Certification
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      Certification

      Purpose and checklist

      Introduction: Impact Strategy Certification is a comprehensive program designed to ensure that users of our Impact Strategy app have the knowledge and skills to build and manage impact strategies effectively. The certification attests to users' proficiency in adhering to best practices for impact management, thereby enhancing the quality and integrity of their impact strategies. In this guide, we'll cover the purpose of Impact Strategy Certification, provide a detailed checklist for certification, and offer guidelines for creating effective surveys.

      Purpose of Impact Strategy Certification: The purpose of Impact Strategy Certification is to:

      • Validate users' proficiency in using the Impact Strategy app and its features.
      • Ensure that users adhere to best practices for impact management.
      • Enhance the quality, integrity, and effectiveness of impact strategies.
      • Provide feedback and guidance to users for continuous improvement.
      • Enable users to achieve measurable and meaningful impact through the app.

      Enterprise Perspective Impact Strategy Certification Checklist

      The Logic Model – Building Blocks of Impact Strategy: A logic model is a visual representation of the critical components of an impact strategy, including the problem statement, activities, outputs, and outcomes. It provides a framework for understanding these components' relationships and logical flow.

      Building Blocks of Impact Strategy: A logic model is a visual representation of the critical components of an impact strategy, including the problem statement, activities, outputs, and outcomes. It provides a framework for understanding these components' relationships and logical flow.

      Problem Statement: Articulates the specific issue or challenge the program aims to address. It sets the foundation for the entire impact strategy. Ensure the problem statement is concise, clear, and aligned with the program's goals. The problem statement must have a problem you are solving, interventions, and learning objectives. You should be able to clearly define all necessary activities if you have a precise problem statement.
      Activities: Represent the actions or interventions undertaken to address the problem statement.
      Activities should be relevant, actionable, and directly linked to the problem statement.
      Outputs: Represent the immediate and tangible results of the activities. Outputs should be quantifiable and provide evidence of the activities' effectiveness.

      Outcomes: Represent the mid-term or long-term changes and impacts resulting from the activities and outputs.
      Outcomes should reflect the broader impact of the program and align with the overall mission.

      Certification Checklist for Quality and Integrity: The following checklist ensures the quality and integrity of the logic model and impact strategy:

      1. Logical Consistency: Verify the logical flow between the problem statement, activities, outputs, and outcomes.
      2. Alignment: Ensure activities are aligned with and directly address the problem statement.
      3. Relevance: Confirm that outputs and outcomes are relevant to the problem statement and activities.
      4. Measurability: Ensure all output and outcome metrics are quantifiable and trackable over time.
      5. Data Points: Verify that data points are derived from credible sources and accurately feed metrics.
      6. SMART Criteria: Confirm that metrics are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

      Element Checklist – In-Depth Review of Components:

      1. Activity Metrics: Quantifiable measures that evaluate the performance of activities.
      • Define clear metrics to assess the progress and effectiveness of each activity.
      1. Data Points (Activity Metrics): Specific information that feeds activity metrics.
      • Identify each metric's data sources (e.g., Excel, Salesforce) and data fields.
      1. Output Metrics: Quantifiable measures that assess the success of outputs.
      • Define metrics that directly measure the tangible results of activities.
      1. Data Points (Output Metrics): Specific information that feeds output metrics.
      • Identify data sources (e.g., surveys, LMS system) and data fields for each metric.
      1. Outcome Metrics: Quantifiable measures that assess the broader impact of the program.
      • Define metrics that capture the mid-term changes experienced by beneficiaries.
      1. Data Points (Outcome Metrics): Specific information that feeds outcome metrics.
      • Identify data sources (e.g., surveys, job market data) and data fields for each metric.

      Guidelines for Creating Effective Surveys:



        1. Balance qualitative and quantitative questions to capture diverse insights.
        2. Select appropriate survey types based on the program's goals (e.g., needs analysis, feedback analysis, longitudinal study).
        3. Align survey questions with the Five Dimensions of Impact (WHO, WHAT, HOW MUCH, etc.).
        4. Ask relevant and answerable questions that pertain to stakeholders' experiences.
        5. Focus on questions that yield actionable insights and inform decision-making.
        6. Monitor and improve response rates to ensure robust data collection.
       
       

        1. Determine the appropriate sample size to ensure the representativeness and validity of survey results.

        2. Use clear and concise language to ensure survey respondents understand the questions.

        3. Test the survey with a small group of respondents before full deployment to identify any.

         

        Theory of Change Checklist for Investors (Refine from GIIN Checklist) :


        As an investor, developing a clear and well-structured Theory of Change (ToC) to guide your investment or business strategy is essential. This ToC should reflect your approach to addressing key social or environmental problems, achieving impact goals, and creating value for stakeholders. The following checklist provides a step-by-step guide to formulating your ToC, including key assumptions and considerations. Remember that assumptions will clarify your contribution and help you identify potential risks.


        Identify Key Stakeholders:
        Identify the stakeholders (people and/or planet) most affected by the issues your strategy aims to address.
        Describe how your strategy will benefit these stakeholders.
        Be specific in defining the target population or environmental aspects.
        Establish Your Entry Point:
        Determine how you will create impact for key stakeholders (e.g., investment, assistance, products/services, intellectual contribution).
        Clearly define your direct contribution to creating impact.
        Consider if your approach involves a combination of multiple entry points.
        Outline Steps and Asset Allocation:
        List key actions and steps required to execute your strategy and achieve impact.
        Specify the assets you will allocate to address the problem (e.g., capital, partnerships, capacity building, business ideas).
        Consider consulting with stakeholders or experts to align your plan with the needs of the target group(s).
        Assess Limitations and Risks:
        Identify constraints, external dependencies, and potential risks to achieving your strategy.
        Consider untested ideas, active regions, reliance on partners, and external variables.
        Be realistic about the timeframe for achieving outcomes and delivering impact.
        Define Short-Term and Long-Term Outcomes:
        Specify immediate and near-term outcomes as pre-conditions for realizing your long-term goal.
        Describe the long-term outcomes and impact you expect from your strategy.
        Measure Effects and Evaluate Impact:
        Define measurable effects, both positive and negative, that will indicate progress and impact.
        Consider near-term and long-term effects and track relevant indicators.
        Example of Measurable Effects:
        Measurable Effect 1:

        Wider Benefits: Increased access to education for marginalized communities.
        Negative Effects: Potential displacement of local institutions.
        Measurable Effect 2:
        Wider Benefits: Job creation and economic growth in underserved areas.
        Negative Effects: Possible exploitation of local resources.
        Utilize Resources and Tools:
        Explore available resources and tools to aid in creating your Theory of Change.
        Consider using resources from organizations such as New Philanthropy Capital, NEF Consulting, and Impact Toolkit.
        In conclusion, developing a comprehensive Theory of Change is a critical step in ensuring that your investment or business strategy aligns with your impact goals, addresses key problems, and creates meaningful value for stakeholders.