The document discusses why NGOs should strengthen their ability to measure and report on outcomes, impacts, and results. It notes that citizens and taxpayers expect to see tangible results from development efforts. Measuring effectiveness can improve learning, program design and impact, identify what approaches work best and are most cost-effective for reducing poverty, and maximize the resources used. The OECD-DAC has standards for measurement that ensure utility, cost-effectiveness, accuracy, credibility, and equity. The Global Poverty Action Fund website provides more information.

1. Why should the NGO sector strengthen its
ability to measure and report on outcomes,
impacts and results?
Dr Caroline Hoy
Civil Society Department
Department of International Development
c-hoy@dfid.gov.uk
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2. And the money kept rolling out in all directions
To the poor, to the weak, to the destitute of all complexions
Now cynics claim a little of the cash has gone astray
But that's not the point my friends
When the money keeps rolling out you don't keep books
You can tell you've done well by the happy grateful looks
Accountants only slow things down, figures get in the way…
( with apologies to Tim Rice)
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3. • Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness (2005)
• The Accra Agenda for Action (2008) :
Achieving development results – and openly
accounting for them – must be at the heart of all
we do. More than ever, citizens and tax payers of
all countries expect to see the tangible results of
development. We will demonstrate that our actions
translate into positive impact on people’s lives. We
will be accountable to each other and to our
respective parliaments and governing bodies for
these outcomes.
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4. Measuring effectiveness means…
• Improving learning
• Improving the design and impact of
programmes
• Identifying what works, for whom and what
is most cost effective in tacking poverty
• Identifying unexpected outcomes
• Maximising the impact of resources
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5. OECD-DAC standards
•Utility
•Cost-effectiveness
•Accuracy
•Credibility and
•Equity
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6. Global Poverty Action Fund:
http://www.dfid.gov.uk/work-with-us/funding-
opportunities/not-for-profit-
organisations/global-poverty-action-fund/
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