Impact Assessment in Non-Profit Organizations: Measuring Long-Term Program Outcomes
Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia
Publisher: NEYA Global Publishing
Article | NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies
Year: 2025
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5669-1676
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-mrkncmn-08
This material forms part of the NEYA Global knowledge architecture. Institutional, organizational, professional, training, consulting, curriculum, program design, or implementation use requires an active license from NEYA Global
Explore Architecture →
Module Overview →
Request Institutional Access →
About the Article
Impact assessment is a critical component of non-profit program evaluation, enabling organizations to measure long-term outcomes and demonstrate contributions to social change. This article examines methods for distinguishing between outputs, outcomes, and impacts, providing a structured framework for assessing effectiveness. It explores quantitative and qualitative approaches, ethical considerations, and the use of control groups to strengthen causal inferences. Case studies from South Africa, Bangladesh, and Kenya illustrate how robust impact assessments improve program design, foster accountability, support fundraising, and guide advocacy. By systematically measuring long-term effects and integrating findings into decision-making, non-profits enhance credibility, sustain community development, and maximize social impact.
Key Topics
- Impact assessment
- Non-profit evaluation
- Program outcomes
- Long-term impact
- Data-driven decision-making
- Ethical evaluation
- Stakeholder engagement
Suggested Citation
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Impact Assessment in Non-Profit Organizations: Measuring Long-Term Program Outcomes. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. Neya Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-mrkncmn-08
References
Bryson, J. M. (2018). Strategic planning for public and nonprofit organizations: A guide to strengthening and sustaining organizational achievement (5th ed.). Wiley.
Connell, J. P., & Kubisch, A. C. (1998). Applying a theory of change approach to the evaluation of comprehensive community initiatives: Progress, prospects, and problems. Aspen Institute.
Ebrahim, A. (2003). Accountability in practice: Mechanisms for NGOs. World Development, 31(5), 813-829.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-750X(03)00014-7
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Program Development and Evaluation: Maximizing Impact. NEYA Global Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.64357/program-development-evaluation-2025
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Developing Training Programs: From Concept to Delivery. NEYA Global Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.64357/developing-training-programs-2025
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Training for Impact: Building Skills. NEYA Global Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.64357/training-impact-2025
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Ethical Consulting for Purpose-Driven Success. NEYA Global Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.64357/ethical-consulting-2025
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Monitoring and evaluation in non-profit organizations. Neya Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Reporting and communication in non-profit organizations. Neya Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies
Kusek, J. Z., & Rist, R. C. (2004). Ten steps to a results-based monitoring and evaluation system. World Bank.
https://doi.org/10.1596/11269
Patton, M. Q. (2015). Developmental evaluation: Applying complexity concepts to enhance innovation and use. Guilford Press.
UN Women. (2018). Turning promises into action: Gender equality in the 2030 agenda. New York: UN Women.
https://doi.org/10.18356/917ed83e-en
Chambers, R. (2014). Rural development: Putting the last first. Routledge.
https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315835815
