Outputs vs. Outcomes: Speaking the Language of Funders

Emily Reed
6 days ago
2 min read

When nonprofits share their stories, numbers often come first. We highlight what we did—how many meals we served, how many workshops we hosted, or how many participants we engaged. These are important metrics, but they’re only part of the picture.

Funders don’t just want to know what you did.

They want to know what changed because of it.

Outputs: The “What We Did”

Outputs are the direct products of your activities. They’re tangible, countable, and easy to track. For example:

“We served 500 meals.”
“We hosted 12 mentoring sessions.”
“We distributed 100 backpacks.”

These numbers are useful for showing scale and activity—but they don’t reveal the deeper impact.

Outcomes: The “So What?”

Outcomes go a step further. They measure the change in knowledge, behavior, condition, or status that results from your programs. For example:

“90% of participants reported improved food security.”
“80% of students improved one full grade level in reading.”
“75% of parents reported stronger family communication.”

Outcomes demonstrate transformation. They answer the funder’s most important question: How are lives different because of your work?

Why It Matters for Funders

Numbers that show change move funders. They want to see evidence that their dollars create a return in human impact. Reporting outcomes instead of just outputs:

Builds credibility with grant-makers.
Strengthens donor trust.
Positions your nonprofit as results-driven and impact-focused.

Put It Into Practice

Next time you prepare a report or grant proposal, ask yourself: “Am I just counting activities, or am I capturing the difference those activities made?”

By shifting from outputs to outcomes, you elevate your storytelling and show the true value of your mission.

Instead of: “We served 500 meals.”

Try: “90% of participants reported improved food security.”

That’s the kind of impact statement that inspires funders to invest again—and again.

📥 Ready to make the shift?

Download our free Outcomes-Based Evaluation Worksheet to start measuring what really matters: