17
May 2016Whaddaya mean, “evaluation?” — Mismatched expectations in nonprofit measurement
In Ontario’s nonprofit sector, evaluation is a word that gets used a lot. Different kinds of data gathering approaches with different purposes sometimes get lumped together under the general heading of evaluation. This can lead to miscommunication and unrealistic expectations. To try to clear things up a bit, we have created this resource (Editor’s note: We’ve updated this resource. Click here to see Version 2.0). For...
Read More
11
May 2016Hot off the press! Our Evaluation comic 2.0
When our first comic got some chuckles, we sat back in our office and patted ourselves on the back for a job well done at the successful launch of ONN’s first comic series**. Then someone pointed out that a “series” necessarily involves more than one of something… As a result, we proudly present you with our second comic! (Kidding, we totally had this planned all...
Read More
26
Apr 2016To scale or not to scale?
The following is some early thinking from the ONN on the issue of scaling — why and how it’s done, some challenges and areas of concern, and a call to embrace a network approach. We welcome your insights, feedback, and any examples of scaling that you feel we could learn from. Is this really the question? It’s a complicated issue not least of which is...
Read More
25
Apr 2016Why accessibility is fundamental to social inclusion: A case study with the Sistering community
By: Tina Shapiro, Drop In and Employment and Income Support Coordinator Sistering is a 24/7 drop in for at-risk, socially isolated women (cis and trans) in Toronto who are homeless or precariously housed. For over 30 years, we have been serving this diverse community, which includes participants with disabilities. We embrace this diversity – it is an integral part of our very fabric. The following...
Read More
19
Apr 2016Making Evaluation Work for Nonprofits: Our Theory of Change
If we are to make evaluation work for nonprofits, we need to rethink the system of evaluation. This means looking into the reasons why evaluation isn’t working as well as it should and figuring out how together we can make necessary improvements. As part of our early research, we spoke with a number of individuals to help us gain further insight into what is happening...
Read More
12
Apr 2016Why our network needs access to our policy priorities
Here at ONN, we’ve always tried to make sure we let our network know about the issues, policies and projects we are working on. Using our website, social media, annual conference and other engagement opportunities, we share lots of information a lot of the time. However, as we think back on our journey so far we recognize that there is no one place to easily...
Read More
31
Mar 2016Move Over, Dilbert! Introducing The Evaluation Comic Series
For years, no one asked us the question, ‘why doesn’t ONN do a comic series?’ Luckily, however, through our work to develop a Sector Driven Evaluation Strategy, someone finally did. The result is an ONN milestone: our first ever comic series! The evaluation comic series** is inspired by one of the key themes in our conversations with the sector about nonprofit evaluation: when evaluation is undertaken primarily because it is...
Read More
23
Mar 2016There’s an Art to It: Exploring Creative Evaluation
Using art in your evaluation process can help better engage your stakeholders, remove barriers and is a fun, useful process. Guest blogger Helen Yung explores creative approaches to evaluation. When it comes to evaluation, one size never fits all. And, if conventional approaches to evaluation strike you as uninspired, formulaic, or ill-suited for your program or community, there are more creative options to explore. Engaging an...
Read More
10
Mar 2016Raising the Curtain on Accessibility: Resources from the performing arts
Image: Blind patrons among the audience enjoying audio described performance of Bethune at Factory Theatre Over the last year, ONN has been sharing accessibility resources from across Ontario through the EnAbling Nonprofits project. Sharing knowledge and putting accessible practices in place doesn’t just help us comply with accessibility laws, it strengthens our relationships with other nonprofits and our communities. In October, Rose and I joined the...
Read More
21
Jan 2016CRA Winding Down Political Activities Audit Program For Charities
“The results of the political activities audit program have shown that the charities audited have been substantially compliant with the rules regarding their involvement in political activities. In light of these outcomes, the program will be concluded.” – The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, P.C., M.P., Minister of National Revenue The federal minister responsible for the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that the program established to...
Read More