Affiliate Disclaimer
In compliance with the FTC guidelines, please assume the following about all links, posts, photos and other material on this website:
Any/all of the links on this website are affiliate links of which Social Sector Network, LLC receives a small commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you.
Please support our social entrepreneurship education efforts by purchasing products and services through our affiliate links.
The Importance of Impact
As you build a business or nonprofit, you should take time to establish processes for measuring and reporting your organization’s social and environmental impact. With conscious consumerism and impact investing becoming mainstream, stakeholders are demonstrating preferences to engage with impact-oriented organizations.
Since entrepreneurs often perceive tracking impact as daunting and cumbersome, Social Sector Network has developed a concise method to help you get started with impact measurement and reporting.
SDG Impact Measurement and Reporting Toolkit
Based on the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, our method requires you to address six questions covering impact measurement, analysis, and communication. Additionally, we have designed a toolkit, consisting of five main worksheets, which you can download below:
1. How do the SDGs align with your organization’s objectives and operations?
- List all 17 SDGs.
- For each SDG, consider if your organization’s objectives/operations have a positive, negative, or neutral effect on the SDG.
- Work to improve negative and neutral scores.
2. What specific SDGs does your organization support? (Select 2-3)
- Identify the SDGs that have the strongest alignment with your organization’s objectives and operations.
- Select 2-3 of these well-aligned SDGs to prioritize.
3. What metrics and methods does your organization use to measure SDG impact?
- Go to the United Nations page for the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Click on a goal that your organization supports.
- Scroll down to the “Facts and Figures” section, and select “Goal Targets”.
- Use the targets to choose 1 or 2 key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Determine a method to collect and analyze relevant KPI data.
- Repeat the process for each of your high-priority SDGs.
4. How does your organization set SDG impact objectives?
- Spend 2-3 months measuring KPIs and analyzing weekly changes.
- Use historical data to create “Impact Goals” for the next six months (e.g. teach 10 children to read in month 1; 15 in month 2; 25 in month 3, etc.)
- Repeat this process for all your high-priority SDGs.
5. How does your organization report its impact on the SDGs?
- Write down your data collection methods.
- Describe your processes for analyzing KPI data and generating impact reports.
- Identify key communication channels you can use to inform stakeholders of your SDG impacts.
6. Do your organization’s mission, vision, and leadership communications include the SDGs?
- Use a Venn diagram to compare your organization’s core communications with your SDG themes by writing keywords in the relevant spaces.
- As you communicate impact and performance to stakeholders, you should emphasize the keywords in the middle of the Venn diagram because they will best-demonstrate your organization’s natural alignment with the SDGs.
- If you have very few keywords in the middle, consider altering your mission, vision, and leadership communications to reflect the SDGs.
Pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals
Once you get started with the SDGs, you will experience new opportunities for partnerships, funding, and community building. By associating your brand with specific impact objectives, you stand to build strong relationships with like-minded stakeholders who care about similar issues.
Start Measuring SDG Impact Today!
Venture Capital Timing: 5 Macroeconomic Factors to Consider
By Social Sector Network / April 28, 2024
Venture capital can be a game-changer for startups looking to scale and grow rapidly. However, timing is crucial when it...
Read More
How to Choose Products for Direct-to-Consumer Sales
By Social Sector Network / April 21, 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce, the decision of what products to sell direct to consumers can make or break...
Read More
Breaking Language Barriers: HeyGen AI Video Translation
By Social Sector Network / April 14, 2024
In today's interconnected world, businesses and educators are constantly seeking innovative ways to expand their reach, enhance engagement, and drive...
Read More
Transform Urban Living with 15-Minute Cities
By Social Sector Network / April 7, 2024
The concept of 15-minute cities has gained momentum as a visionary approach to urban planning, aiming to enhance livability, sustainability,...
Read More
7 Effective Reddit Marketing Strategies for Startups
By Social Sector Network / March 31, 2024
Reddit, often dubbed as the "front page of the internet," is a goldmine for startups looking to amplify their marketing...
Read More
Climate Disclosure Compliance: 5 Pathways for Innovation Enabled by Regulation
By Social Sector Network / March 24, 2024
In today's global business landscape, the imperative for climate-related disclosures has reached unprecedented heights. Investors, regulators, and stakeholders alike are...
Read More
Forecasting Revenues and Cost of Capital: A Blueprint for Business Pursuit
By Social Sector Network / March 17, 2024
In the world of entrepreneurship, one of the most critical tasks is determining which business ventures to pursue. Central to...
Read More
AI Storytelling: Elevate Your Marketing and Product Demos with Artflow AI
By Social Sector Network / March 10, 2024
In today's fast-paced digital landscape, storytelling is not just an art; it's a strategic tool that can make or break...
Read More
Navigating Low Valuations: How to Improve Startup Margins
By Social Sector Network / March 3, 2024
In the unpredictable landscape of startup ventures, navigating periods of low valuations and challenging investment climates can be daunting. Whether...
Read More
How Starting a Business Shapes Your Future Employment Prospects
By Social Sector Network / February 25, 2024
In the dynamic landscape of today's professional world, the lines between traditional employment and entrepreneurial ventures are increasingly blurred. Starting...
Read More
Text-to-Video AI Tools: Make Your Business a Star
By Social Sector Network / February 16, 2024
In the realm of social entrepreneurship, where purpose meets profit, leveraging innovative technologies is key to driving business growth while...
Read More
Top 10 Emerging Technologies to Address Climate Change
By Social Sector Network / February 11, 2024
The urgency of addressing climate change has led to a growing focus on innovative technologies that can contribute to sustainable...
Read More
Embracing the Asset-Lite Approach: A Strategic Business Model for Social Entrepreneurs
By Social Sector Network / February 4, 2024
Social entrepreneurship is gaining momentum as a powerful force for positive change in the world. Entrepreneurs with a passion for...
Read More
7 Roles of Social Entrepreneurs Rebuilding Post-War Societies
By Social Sector Network / January 28, 2024
In the aftermath of war, societies face the daunting challenge of rebuilding not only their physical infrastructure but also their...
Read More
Building a Sustainable Clothing Business: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success
By Social Sector Network / January 21, 2024
In a world increasingly aware of environmental issues, sustainable businesses are gaining popularity. The clothing industry is no exception, with...
Read More
How to Leverage Public Relations for Customer Acquisition in Social Entrepreneurship
By Social Sector Network / January 14, 2024
In the realm of social entrepreneurship, making a positive impact is at the forefront of every endeavor. However, for these...
Read More
Joining Forces for Social Impact: Content Creators and Startups
By Social Sector Network / January 7, 2024
In today's interconnected digital world, the synergy between startups and content creators has become a powerful catalyst for driving positive...
Read More
Navigating the Shelves: A Guide for Social Entrepreneurs to Feature Their Products in Large Retailers
By Social Sector Network / December 31, 2023
In the dynamic landscape of retail, social entrepreneurs often face the challenge of getting their products featured in large retailers....
Read More
Art Meets Sustainability: Diverse Avenues for Artists to Thrive with Sustainable Brands
By Social Sector Network / December 24, 2023
In a world where conscious consumerism is on the rise, the collaboration between artists and sustainable brands provides a unique...
Read More
The Hidden Costs of Fast Fashion: Risks and Opportunities for Social Entrepreneurs
By Social Sector Network / December 17, 2023
Fast fashion, epitomized by brands like Shein, has revolutionized the clothing industry by providing affordable and trendy clothing at an...
Read More