Ultimate Guide to Impact Reporting

Power of Impact Reporting

Impact reporting is essential for any organization aiming to demonstrate its influence on stakeholders and communities. In this article, we will explore how to craft a compelling impact report through the lens of Girls Code, a fictional social enterprise dedicated to empowering young women in technology.

The process designed can be used by any organization to design an impactful report that can help you raise million of dollars in fundraising for your mission.

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Objective of Impact Reporting

Impact reporting serves as more than just a statement of success—it's a structured reflection of an organization's journey, challenges, and the real outcomes delivered to its beneficiaries. For Girls Code, the objective is clear: to show not only the number of young women trained but also how these programs transformed their lives, opened doors to new opportunities, and contributed to the broader goal of gender equity in the tech industry.

This article is designed as a complementary guide to our comprehensive Impact Report Template, offering a step-by-step example of how to create an effective and engaging impact report. By walking you through the process, we aim to provide practical insights you can apply directly to your organization’s reporting efforts. Whether you're a novice or experienced impact leader, this example offers a concrete illustration of how to connect your mission to measurable results.

Step-by-Step Guide to Designing an Impact Report

1. Organizational Overview

Girls Code is an organization dedicated to bridging the gender gap in STEM education, particularly in the tech workforce where women represent only 28% and non-binary individuals around 1%. Our mission is to empower young women and non-binary individuals by providing them with the skills, confidence, and support to thrive in technology-driven careers.

Through our coding bootcamps, mentorship programs, and career readiness initiatives, we aim to foster diversity, inclusivity, and gender equity within the technology industry. Our overarching goal is to create a more inclusive tech workforce that reflects the diversity of our society and helps drive innovation for a better future.

2. Problem Statement

The tech industry is a male-dominated field, where women and non-binary individuals face significant barriers to entry and career advancement. This is a challenge faced by young women and non-binary individuals because of a lack of early exposure to STEM education, minimal representation in tech roles, and limited mentorship opportunities. This results in underrepresentation, a gender pay gap, and a lack of diversity in tech innovation, creating a need for targeted programs that equip these underrepresented groups with the skills, resources, and confidence to succeed in tech careers.

Problem: Underrepresentation of women and non-binary individuals in the tech workforce.
Target Audience: Young women and non-binary individuals.
Cause: Lack of early exposure to STEM, minimal representation, and limited mentorship.
Impact: Gender disparity, unequal opportunities, and limited diversity in tech innovation.
Solution: Targeted programs like Girls Code that provide tech skills training, mentorship, and career support for young women and non-binary individuals.

This structure provides a clear, actionable, and aligned framework that showcases the urgency of addressing the gender gap in STEM and positions Girls Code as a vital part of the solution.

[Lack of gender diversity in the tech industry] is a challenge faced by [young women and non-binary individuals] because of [limited access to STEM education, role models, and mentorship opportunities]. This results in [underrepresentation in the workforce, a gender pay gap, and restricted innovation potential] and creates a need for [programs like Girls Code that provide specialized training, mentorship, and career pathways in technology].

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3. Logic Model for Girls Code: Mobile App Development Training

Activity:
Girls Code offers specialized training in mobile app development, which includes coding bootcamps, hands-on projects, and mentorship from industry professionals.

Inputs:

1. Training materials and curriculum (mobile app frameworks such as Swift, Kotlin, React Native).
2. Experienced mentors and instructors.
3. Access to necessary technology (computers, software, development platforms).

Input Metrics:

1. Number of participants enrolled.
2. Hours of mentorship provided.
3. Access to necessary tech resources.

Outputs:

1. Participants complete coding bootcamps and build real-world mobile apps.
2. Participants receive mentorship and career guidance.
3. Workshops conducted on job readiness and soft skills development.

Output Metrics:

1. Number of mobile apps built by participants.
2. Number of mentorship hours logged.
3. Number of career workshops conducted.

Outcomes: Girls Code aims for three key outcome chains that focus on meaningful metrics:

1. Skills Development: Increased participant confidence and proficiency in mobile app development.
   • Outcome Metric 1: Percentage of participants confident in their coding skills (tracked over time).
   • Outcome Metric 2: Average pre- and post-program test scores.
2. Career Advancement: Participants secure internships or jobs in the tech industry.
   • Outcome Metric 1: Percentage of participants employed in tech roles within 6 months of program completion.
3. Real-World Application: Participants build functional and complex mobile applications.
   • Outcome Metric 1: Percentage of participants who build and deploy fully functional apps (with complexity analysis)

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4. Stakeholders and SDG Alignment

1. Primary Stakeholders:
   The primary stakeholders of Girls Code are young women and non-binary individuals who face barriers to entry in STEM fields, particularly in mobile app development. These participants directly benefit from the specialized training, mentorship, and career development opportunities provided by the organization, empowering them to pursue meaningful careers in technology.
2. Secondary Stakeholders:
   Secondary stakeholders include corporate sponsors, tech industry partners, and mentors who support Girls Code's mission. These stakeholders indirectly benefit by contributing to a more diverse workforce, gaining access to a new pool of talent, and participating in corporate social responsibility initiatives. Additionally, funders and donors benefit from supporting a program that aligns with their goals of promoting gender diversity and inclusivity in technology.
3. SDG Alignment:
   Girls Code's work aligns with several key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
4. • SDG 4 (Quality Education): By providing accessible, high-quality STEM education and training, Girls Code helps reduce gender disparities in education and career opportunities.
   • SDG 5 (Gender Equality): The organization is dedicated to empowering young women and non-binary individuals, addressing gender imbalances in the tech industry.
   • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Through job readiness workshops and career placement support, Girls Code contributes to sustainable economic growth by preparing participants for well-paying tech jobs.
5. By clearly identifying and supporting both primary and secondary stakeholders and aligning with these SDGs, Girls Code positions its impact within a global framework, showcasing its contribution to both local and international gender equity and economic development goals.

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5. Choose a Storytelling Pattern: Before and After with Logic Model

For Girls Code, the Before and After storytelling pattern, supported by a logic model-based program structure, is the most effective way to communicate impact. This approach vividly demonstrates the transformation participants experience through the organization’s intervention in mobile app development training.

Before:
Prior to enrolling in Girls Code, many participants have little to no access to advanced coding education or professional mentorship in tech fields. This lack of opportunity limits their career prospects and perpetuates the gender gap in the tech industry.

After:
Upon completing the program, participants gain technical proficiency in mobile app development, increased confidence, and access to a network of mentors and industry professionals. Many secure internships or full-time roles in tech, contributing to increased gender diversity and innovation within the field.

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Guideline for Creating the Dashboard by Programs:

1. Create Separate Tabs for Each Program:
   Limit the dashboard to four main tabs, each representing a key program:
   • Mobile App Development
   • Web Development
   • Mentorship Program
   • Career Readiness and Job Placement
2. Include Key Sections in Each Tab:
   • Inputs: Record the resources and efforts allocated to each program (e.g., number of participants, hours of instruction or mentorship, resources provided).
   • Outputs: Highlight immediate results, such as the number of participants who completed the program or the number of projects developed.
   • Outcomes: Capture long-term impacts, such as the percentage of participants who secured jobs or internships, or those who launched successful apps.
3. Track Before and After Metrics: Each tab should include metrics that demonstrate participant progress:
   • Before: Percentage of participants with little or no coding experience.
   • After: Percentage of participants proficient in coding, employed in tech roles, or who completed real-world projects.
4. Visualize Data with Charts and Graphs:
   Use visual elements like bar charts or line graphs to compare pre- and post-program data, making it easy to see participant progress and program effectiveness. Ensure each tab showcases these comparisons clearly.

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6. Focus on Meaningful Metrics: Girls Code Outcomes

Girls Code has evolved its approach to measuring impact by focusing on metrics that capture the true transformation in participants' lives. Instead of relying solely on basic metrics like "number of girls trained," we now track meaningful outcomes such as increased confidence in coding skills, improved technical test scores, and the ability to develop and launch mobile apps.

This shift in measurement has provided deeper insights into the effectiveness of our programs. By demonstrating tangible improvements in our participants' skills and career prospects, we’ve not only enhanced the quality of our programs but also attracted new funders who value our data-driven approach.

By limiting the dashboard to these four essential activities and tracking progress through a Before and After approach, Girls Code can effectively communicate the transformation brought by its programs, providing stakeholders with a clear, structured view of their impact.

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7. Demonstrate Causality: Girls Code Impact

At Girls Code, we clearly demonstrate how our inputs and activities lead to measurable outcomes, creating a direct link between our programs and the success of our participants.

Example of Causality: By providing mobile app development training and mentorship from industry professionals, we enabled participants to increase their confidence in coding skills by 40% and improve their technical test scores by 30%. As a result, 60% of graduates secured internships or jobs in tech within six months of completing the program.

This causality shows that the skills and mentorship provided by Girls Code directly translate into better career prospects and real-world application of technical knowledge, reinforcing the impact of our programs on gender diversity in the tech industry.

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8. Incorporate Stakeholder Voice: Girls Code Impact

Including the voices of our stakeholders is crucial to demonstrating the real impact of Girls Code's work. We actively gather feedback from participants, mentors, and employers to ensure transparency and continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Feedback Overview:

• Positive Feedback: 75% of participants reported a significant improvement in their coding skills and confidence. Many mentioned that the mentorship provided by industry professionals was invaluable to their growth.
• Neutral Feedback: 20% of participants were satisfied with the technical training but felt they needed more follow-up on career placement.
• Negative Feedback: 5% of participants expressed concerns about the pace of the program, noting it was challenging to keep up with the material.

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Testimonial: ‍

"Thanks to Girls Code, I not only learned how to build a mobile app, but I also gained the confidence to apply for tech jobs I never thought I’d be qualified for. The mentorship program connected me with industry experts who helped me secure my first internship in a tech company."
— Maria, Girls Code Graduate

"Before joining Girls Code, I had no experience in coding and felt lost in figuring out my career path. The program not only taught me technical skills but also provided me with a supportive community. Now, I’m working on developing my own mobile app, and I’ve already been offered an internship with a tech company!"
— Jessica, Girls Code Participant

By incorporating diverse stakeholder voices—both positive and constructive—we demonstrate a commitment to continuous program enhancement and to addressing the real needs of our participants.

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10. Demonstrating Stakeholder Outcomes (Pre and Post with Qualitative Impact Themes)

To effectively showcase the impact of Girls Code, we compare pre- and post-program data to measure tangible outcomes for our participants. By collecting baseline data before the intervention and gathering post-program results, we can clearly demonstrate the growth and transformation experienced by participants.

Pre-Intervention Data:

• Coding Confidence: 15% of participants felt confident in their coding skills before the program.
• Technical Proficiency: The average pre-program coding test score was 45%.
• Job Readiness: Only 10% of participants felt ready to apply for jobs in tech prior to training.

Post-Intervention Data:

• Coding Confidence: After completing the program, 70% of participants reported a high level of confidence in their coding abilities.
• Technical Proficiency: Post-program coding test scores increased to an average of 80%.
• Job Readiness: 60% of participants felt fully prepared to apply for internships and jobs in the tech industry.

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Qualitative Impact Themes: In addition to these quantitative outcomes, qualitative feedback revealed several key impact themes:

• Increased Confidence: Participants expressed a significant boost in self-confidence, both in their coding abilities and in navigating the tech industry.
• Professional Growth: Mentorship and networking opportunities were cited as critical factors in helping participants build professional relationships and prepare for careers.
• Empowerment: Many participants shared that they now feel empowered to pursue roles in tech they had previously thought unattainable.

By combining this pre- and post-program data with qualitative insights, Girls Code effectively demonstrates the substantial improvements in participants’ skills, confidence, and job readiness, providing a comprehensive narrative of program impact.

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Exploring Outliers:

‍Some participants struggled with the program’s pace, highlighting the need for tailored support, which we will address in future iterations. This feedback has been critical in refining our approach.

Moving forward, Girls Code will continue to use follow-up data to inform continuous improvement, ensuring that our programs not only teach technical skills but also empower participants to thrive in the tech industry.

11. Stakeholder Area of Improvement

While Girls Code has demonstrated strong outcomes in skill development and job placement, stakeholder feedback has highlighted areas for improvement. Some participants noted that the pace of the program was challenging, especially for beginners. To address this, Girls Code will explore options for tailored support and additional resources to help participants who may need more time to grasp complex concepts. Moreover, enhancing post-program career follow-up support was identified as another opportunity for improvement, helping ensure all graduates secure meaningful internships or jobs.

12. Create Impactful Summaries

To summarize the impact of Girls Code, the program has achieved substantial results in empowering young women and non-binary individuals to break into the tech industry.

• 1,200 participants trained in coding and mobile app development.
• 70% of participants reported a significant increase in coding confidence.
• 60% of graduates secured internships or jobs in tech within six months.
• Average test scores increased from 45% pre-program to 80% post-program.

These data points emphasize the program's success in delivering meaningful outcomes and helping to diversify the tech industry.

13. Future Goals and Strategies

Looking ahead, Girls Code plans to build on its successes and address areas for growth. In the next phase, we aim to:

• Expand the program to reach 2,000 new participants, with a focus on underserved communities.
• Implement personalized learning tracks to better support participants at different skill levels.
• Strengthen post-program career support to ensure at least 75% of graduates secure internships or jobs within six months.
• Deepen industry partnerships to create more mentorship opportunities and job placements.

These strategies will help Girls Code continue its mission of creating a more inclusive tech workforce while improving the experience for all stakeholders.

Why Partner with Sopact?

While creating an impact report might seem daunting, the good news is that you don’t have to do it alone. If your organization lacks the internal capacity for data management, design, and impact analysis, Sopact can be your one-stop partner. With our comprehensive platform, we can help you collect data, analyze impact, and design a professional report—all in under three months.

We encourage you to explore our YouTube playlist, which walks you through the process step-by-step using Sopact’s AI and Sense capabilities. This will not only guide you through crafting an effective impact report but will also inspire new ways to communicate your organization’s success to stakeholders.

Conclusion

The example of Girls Code demonstrates the power of a well-constructed impact report. From data collection to storytelling, every element plays a role in conveying the organization’s mission, achievements, and ongoing potential. Take this as your blueprint, and when you’re ready to create your own report, remember that Sopact is here to support you at every step of the way.

An impact report is more than just a document—it’s a narrative of change, a story that shows how your organization is making a tangible difference in the world. With the right tools and guidance, you can create an impact report that not only informs but also inspires action.

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