1.5 Outcomes Narrative
Time: ~20 minutes
What You'll Learn
- The difference between outputs and outcomes (and why reviewers care)
- How to set measurable, realistic targets
- How to describe your evaluation plan without being an evaluator
- How to write about past performance when your data is imperfect
- Turning program numbers into a story of impact
Key Concepts
The outcomes narrative is where you prove your organization can deliver. Funders are not just buying a program — they're buying results. This section answers: How will you know it worked?
Outputs vs. Outcomes
| Type | Example | What It Shows |
|---|---|---|
| Output | 200 youth attended workshops | You did the work |
| Outcome | 75% of youth improved math scores by one grade level | The work made a difference |
| Impact | High school graduation rate increased 12% in target area | The difference lasted |
Outputs are necessary but not sufficient. Reviewers want outcomes — measurable changes in knowledge, behavior, or condition among the people you serve.
Setting Targets
Good targets are:
- Specific — "85% of participants" not "most participants"
- Measurable — tied to a concrete instrument (pre/post test, survey, administrative data)
- Realistic — based on past performance or published benchmarks, not aspiration
- Time-bound — achievable within the grant period
The Evaluation Plan
You don't need a PhD in evaluation. You need to describe:
- What you'll measure (which outcomes)
- How you'll measure it (which tools/instruments)
- When you'll measure it (baseline, midpoint, end)
- Who will do the measuring (staff, external evaluator, participants)
Writing About Imperfect Data
Most organizations don't have perfect data — and funders know this. Be honest about what you have and what you're building. "In our first year, we tracked attendance only. In Year 2, we added pre/post assessments and found..." shows growth, not weakness.
How to Start
Open Claude Desktop and say:
start lesson 1.5Claude will help you define measurable outcomes, set realistic targets, describe your evaluation approach, and write the narrative that ties it all together.
What You'll Produce
By the end of this lesson, you'll have:
- An outcomes table listing each outcome with its measure, target, and data source
- A draft outcomes narrative (typically 1-2 pages) connecting activities to measurable results
- An evaluation plan summary describing your data collection approach
- Past performance language — framing your track record honestly and compellingly