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Simple Guide to Measuring Nonprofit Digital Impact

Originally posted on Whole Whale -Measuring Digital Impact

Impact. This topic is daunting for anyone working in the charity and social impact world. There are multiple frameworks and approaches when thinking about how to define what your organization does to impact the world. We have gathered some of the top resources to help you answer this simple question:

How do we measure a nonprofit’s impact?

There are two critical buckets to consider in this question: the what and the how.

  • What are we trying to change in the world?
  • How are we going to do it?
  • How are we going to measure that change?

 

Why does this even matter?

If you have chosen to read this it means you probably have been tasked with answering this question or refining it for your organization. Impact matters to the volunteers, donors and foundations that invest time and money into your cause, and the staff that pour their energy into making the organization run. Relying on intuition, assuming that since you ‘help people’ you must be achieving lasting social impact, is a recipe for waste.

‘We’re lost, but at least we are making great time’ approach to nonprofit impact doesn’t work. @leapofreason CLICK TO TWEET
– Chapter 1 of Leap of Reason.

This quote captures what many organizations with the best intentions may actually be doing: driving quickly toward an undefined destination. Driving quickly in the wrong direction, or to translate errant hard work can quickly take you off course and worse be wasteful or even detrimental to the cause.

An example of this can be seen clearly in the mentoring field, a century old tradition of youth intervention in the U.S. with hundreds of millions of dollars invested to date. Let’s say mentoring is a key intervention within your nonprofit’s approach. It is important to know that relationships under 13 months can be detrimental to youth development and those that last longer can “have varying outcomes but overall tend to show a positive, yet weak, impact on educational outcomes and delinquency (Jolliffe & Farrington, 2007).” In measuring and designing mentoring programs, the audience, training and implementation has tremendous impact on the outcomes as noted in many research publications – The Role of Risk: Mentoring Experiences and Outcomes for Youth with Varying Risk Profiles and The Journal of Juvenile Justice just to name couple.

Without outcome planning, measurement and consideration of existing research, it is not hard to imagine driving in the wrong direction in the mentoring field. The following framework is designed to help you think about that final destination and managing toward outcomes.

A Simple Social Impact Outline

There are three large areas we can break our thinking into. These sections represent the larger strategy of the organization, the theory of change, and the practical performance measurement. This outline compresses a lot standard nonprofit planning documents in attempt to distill the mission critical thinking needed to get started. Each area has questions a nonprofit should discuss and answer as a team.

1. Purpose and Intent
Determine purpose of the organization.

  • What is the long term goal?
  • What need in society drove the creation of this organization?
  • What would need to happen for us to (successfully) go out of business?

Define the intended impact, the more specific the better.

  • Who benefits from your organization? Define your audience.
  • How do you define success in your organization?
  • What does success look like for your organization?

 

2. Defining Outcomes and Indicators
Identify outcomes that demonstrate impact.

  • What specific changes and outcomes will demonstrate the success you outlined above?
  • Outline Key Impact Indicators  — (warning it’s hard)
  • What indicators will you use to measure those specific changes?

Create impact indicators that are:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Understandable
  • Relevant
  • Time Bound
  • Valid
  • Actionable

 

3. Track indicators over time

Choose the methods you will you use to track each indicator. No matter which types of indicators, make sure results are stored in a consistent way in an online database. Tracking and analyzing is an important role, make sure there is someone who’s job it is to do this, preferably a data analyst.

  • qualitative (how good), quantitative (how many)
  • randomized trial, double-blind longitudinal survey
  • online web measures via Google Analytics

How often will you measure each indicator?

  • daily, weekly, monthly, annually

 

Frameworks are nice, but what do I do now?

While frameworks are helpful, the next step is to actually bring this into your organization. There are many social change consultants that can help you do this and usually this process is done in parallel with rebranding work. You can also try leading this process internally by using the survey and discussion approach explained below:

  • Listen. Start with sending this nonprofit impact survey to staff and stakeholders to see how they view and define these core questions about your organization (feel free to edit ours since it is more focused on digital work).
  • Synthesize. Gather responses and aggregate points of consensus to see where people agree and where they may be confused. You will be surprised on what comes out. Your executive team can’t be expected to read every response. Condense the answers noting how many people had something similar, while noting any important divergent opinions. IE: do people think you should go a mile deep, spending lots of time with fewer people or a mile wide, spending less time with more people?
  • Deliberate and Define. This may be done at staff retreat or in a series of executive meetings with the goal of defining a single answer for each critical question while building consensus.
  • Create some paper. Build this into a logic model and plan for your programs. This can take many forms and can even be pulling out some of the questions in the survey and laying them out in the outline above.  A common approach is to create a larger Theory of Change document, but don’t forget the supporting document of how and what you will be measuring. You might want to use Whole Whale’s BHAG Chart to get started.

 

The Theory of Change

This is a common planning document that foundations and funders may ask for specifically which is why we have included a short guide on it. The goal is to create a document that maps out the causal relationship between your long term outcomes and the daily activities. A good Theory of Change should answer the following questions:

  • Who is the target population you are trying to reach and help?
  • What are the short and long-term results?
  • When will these results be accomplished?
  • How will these results be accomplished?
    • Detail on the activities and strategies that will be used.
    • Note additional resources or teams members that will help.
  • What is the environment and context of where this work will take place?
  • Why will this approach work?
    • Acknowledge the assumptions being made in the model
    • External research- find related external research that supports your approach.

Sadly these kinds of documents have a way of being created once then retired to the file cabinet. Though the process is important, if it isn’t revisited the usefulness quickly fades.

This is why we like to build a more focused digital impact modeling map from the theory of change. Whole Whale focuses on digital impact and the document below is an example of how impact modeling looks for one of our clients – Power Poetry.

Impact model example

This article is an attempt to help a growing nonprofit critically think about their impact in a measurable way. This is a small primer that will hopefully kick-off deeper thinking, planning and action within your organization. If you are like us and want to geek out to nonprofit impact frameworks and thinking here are a ton of follow up resources.

Internal Resources

Feel free to learn these topics then use our tools like the survey to start the conversation within your organization.

External Site Resources

Books + Reading

Family-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Activities

St. Patrick’s Day has certainly earned its reputation as a hard-partying holiday, and the beer will flow even more since it falls on a Friday this year. But if you have kids, partying may not be your top priority these days. Here are a few family-friendly ideas on how to spend the day:

Keep the neighborhood green! In keeping with the holiday’s traditional color, volunteering to help clean your hometown is a great way to spend a fun few hours with your kids and beautify your neighborhood at the same time. And there are plenty of nonprofits that could use your help doing so:

The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy is the designated steward of the Rose Kennedy Greenway, a mile-and-a-half of contemporary parks in the heart of Boston that connect people and the city with beauty and fun.

“This is my third season volunteering alongside the Rose Kennedy Greenway horticultural staff. Just last week, yes in February, we got out there and did some winter pruning. It was great!

This one and half mile stretch of parkland in Boston is an integral part of the city, not only for it’s beautiful gardens and landscape, but for its cultural richness, including art, music, mobile eats, and special events throughout the year. Those of us who live in Boston are fortunate to have this gem and for those visiting from outside the city or outside the state, this is a must stop on your journey.”

 

Get crafty! Want to perfect that shamrock or leprechaun drawing? Check out the many children’s arts programs nearby. Other than potential battles over green crayons today, your child will have a blast:

The mission of Habitot Children’s Museum in Berkeley, Calif., is to help the broad community of parents and caregivers raise curious, creative and confident children!

“One of the first places we discovered when we moved to Berkeley. Both of my children, 1 and 3, love it! The staff is extraordinary. The wonderful lady in the art studio helped my 1-year-old son paint for the first time by getting him a highchair and helped me with paint and a clean brush. This place is amazing!”

 

Explore the arts! Whether it’s theater, music, or dance, there are many nonprofits out there to help you expand your cultural horizons:

The Irish Repertory Theatre brings works by Irish and Irish American masters and contemporary playwrights to a broad American audience, to provide a context for understanding the contemporary Irish American experience, while also encouraging the development of new works focusing on the Irish and Irish American experience.

“I am of Irish ancestry and really appreciate this opportunity to see Irish plays, often with Irish actors, beautifully performed in this small, intimate setting. Last year works of Joyce that are not often performed were read or played. I have been attending performances over the years and always feel energized by the authenticity of the performance and the sense that they are speaking directly to me.”

 

While holidays are a fun time to build your volunteering and donation efforts around, any time is a good time to give back. Check out GreatNonprofits for the many wonderful local organizations that need your help!

A St. Patrick’s Day Reminder

St. Patrick’s Day is once again upon us, which of course means parades, rivers and fountains dyed bright green, and wearing that green clothing from the back of the closet that that you may not have much use for the other 364 days of the year.

It also means alcohol consumption—a lot of it in many instances: St. Patrick’s Day trails only New Year’s Eve, Christmas, and the Fourth of July on the list of the biggest drinking days. And according to WalletHub, 13 million pints of Guinness will be consumed tomorrow. But also consider this:

  • 75 percent of fatal St. Patrick’s Day crashes involve someone driving with a blood alcohol content at twice the legal limit.
  • From midnight to 6 a.m. the day after St. patrick’s Day, almost half of all driving fatalities will be alcohol related.
  • Between 2009 and 2013, there were 276 drunk-driving fatalities.

Whether you’ve had too much to drink and need to find a way home safely, or if you have a problem and need much more help than a lift, there are nonprofits out there that can help:

Sober Living America

AtlantaJacksonville, Fla.

Sober Living America grew out of the need to provide a safe, sober, and structured living environment for men and women who are beginning their recovery from alcoholism and drug abuse, regardless of their financial condition.

“Before coming to Sober Living America, I had giving up on myself. I had isolated myself from family, friends, and even my own children. I hated myself and what I had became. I had given up, but God had not. It hurt to breathe and there was not enough drugs and alcohol to ease the pain. I finally made a decision to go to detox, again. I had been to nine detox centers in the past 10 years. I knew that this was my last chance to get it right. In detox, I was told about Sober Living of America. A few days later, I was on the bus to Charlotte, N.C. 

When I arrived I was scared to death. But I soon was welcomed into the community of wonderful people, just like me, sick and wanting and needing help. I have been blessed in so many ways by this experience. I am learning to be a productive citizen in society. I am now in contact with my family, friends, and my three handsome baby boys. I will forever be amazingly grateful for the staff, community, and the new family.”

SafeRide America

Atlanta

By giving both people and their cars a ride home, SafeRide eliminates the two main excuses people use to drive impaired: “I don’t want to leave my car behind” and “I don’t have the money to pay to get my car home.”

“If you’re out drunk with a car and want to get home safely in your own car, give SafeRide a call. They will come out and pick you and your car up and take you to your destination. It’s cheaper than ubering home and then another uber back to your car in the morning, plus no more worrying if your car will be booted or towed! Friendly staff and most pickups usually happen within 10–20 minutes.

 P.S. If you need community service hours, you can do them here. It doesn’t get much easier than driving around at night time while knowing you’re helping prevent DUIs and possibly worse acts caused by an impaired driver.”

Three Oaks Center

Centerville, Ohio

Three Oaks Center provides early intervention services in a weekend format from a faith-based perspective that help individuals examine life and learn how to make healthier choices that can change the direction of life for the better.

“Mr. Hoffman has been my cheerleader, advisor, mentor, and friend all at the same time! He genuinely cares about people and supports them, so they can bring about change. He is confident in his role in life and leads from a positive direction, even in difficult circumstances. I’m privileged to know Mr. Hoffman and believe he has been instrumental in making my world a better place.”

To find out more about the above organizations and others like them doing the important work of helping people overcome their addictions, check out GreatNonprofits.

Top-Rated Homelessness Nonprofits

It’s easy to not think too much about homelessness if you don’t witness it on a daily basis, but the numbers are frightening: According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, “On a single night in January 2015, 564,708 people were experiencing homelessness—meaning they were sleeping outside or in an emergency shelter or transitional housing program.” Half of all homeless in the U.S. are older than 50, and children represent a quarter of the homeless population. Here are some other stats to consider:

  • 15 percent of the homeless population are chronically homeless
  • 8 percent of the homeless population are veterans (and 1.4 million other vets are at risk of homelessness)
  • 110,000 LGBTQ youth are homeless

There are many great organizations working tirelessly to change those numbers, and to bring comfort to those who most need it. Here are a few of them:

Mission in Citrus

Crystal River, Fla.

Mission in Citrus seeks to empower homeless veterans of all ages to meet their own needs. Recognizing the uniqueness, dignity, and value of each person, it accepts individuals as they are, in an affirming and compassionate manner.

The organization provides basic and self-care supplies, free health care, housing, and supportive services for the homeless veterans who are the hardest to reach, including those who refuse to go into a shelter and live out in the rural wooded areas of the county. It also provides referrals to other community agencies, such as child care providers and legal aid.

“I am a disabled veteran who was homeless and stayed at the Mission in Citrus. They have done such great work helping me and my family that I still go and volunteer there, and I refer other veterans and homeless people and families in need to them. I also have let the director know that if at any time there is someone who needs to speak with me about a situation close to what mine was I am available and will help. So much help was given to me and I love giving that help in return. The Mission is a blessing to everyone whose lives it touches.”

 

Solutions for Change

Vista, Calif.

Solutions for Change mission is to solve family homelessness one family, one community at a time, through its Solutions University program. Solutions University is a 1,000-day partnership that equips families with the skills, knowledge, and resources that create amazing life transformations. More than just a housing solution, it’s a “change your life” solution.

“After getting custody of my 2½-year-old granddaughter, I found myself with no job and no place to live because I had relocated here from out of state. Solutions for Change took us in, provided a roof over our heads, food in our stomachs, enrichment classes, and assistance with child care and job search. We are now secure in one of their apartments and striving for the next step in this journey. The staff has been wonderful to us and I will always be grateful for the hand up!”

 

Project Hawai’i, Inc.

Keaau, Hawaii

Project Hawai’i enhances the lives of homeless children throughout the year by providing interactive programs. Its goal is to help them escape their cycle of poverty by helping them gain self-esteem, build life and social skills, and stay healthy.

Now in its 15th year on the islands of Hawai’i, the organization typically helps more than 1,500 children between the islands of Hawai’i and O’ahu—providing everything from holiday meals, parties, and gifts, to emergency care, hygiene, and food and clothing.

“Project Hawai’i and its volunteers have been a blessing to us. Our family was living in homeless situations for many years. We could always count on the support of Magin and Cliff to be there for our family. My children call Cliff Uncle . . . not just as respect but as a true family member. They feel he was part of our family and was there to help. I can’t put in words how happy it is for us to have them in our lives. We are not homeless now. I am going to job training and my children are doing well. It isn’t easy being homeless, and isn’t easy struggling to stay here in our apartment, but with Project Hawai’i, we know we will succeed.”

 

To learn more about these and other organizations doing all they can to help those experiencing homelessness, please check out GreatNonprofits.

 

 

The Basics of Google Analytics

Originally posted on Whole Whale -Google Analytics Basics

Did you know that 4 out of 5 Americans zone out when people talk about Google Analytics?…No they don’t, but that may as well be the statistic. That’s why in this training video we’ve made Google Analytics easy and understandable for you all!

“How Good?” Vs. “How Many?”

So, to gain a basic understanding of GA there are 2 buckets of metrics you want to look at – the “How good?” and the “How many?” In other words, the qualitative and quantitative metrics. (more…)

International Women’s Day

March 8 is International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Just how large is the difference between men and women?

  • Women are two-thirds of the world’s labor force, yet only earn 10 percent of the world’s income
  • Of the world’s 195 countries, only 10 presidents, eight prime ministers, and roughly 19 percent of parliamentarians are women.

Below are just a few of the organizations dedicated to making those numbers a thing of the past:

Virginia Gildersleeve International Fund

New York City

Founded in 1969, the Virginia Gildersleeve International Fund provides grants globally to fund locally generated projects that help improve the lives of women and girls by advancing women’s rights and social justice.

“I have interned for this nonprofit for a while and the work they do is absolutely amazing. VGIF seeks to ensure women in all regions of the world have the same opportunities regardless of circumstances. It’s inspiring to see how many were affected by their work and the difference they have made.”

 

American Association of University Women

Washington, D.C.

Since its founding in 1881, the American Association of University Women has been empowering women as individuals and as a community by advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.

“As a longtime member of AAUW I am proud of their excellent national advocacy of issues pertaining to women and girls, including support of Title IX, women’s health care, equal pay, sexual harassment on campus, and equal math and science opportunities for all students, all of which is supported by AAUW’s highly respected research.”

 

Global Fund for Women

San Francisco

Championing human rights of women and girls worldwide, the Global Fund for Women uses its powerful networks to find, fund, and amplify the courageous work of women who are building social movements and challenging the status quo.

“It is one of the most supportive organizations to the women’s movement I have ever known. GFW has amazing sisterhood approach to the women and women’s organizations around the world and their input to positive changes of women is great. I have known this organization for 10 years and admire their work, energy and enthusiasm. I am very happy and proud to be a member of big GFW family.”

To learn more about these and many other wonderful nonprofits doing the important work of advancing the lives of women, check out GreatNonprofits.

Top-Rated Ovarian Cancer Nonprofits

Ovarian cancer is often called the silent killer because its symptoms—swollen or bloated abdomen, chronic pain in the abdomen or pelvis, and feeling full or experiencing difficulty eating, among them—are often misdiagnosed. That misdiagnosis contributes to ovarian cancer being discovered during stage 1 in only 15 percent of cases. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 22,440 women will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer, and 14,080 women will die from it. Ovarian cancer is also:

  • the No. 1 cause of gynecologic cancer deaths;
  • the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in women; and
  • the 11th most common cancer in women.

According to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance, a woman in the United States is diagnosed with ovarian cancer every 24 minutes. Below are a few of the top-rated nonprofits dedicated to helping women and their families throughout their ordeal:

Ovarian Cancer Connection

Toledo, Ohio

Serving northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, the Ovarian Cancer Connection raises awareness about ovarian cancer, educates the community on the early warning signs of this disease, and supports research vital for early detection and saving lives. The OCC also provides financial assistance to women in the community currently in treatment for ovarian cancer.

“The Ovarian Cancer Connection is one of the most generous non-profits that I know of. During my ovarian Cancer treatments, they gave me a gas card in efforts to offset some of the cost of getting to and from chemo. Then this year for Christmas I received a gift card for Kroger to help with the purchase of groceries during the holidays. Then they turn our town Teal every year in support of ovarian cancer. This is an awesome group of women that are doing awesome things to help people in need!”

 

T.E.A.L.

Brooklyn, N.Y.

Short for Tell Every Amazing Lady About Ovarian Cancer Louisa M. McGregor Ovarian Cancer Foundation, the organization’s name also represents the color that symbolizes ovarian cancer. Founded in 2009, T.E.A.L. promotes public awareness and education of the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of ovarian cancer, while providing support to survivors and raising funds for research in order to find a cure for the disease.

“I became involved in T.E.A.L. as a volunteer through a connection in Scouting with the son of Louisa McGregor, one of the founders of the organization who has since succumbed to ovarian cancer. The Boy Scouts are called to be of service to others as one of our core values. I feel that working with T.E.A.L. is the greatest service project that I now perform on an annual basis because of the impact it has on so many lives.”

 

SHARE

New York, N.Y.

By bringing women and their families and friends together with others who have experienced breast or ovarian cancer, SHARE creates and sustains a supportive network and community of women affected by breast and ovarian cancers provides them with the opportunity to receive and exchange information, support, strength, and hope.

“On my first day after getting home from the hospital, a neighbor mentioned that her boss went to a support group called SHARE. I called the SHARE Helpline the same day I learned about it and was told about a support group. I went once and felt so good to be in the company of these SHARE women that I kept going. It turned out that my support group experience was phenomenal.”

 

To learn more about these organizations helping women and their loved ones in the battle against ovarian cancer, or many others doing similar work, please check out GreatNonprofits.

Top-Rated Cat Protection & Welfare Nonprofits

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates that between 30 and 37 percent of all U.S. households have a cat, between 74 and 96 million owned felines. And owned cats tend to live longer, healthier lives than strays. But what happens when owners have to—or simply want to—give them up? If they enter one of the nation’s nearly 14,000 independent animal shelters, their prospects—thanks to lack of government oversight of these organizations—are not good. Of the approximately 3.4 million cats who enter animal shelters each year:

  • 1.4 million are euthanized
  • 1.2 are adopted
  • Only 100,000 who came in as strays are reunited with their owners

Forty-one percent of all cats entering shelters end up being euthanized. Luckily, there are organizations out there fighting for the lives (all nine of them) of cats, through no-kill shelters and educating the public about spaying or neutering (which is of the utmost importance considering there are up to 70 million stray cats in the country, and each fertile one can produce two litters a year of between four and six kittens). Here are a few of the top-rated nonprofits doing just that:

The Hermitage Cat Shelter

Tucson, Ariz.

Founded more than 50 years ago, the Hermitage Cat Shelter is both an adoption facility and long-term sanctuary for felines considered “adoption-challenged,” including felines who are FIV+ or FeLV+, or have other types of chronic health issues. Accredited as a sanctuary in 2013 by the American Sanctuary Society, all of the Hermitage’s kitties roam free within its 9,000 square feet of outdoor/indoor living space.

“I love The Hermitage! Volunteering there had been an amazing experience. The staff and volunteers genuinely care about the cats and their futures. I love that the shelter is cage free so I can get to know the cats really well. I love this shelter and the message they put out.”

 

Cat Depot

Sarasota, Fla.

Cat Depot works daily to rescue abandoned, abused, injured, relinquished, and free-roaming community/feral cats and kittens. In 2016, the organization rescued 1,532 felines and assisted with local and national rescues.

“In working with Cat Depot as both an advisor and a volunteer, I have seen firsthand the incredible service and care that is not only given to the cats in the shelter, but also to the staff, volunteers, and community. Their adoption facility, education, and continued efforts to control the feline population in the community are just a few of the finer points of the organization. I have adopted two cats from them and have an outstanding experience both times.”

 

Cozy Cat Cottage

Powell, Ohio

Cozy Cat Cottage Adoption Center provides refuge, aid, and care for abandoned, injured, abused, or lost cats and kittens of all ages while attempting to find permanent, responsible, and loving homes for each and every one of them. It is dedicated to promoting respect and compassion for all animals through humane education, and vigorously promoting spay and neutering to reduce—and eventually to eliminate­—the animal overpopulation.

“We have adopted both of our kitties from Cozy Cat and can’t say enough positive things about them. Both Benny and Vincent were well socialized, 100% healthy, and so loving. The staff is super knowledgeable, helpful, and courteous and helped us through the introductory period when we introduced the two cats to each other. I will always adopt from Cozy Cat so long as I live in Ohio and recommend it to anyone!”

 

To learn more about these organizations above, and others dedicated to the important work of protecting cats (and other animals as well), please check out GreatNonprofits.

Top-Rated Scholarships & Student Financial Aid Nonprofits

If you are among the lucky ones, your college-bound senior has maintained a perfect GPA throughout high school and just aced the SATs. Or perhaps even more fortunate, your super-athletic kid can run a 4.3 40 or dunk from the free throw line. In either scenario, all their college expenses will be covered by the school, which is a huge burden lifted from your shoulders. But for nearly everyone else, the news isn’t particularly good: In 2016–17, the average tuition plus fees at private colleges was a whopping $33,480. At public schools, it was $9,650 for state residents and $24,930 for out-of-state residents. And that doesn’t even include room and board, which will generally add at least another $10,000 to the bill. Not enough sticker shock for you? Perhaps this will do the trick then:

  • A 2016 graduate has an average of $37,172 in student loan debt, a 6 percent rise from the previous class.
  • 44 million Americans are a combined $1.3 trillion in student debt.
  • 11 percent of student loans are delinquent by 90 or more days.

Those numbers are enough to scare potential college students, particularly ones who come from low-income families, away from pursuing higher education. Just as scary, achieving your dream and starting college, but soon realizing there won’t be the money to finish. Here are a few nonprofits committed to enabling all kids to fulfill their college dreams.

10,000 Degrees, San Rafael, Calif.

10,000 Degrees’ vision is that every student has the support and resources to earn a college degree and achieve his/her potential, regardless of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. It awards scholarships and helps students find other financial aid grants, which has resulted in a total package of $21,148 per student.

“10,000 Degrees really helped me prepare financially and emotionally to go to college. Such a great program filled with caring and compassionate people who genuinely want to help students achieve their dreams!”

 

Blue White Scholarship Foundation, Wayne, Pa.

The Blue White Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships to deserving Villanova University juniors and seniors who have encountered gaps in funding and financial difficulty that could prevent them from achieving their goal of graduating with a Villanova degree. Its vision is to create a world where no Villanova undergraduate student should have financial hardship preventing him or her from completing their undergraduate degree program.

“Being a part of the Blue White Scholarship Foundation has not only been able to lift the financial burden for me this academic year, but has also connected me with a group of kind-hearted and motivated individuals and peers. I am forever grateful for the community of people that are a part of the Blue White Scholarship Foundation and also their dedication to helping students who really need it.”

 

Students Rising Above, San Francisco

Students Rising Above helps exceptional low-income Bay Area high school students who are overcoming tremendous odds of poverty, homelessness, and neglect, to fulfill their dream of a college education.

“SRA is a phenomenal end-to-end support program for Bay Area-based, low-income, first generation high school students. Rather than simply providing funding for a small subset of students and sending them off to college without proper guidance, they focus on helping them develop the skills necessary to succeed in college, internships, and future careers. This is clearly demonstrated by the 90% college completion rate, which is nine times the national average for low-income, first generation college students.”

 

To learn more about these and other nonprofits working to lessen the financial hardships associated with a college education, check out GreatNonprofits.