Create an outcome measurement plan for a nonprofit program
Indicators, data sources, collection timing, and responsibilities so you can prove what changed, not just how many people you served.
The prompt
Help me create an outcome measurement plan for a program.
Program and outcomes we want to track: [PASTE logic model or list outcomes]
Participants: [who, how many per year, how long they stay]
Data we already collect: [intake forms, attendance, case notes, surveys, partner data]
Systems: [e.g. Salesforce, Apricot, spreadsheets]
Capacity: [staff time for data, budget for evaluation, any evaluator]
Funder reporting requirements: [indicators they require]
For each outcome, define:
1. One or two indicators that are specific and measurable (e.g. "% of participants who maintain housing 12 months after exit").
2. The data source and tool (validated instrument where one exists, survey, administrative record, observation).
3. Baseline, timing of collection, and target, marking unknown targets [SET TARGET].
4. Who collects it and where it is stored.
5. Limitations: attribution, response bias, small sample, and loss to follow-up.
Also cover:
- Participant burden and consent: collect only what we will use, explain why we ask, and protect sensitive data.
- Equity: disaggregate results by relevant groups where sample sizes allow, without identifying individuals.
- A simple dashboard of 5-8 indicators for the board and funders.
- Which questions would need an external evaluation or comparison group.
Return a measurement plan table (outcome, indicator, source, timing, target, owner) and a one-page summary. Do not claim our program causes outcomes unless the design supports it.
Highlighted [brackets] are blanks to replace with your own details.
Fill in the blanks and use this promptMore Data & Analysis prompts
What to fill in
- PASTE logic model or list outcomes
- who, how many per year, how long they stay
- intake forms, attendance, case notes, surveys, partner data
- e.g. Salesforce, Apricot, spreadsheets
- staff time for data, budget for evaluation, any evaluator
- indicators they require
- SET TARGET
How this prompt is built
This prompt follows the Few-Shot structure (Few-shot prompting). A few-shot prompt includes one or more worked examples of the input and the output you want, so the model can copy the pattern instead of guessing it.
Related prompts
- Build a logic model and performance measures for a public programA logic model linking resources to outcomes, with output, outcome, efficiency, and equity measures you can report to councils, legislators, or funders.
- Break down my results into the business drivers behind themBuilds a driver tree from your results, sizes how much each driver contributed to the change, and names which ones to act on.
- Identify the leading and lagging indicators for my business or teamSorts your metrics into leading and lagging indicators, links each lead to the outcome it predicts, and fills gaps in early-warning measures.
- Check whether my data shows causation or just correlationSeparates trend, correlation, and possible causation in your analysis and gives you the strongest claim you can honestly make.