5 Simple Ways to Capture Your Impact in Grant Funded Projects

Collecting data about the impact of your projects is crucial for any community interest company (CIC) that receives grant funding. This blog post outlines five effective methods for gathering evaluation evidence throughout your project, ensuring you can showcase your achievements and improvements at the end. Let’s dive into these practical tips that can help you seamlessly document the benefits your initiatives bring to the community.

1. Maintain a Social Observation Diary

A social observation diary is a powerful tool for capturing real-time impacts and changes observed during your sessions.

As you run workshops or programs, take notes on any noticeable improvements in your participants. This could include behavioral changes, skill advancements, or emotional growth.

For instance, in a street art workshop, a young participant with autism initially communicated through his mother.

By the end of the session, he was confidently speaking to me directly. Documenting this transformation in your diary not only serves as a valuable case study but also highlights the success of your program in enhancing communication skills and confidence.

Make it a habit to jot down these observations as they occur. Ensure you use initials instead of full names to maintain anonymity. This approach allows you to build compelling case studies for your reports and helps grant funders appreciate the real-life impacts of your initiatives.

2. Use Standard Feedback Forms

Feedback forms are a classic method for gathering participant insights at the end of each session. While they can be effective with adults, consider simplifying the process for younger audiences. A shorter, more engaging form with tick boxes can encourage participation.

For young people, you might include a few open-ended questions that allow them to express their thoughts in their own words. Remember, anonymity can lead to more honest feedback, so encourage participants to use initials or codes instead of their names.

3. Implement a Satisfaction Rating System

A quick and straightforward way to gauge participant satisfaction is through a rating system. Similar to the smiley face feedback seen in airports, this method allows participants to express their feelings about the session as they exit. It provides immediate, quantifiable data on overall satisfaction.

This method is visually appealing and easy for participants to engage with, particularly for younger audiences. It gives you a clear statistic to include in your evaluation reports, showing how many participants left satisfied with the experience.

For young people, you might include a few open-ended questions that allow them to express their thoughts in their own words. Remember, anonymity can lead to more honest feedback, so encourage participants to use initials or codes instead of their names.

4. Capture Feedback Through Photos and Videos

Visual documentation can be a compelling way to present feedback. While conducting a session, consider taking photos or short videos of participants engaged in activities. 

Ensure you respect their privacy by capturing images that do not show their faces, such as their hands at work or the artwork they create.

Alongside these visuals, gather quotes from participants about their experiences. You can compile these quotes with the images using graphic design tools like Canva, creating visually appealing content for social media or grant reports. 

This method not only highlights the activity but also brings the feedback to life in a dynamic way.

5. Utilize the Wheel of Life Exercise

The Wheel of Life is an effective evaluation tool that helps participants assess their happiness across various life segments, such as family, health, and employment. At the beginning of your program, have participants rate their satisfaction in these areas. At the end, repeat the exercise to measure improvements.

This method provides clear, comparative data that can be incredibly powerful for your evaluations. For example, if 80% of participants report increased satisfaction in three areas by the end of the program, you have compelling evidence of your program’s impact. Additionally, this exercise helps identify areas for improvement, allowing you to tailor future sessions more effectively.

Keeping Your Data Organized

As you gather this information, organization is key. Store all your evidence in a central location, like OneDrive, and share it with your team for transparency. It’s vital to keep these records for at least seven years, as grant funders may conduct audits during this period. Having everything documented and accessible will save you stress and time when evaluations are due.

Moreover, consider sharing highlights on social media. This not only enhances your online presence but also serves as proof of your project’s success and community impact.

 

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Conclusion

Implementing these five strategies will streamline your data collection process and help you effectively capture the positive impact your grant-funded projects have on the community. By integrating these practices into your routine, you’ll ensure that you are not only prepared for evaluations but also able to celebrate and communicate the successes of your initiatives.

If you found this information helpful, consider subscribing for more tips on running successful community interest companies and grant funding strategies. Together, we can make a significant difference in our communities!

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Step 1: Define Your Mission and Objectives

Before you begin the formal process, it’s essential to define your CIC’s mission. Consider the community issues you are passionate about and how your skills can contribute to addressing them. Clear objectives will guide your activities and help attract funding.

Step 2: Choose a Name and Structure

Your CIC needs a unique name that reflects its mission. Ensure that it complies with the regulations set by the Companies House. Additionally, decide on the structure of your CIC, whether it will be limited by shares or limited by guarantee.

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