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Competing in the Good Works Marketplace

In 2009, there were about 9,000 foundations in Canada with assets of $34 billion and over 70,000 more charitable organizations. (Philanthropic Foundations Canada)

Almost all Canadians think it important for not-for-profit organizations to talk about the impact of their work. However, no more than half feel that those groups actually do a good job of demonstrating their impact. (Imagine Canada, Muttart Foundation Study, 2006)

Assessing impact is difficult. But many not-for-profits feel passionately that impact assessment is critically important. Increasingly, foundations are beginning to see intermediate steps such as helping grantees improve their performance, and influencing thinking in their fields of interest, as a measure of impact. (Centre for Effective Philanthropy, Indicators of Effectiveness, 2002)

There is no relationship between assets and perceived impact. Grantee perceptions about a foundation's impact are linked to its ability to advance knowledge or public policy in the grantee's field. (Centre for Effective Philanthropy, Indicators of Effectiveness, 2002)

Reputation is priceless. Reputation can be an important factor in a foundation's ability to leverage other funds or influence thinking within a field, serving as a legitimate indirect measure of impact. (The Centre for Effective Philanthropy, Foundation Performance Metrics Pilot Study, 2002)

Foundations need to balance the emphasis on effectiveness (the head) with the passion and principles that underlie philanthropy (the heart). One of the best ways to do that is to use qualitative measures - such as story telling - to demonstrate impact and inspire others. (Philanthropy Awareness Initiative, Making Foundations Relevant, 2006)