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Forward thinking
07/01/2026
In my last two articles, I shared why measuring community impact matters and how we approach it at the Humana Foundation. But measurement isn’t just about frameworks, tools, or internal learning. It’s about what becomes possible for the organizations doing the work every day. So, I want to share what we’re hearing directly from our nutrition partners in Louisiana about how this approach is supporting them.
It Helps Partners See What’s Working and Why
Our partners are using evaluation not just to report outcomes, but to better understand how people experience their programs, surface patterns, and identify what drives meaningful change.
The surveys… have given us invaluable feedback on our program, particularly in showing us how much people appreciate the program, what they have learned… and how they have changed their behaviors as a result. -Second Harvest Food Bank Feeding South Louisiana
This kind of insight allows organizations to continuously refine their work and connect program delivery to real behavior change.
It Informs Better Decisions in Real Time
Access to timely data helps organizations move from instinct to insight and act on it by making more intentional, real-time decisions about their programs and resources.
Access to evaluation data has significantly influenced our planning and decision-making. We are now more intentional about how we allocate resources, design programming, and form partnerships...allowing us to be more proactive rather than reactive. -Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center
In this way, measurement becomes a practical tool for day-to-day decision-making supporting timely adjustments and more intentional use of resources, not just periodic reporting.
It Elevates Community Voice in Meaningful Ways
The evaluation process is also helping ensure that community voice is not only heard but actively shapes how programs evolve.
These data collection tools have been vital in helping us hear firsthand experiences directly from program participants… capturing voices not always represented in traditional reporting methods. -Emeril Lagasse Foundation
These insights reflect real experiences and help organizations design programs that are more responsive to the people they serve.
It Strengthens Organizational Capacity, Sustainability and Funding
Evaluation is helping partners do more than demonstrate results. It is strengthening their ability to sustain and grow their work long term.
Being able to reference surveys comprised of feedback from the people we serve is invaluable… I use our evaluation results in every proposal I write. -Second Harvest Food Bank Feeding South Florida
The model has increased our credibility with funders… allowing us to share compelling stories backed by data. -Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center
In some cases, this feedback has translated directly into new funding. One partner secured nearly $475,000 in public and private support as a direct result of using evaluation data.
By investing in both programming and evaluation, partners are building the capacity to tell stronger stories, attract more support, and sustain impact over time.
A Call to Action for Funders
We’re hearing from partners that thoughtfully designed evaluation can enhance and complement their work.
Partners need:
When funders invest in these areas, measurement becomes a tool for learning, sustainability, and long-term impact beyond compliance.
For those of you working in philanthropy or alongside nonprofit partners: How are you ensuring your approach to measurement truly supports the organizations and communities you serve?
