For many small charities, CICs and community groups, the word evaluation can feel overwhelming. You’re busy delivering – juggling volunteers, doing the work on a shoestring budget – and suddenly you’re being asked for logic models, KPIs, and data dashboards.
But here’s the truth: you don’t need to be a data analyst to show you’re making a difference.
Whether you’ve got five staff or just one passionate founder and a kettle, here’s how to demonstrate impact in ways that are real, relatable, and manageable.
Start With the Change You’re Trying to Make
Impact isn't just about numbers — it’s about people.
Ask yourself:
What difference are we trying to make?
How will we know if we’re on the right track?
What does success look like for the people we support?
Example:
You run weekly board game nights for isolated young adults. The difference isn’t “15 people attended” — it’s that someone made a friend, someone left the house for the first time in weeks, someone smiled.
Think in Stories, Not Spreadsheets
Big numbers aren’t the only way to show value — stories bring impact to life.
Collect simple case studies.
Ask participants for quotes or reflections (voice notes work too!).
Track “small wins” – like someone turning up regularly, speaking in a group, or helping someone else.
Example:
“Before I came here, I didn’t speak to anyone for days. Now I’ve got people I check in with every week.”
That’s impact.
Use Feedback Forms That People Actually Want to Fill In
No one wants to complete a six-page survey about how they felt at a coffee morning.
Try:
3 quick questions on a post-it or flip chart
Emoji ratings (how do you feel now vs before?)
“What did you like / what would you change?”
Or… just ask people in conversation and jot down what they say later.
Bonus: Voice notes and videos can be powerful and feel less formal.
Mix the Qualitative With Just Enough Data
You don’t have to choose between numbers and stories — use a light-touch combo that works for your team.
You might track:
How many people attended
How often they come
The number of sessions run
A simple pre/post check-in (“How confident do you feel doing X?”)
Keep it simple. Use free tools like Google Forms, or just tally things in a notebook.
Focus on Change Over Time
Funders and partners want to know you’re moving the dial – not that everything is perfect from day one.
So don’t be afraid to show progress, even if it’s slow:
Someone who was silent is now chatting.
Someone went from missing sessions to helping run them.
A volunteer learned how to use email confidently.
This is real-world impact – and it matters.
Tell the Story of Your Organisation, Too
Impact isn’t just about participants – it’s also about your team, your learning, and your journey.
Funders want to know:
What you’ve learned
How you’ve adapted
What you’d do differently next time
Being honest builds trust and shows that you’re thoughtful and growing.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need fancy software or an evaluation consultant to show the value of your work.
If you’re helping people feel less alone, build confidence, develop skills, or feel seen – you’re making an impact.
At Accounting for Good CIC, we support grassroots changemakers to track and share their impact without losing their soul (or their Saturday nights). Whether you need a light-touch evaluation plan or help telling your story to funders, we’ve got your back.