Social impact measurement, is one of the most difficult challenges facing the philanthropy and social sectors, and the arts sector in particular. Although there is agreement within the field that socially motivated organizations must do more to accurately measure their impact, the practice is expensive and difficult. This raises tough questions about where the responsibility for funding such expenses lies. Is it with the resource-strapped nonprofit organizations or with their backers who increasingly demand the information?

Investigating an answer to this question, among many others, has created an industry unto itself out of social impact measurement, with advisors vying to develop best practice measurement frameworks, and researchers identifying trends and seeking evidence to support promising approaches. The field has also spawned its own suite of topics, among them the role that big data can play; whether it is possible—or even desirable—to standardize approaches to measurement; and the most effective way to report on impact. This report covers each of these topics in detail.

Social impact measurement, is one of the most difficult challenges facing the philanthropy and social sectors, and the arts sector in particular. Although there is agreement within the field that socially motivated organizations must do more to accurately measure their impact, the practice is expensive and difficult. This raises tough questions about where the responsibility for funding such expenses lies. Is it with the resource-strapped nonprofit organizations or with their backers who increasingly demand the information?