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.

Description Section

Navigate to 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

Choose Duration

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

Input Location

In the Location section, use the Search Bar to 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 the Percentage 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.

Activity Information

Select Service Delivery Method

In the Activities section, you will select how your program delivers services. The Service Delivery Options include Direct Service, Capacity Development, and Policy and Advocacy. Choose the option that best describes your program's primary approach.

Additional Activity Details

Based on your service type, you will be asked a series of additional questions to share details about your program.

Impact Summary

Choose Cause Category

After completing your Activities section, navigate to the Cause Category section. Use the Cause Categories to select the most relevant category for your program. This selection helps narrow down the impact models available, aligning them with your program's objectives.

Select Impact Model

Once the cause category is selected, navigate to the Impact Model Templates section to choose an impact model. Scroll through the available templates and hover over each for a brief description. When you find a suitable model, select it and click Save & Continue to proceed.

Specify End Beneficiaries

Next, choose the program's primary end beneficiaries using the Beneficiaries List. 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.

Build your Impact Model

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 Details

Quantify and Select Measurement Approach

Now that you've build your model, in the Impact Details section you will quantify your indicators and share how you plan to (or have) measured them.

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. 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. Use the Title textbox for entering the title and the Description textbox for the detailed narrative. Please also upload an image to support your narrative using the Image Upload feature.

Share Lessons Learned

In the Lessons Learned section, 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.

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