my background is in research and evaluation, I’ve spent a great deal of time working with foundations and nonprofits to build their capacity to understand and use research and evaluation. I’m very excited to be able to bring my experience to the philanthropic sector at a time when there is a growing realization that it can benefit from the expertise of researchers and evaluators from other fields or disciplines.
This is a good thing. It gets me out of bed in the morning.
Yet, as much as I am excited about the emphasis on data, measurement, and impact, there is also a part of me that wants to pause – just for a moment – to talk about the disproportionate emphasis on “impact” alone.
Building Capacity for Evaluation: We’re Bypassing Critical First Steps
By David Goodman, Director of Impact at Fluxx on 11/03/2016
This post also appears on blog for the Center for Effective Philanthropy.
Any time the philanthropic sector has an opportunity to learn more about each other and the work that we do, we all benefit. A perfect example is the latest report from the Center for Effective Philanthropy, Benchmarking Foundation Evaluation Practices.
The key takeaway: The sector has limited capacity to take on meaningful evaluation. And foundations bypass developmental or formative evaluation at their own risk. Without undertaking this important work up front, capacity for evaluation practices will remain woefully inadequate.
For Foundations, Becoming Data-Driven is a Journey Not a Destination
By David Goodman, Director of Impact at Fluxx on 10/20/2016
First off, what does it really mean to be data-driven? And secondly, how do you get there? Two great questions I’ve thought a lot about. In fact, I asked folks from more than 100 foundations the same questions.
Several themes developed and a roadmap of proven strategies emerged.