Kresge Foundation

Services: Impact Measurement, Management & Evaluation
Client Type: Foundation
Geography: United States

Impact Measurement and Management: 3 Ideas for Doing It Right

At Pacific Community Ventures (PCV), we support clients in developing and implementing impact measurement and management approaches to help them more effectively deploy and manage impact capital. In 2018, The Kresge Foundation’s Social Investment Practice engaged our research and consulting team at PCV to conduct an evaluation of five investments made in 2012. Through a case analysis format, the evaluation examined investees’ progress toward social and environmental objectives, including successes, challenges, pivots in strategy, and the role that the Foundation’s investment capital, grant dollars, and staff played in contributing to impact. More broadly, this evaluation was intended to generate strategic learnings for the Foundation and inform investment strategy — especially opportunities to better support investees. 

As part of the evaluation, we examined the Social Investment Practice’s approach to impact measurement and management and use of evaluation. We identified three main ideas for bolstering the Foundation’s impact management efforts, which we believe can help you deepen your own organization’s ability to manage for impact.