
100+ Repository of KPIs
Access the full repository of indicators for FREE here to begin measuring social change progressively.
Access the full repository of indicators for FREE here to begin measuring social change progressively.
The Progressive Outcomes Scale Logic Model (POSLM) methodology, developed by Quisha Brown, was designed to address racial wealth disparities—an issue magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic—by embedding a racial equity focus into program evaluation. Recognizing the limitations of traditional logic models in capturing the long-term social impact of equity-driven initiatives, POSLM provides a structured approach to assessing progressive improvements in racial and economic disparities. This methodology is particularly well-suited for value-based social and human service programs, which prioritize holistic, person-centered outcomes over purely quantitative metrics or fee-for-service models.
Unlike traditional evaluation frameworks that rely heavily on standardized success measures, the POSLM enables organizations to track meaningful progress through staged outcome measurement. Rather than focusing solely on final outputs, this approach defines short-term, intermediate, and long-term outcomes as “Stage 1,” “Stage 2,” and “Stage 3”, respectively. These stages reflect the real-life progression of individuals and communities in overcoming racial and economic barriers. Organizations assess their impact by tracking the percentage of participants who achieve key performance indicators (KPIs) at each stage, providing a nuanced view of transformation over time. Importantly, these KPIs are not predefined by funders or institutions but are identified through community needs assessments and focus groups, ensuring that evaluation remains responsive to lived experiences and systemic inequities.
To maintain clarity and focus, KPIs are categorized rather than displayed individually within the logic model, preventing unnecessary complexity while still allowing for comprehensive tracking. A detailed appendix provides the full range of KPIs, which might include factors such as literacy levels, financial stability, and employment access—critical indicators of racial equity progress.
By structuring evaluation around progressive improvements rather than rigid, quantitative benchmarks, the POSLM methodology better aligns with value-based service models that seek to create sustainable, systemic change. This approach not only clarifies the causal pathways leading to desired outcomes but also strengthens an organization's ability to articulate an “if, then” theory of change—demonstrating how incremental progress in racial equity leads to long-term social and economic transformation.
The POSLM is a culturally responsive logic model, uplifting community voice in the development process of your logic model and nonprofit program evaluation design. It is designed for nonprofits and governments looking to measure social impact and frame their work in marginalized communities from a point of justice and equity; thereby moving away from a “by-the-numbers” approach to sharing outcomes; and instead build out a narrative of impact to help demonstrate how people are becoming better off. The ability to do this starts in the way organizations frame and evaluate programs.
The POSLM enables federal governments to exercise greater fiscal responsibility by providing a more comprehensive approach to tracking the impact of federal spending on social programs. Unlike traditional methods that primarily focus on quantitative data—such as the number of people served—the POSLM (a culturally responsive logic model) emphasizes outcomes-based data, capturing the progressive improvements in social impact. This model allows governments to connect federal dollars directly to measurable outcomes.
The guidebooks below provide measurable problems and outcome examples that can be used to assess progress, communicate with stakeholders, or to identify areas of improvement. It could also be used to spark brainstorming discussions for other activities your organization may want to pursue.
The guidebooks also describes how the POSLM can be used to help link funding dollars to outcomes. For help building your POSLM email us.
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