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Sorry, but we are no longer accepting applications. The deadline was April 9, 2019.

Measuring What Matters Overview

The 2019 Measuring What Matters (MWM) series offers a unique opportunity for up to 15 organizations that are ready to move from learning data theory to implementing solutions. This is your chance to get the support you need to tackle the critically important work of using data to amplify your impact. 

Selected organizations will be part of an innovative, six-month program designed to help you make progress on a specific data or evaluation-related goal. The curriculum integrates the following elements: 

• Interactive full group sessions
• Peer learning with a cohort group
• Customized coaching from local data and evaluation experts

Depending on your unique goal, your team could come away with useful new tools, such as an informative programmatic theory of change, data collection plan, performance management process map, customized program dashboard, or other deliverables of your choice. 

At the end of MWM, participants will chart tangible action steps to improve programs strategically and enhance a learning culture at their organizations. Those who complete the series will also receive a stipend of $1,500 to continue working toward data and evaluation-related goals!

FAQ

Who can apply for Measuring What Matters? 
Central Texas nonprofits seeking to improve their evaluation practice and use of data to drive impact. Teams should be prepared to dedicate time and effort to refine and tackle their goals in a collaborative manner. Priority selection will be given to participants from Central Texas grantee organizations of Good Measure partners, including: 

• Anderson Charitable Foundation
• Andy Roddick Foundation 
• Applied Materials Foundation 
• Genevieve and Ward Orsinger Foundation 
• Hogg Foundation for Mental Health 
• Michael & Susan Dell Foundation 
• St. David’s Foundation 
• United Way for Greater Austin 
• Webber Family Foundation 

What is the Cost? 
Measuring What Matters is provided at no cost to participants. All costs of this series are underwritten by Good Measure, with programming provided by Mission Capital.

What are examples of the types of goals that previous MWM teams have selected? 
Goal statements have ranged from developing a logic model to implementing data collection alignment organization-wide. Goals are unique to the organization, and typically evolve over the course of the series. To learn more about the types  of goals nonprofits have selected in the past, click here.

Who should be on my team? 
2-3 people. Depending on your goal for the series, team members could include leadership, internal evaluators, development, or program level staff.

How Can I Learn More?
Mission Capital staff are available to answer questions and help you determine if the series is a good fit for your organization. Please contact series coordinator Stephanie Shaw at [email protected] or (512) 477-5955 ext. 280. 

1. Two Half-Day Full Group Classes: Content delivery on high-priority data and evaluation topics delivered by experts, followed by peer learning with the full group and dedicated team time.
   • May 15, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
   • September 11, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
2. Cohort Workshops: Three two-hour sessions with your smaller cohort of peers and assigned coach to provide targeted consulting and technical assistance on project deliverables.
   • June, TBD
   • August, TBD
   • October, TBD
3. Coaching Calls: Two 45-minute check-ins by phone with your coach who will help troubleshoot, advise, and ensure that your team stays on track.
   • July, TBD
   • October/November, TBD
4. Closing Event: All MWM teams will come together to conclude the series at a final event with other Good Measure affiliates and funders. Teams will be asked to briefly share out on their learning experience and progress at a special session, and chart out tangible action steps to further progress towards their goals moving forward.
   • November, TBD
5. $1,500 stipend awarded to each team that actively participates and completes the series for investment in continued data and evaluation capacity building efforts!

“Participating in this program provided us a supportive space, time and intentionality to promote an improvement of our program and systems.”

~2018 MWM Participant 

“We have made more progress on a long-standing goal in the last eight months than we did in the previous three years.”

~2018 MWM Participant