How to Create An Impact Report

The following walks you through each section of the report builder. To also view and edit a document in advance of entering information into the platform, you can make a copy and edit this google doc version.

The first three sections you'll complete include general report information:

Description

To start creating your report, click the Begin Description button on the report creation page. This will open the Description section where you can give an overview of your program. Focus on describing the program as though you are explaining it to someone who is unfamiliar with your program.

Date Range

In the Dates section, select the duration of your program by completing a series of prompts that will support you in selecting the appropriate time period to cover in your report.

Location Details

In the Location, use the search bar find and add locations where your program operates. You can be as specific as necessary, from an address to a country level.

Specify Service Percentage

For each added location, specify the percentage of services provided using Percentages Input textbox. Make sure the total percentage across all added locations sums up to 100%. Use the Save & Continue button to proceed after entering the percentages. 

The next section is focused on how your program operates:

Activities

You'll first select the Service Delivery type. The options include; Direct Service, Capacity Development, and Policy & Advocacy. Choose the option that best describes your program's primary approach.

Based on your service type selection, you will be asked a series of additional questions to share details about how your program operates. This also includes intervention-depth questions. See an example in the video below:

The next two sections will likely take the most time as it includes building your impact model and adding in the details:

Impact Model Builder

We recommend reviewing the 2 minute video embedded into the Impact Model Builder overview page to learn more about our 5-stage impact model approach.

Select Impact Model

Once ready, you'll get started by selecting a Cause Category. Select the most relevant category for your program. This selection helps narrow down the impact models available. Once the cause category is selected, you'll see a list of relevant templates to select from. Pick the one that most closely aligns to your work, keeping in mind that these are meant to be broad templates that you will soon tailor to meet your program needs.

Decide on Stages, Indicators, and Beneficiary Information

Next, choose the program's primary end beneficiaries. Ensure your choice is in line with your program's focus and objectives. Consider who's lives you hope to improve through your programming. For example, while you may directly train teachers, the end beneficiaries are likely the students. This should be at the individual level.

You will continue to build out your Impact Model by deciding which stages to include in your model (learn more about our 5 stage Impact Model approach here) and which indicators to include in those stages.

Define Indicators

Once your model is built, you will tailor each of your selected indicators by providing your own definitions of success.

Impact Model Details

Now that you've built your model, it's time to add in all the details!

Quantify and Select Measurement Approach

In the Impact Details section you will quantify your indicators and share how you plan to (or have) measured them.

The final screen is an overview of your full model with all details. This is where you can make any final adjustments to your full model.

Beneficiary Information

Next you will share a little bit more about who you serve in the Beneficiaries section. Here, select the demographic categories that best illustrate who your program serves in the Reach stage of your model. If it's an intermediary approach and you serve educators or volunteers at the "reach" level of your report, this is who should be captured in your beneficiary demographics.

For each category you include, you must also include percentages. If you do not track beneficiary data, feel free to use Census Data.

Narrative and Lessons Learned (final report only)

Enter Narrative

In the Narrative section, provide a title and description of your program's success story. Please also upload an image to support your narrative. This is your opportunity to pair stories with the numbers already reflected in your report.

Share Lessons Learned

Select from categories like Planning, Training, Implementation, and Measurement & Reporting. Provide detailed insights in the textbox. Discuss key findings, challenges, and strategies adopted during the program.

Budget

Direct Costs

Enter the total direct cost of your program: This includes staff, materials, travels, and other operating expenses, but it excludes in-kind donations and overhead costs.

Overhead Costs

Enter the total overhead cost: This includes salaries, rent, utilities and more.

Submit Your Report

Use the View/Download my report draft button to download the report draft. This will allow you to keep a copy for your records.