Measurement is a critical element to REDF’s approach. We continue to create and refine tools to better understand and improve the impact of our work.

REDF promotes the use of social impact data to inform and improve real-time practice for the organizations we support and for ourselves. We see measurement as an integral part of our responsibility.

Rather than burden nonprofit staff with evaluation tasks, REDF helps organizations incorporate social outcomes measurement into their everyday business practices. The information we get from this process helps them — and us — improve.

As a result of our in-depth data collection and analysis, we are able to say with certainty that our portfolio of social purpose enterprises is having a lasting, positive impact on the lives of employees. The dollars invested by our donors, matched with the investment of support and guidance, are resulting in the desired outcome.

Over the years we have developed a number of tools to gauge the impact and effectiveness of the organizations in which we invest. These tools include:

Social Impact Reports

REDF supports an ongoing assessment process that involves face-to-face interviews with every enterprise employee at the time they are hired. Follow-up interviews continue at six-month intervals for up to two years after hire.

The Social Impact Report highlights findings from a range of outcome areas, based on data collected from every individual served by our portfolio enterprises.

OASIS

Developed by REDF, OASIS (the Ongoing Assessment of Social ImpactS) is a comprehensive, agency-wide management information system that provides timely, accurate information about the social impacts of an entire organization.

Because it is customized for each agency, OASIS helps REDF portfolio groups make better decisions by giving them immediate access to the impact of their programs.

For more information, please see An Information OASIS.

Social Return on Investment Reports

Social Return on Investment (SROI) measures cost-savings to society and change in individuals’ lives as a result of social enterprise employment.

SROI is an example of how REDF’s pioneering innovations set new standards for the field of social enterprise. Although no longer used by REDF, other organizations have built upon REDF's pioneering work to help quantify the positive impact on their work to society.

For more information, please see the SROI collection.