New tool helps nonprofits analyze program outcomes

Sprout Insight, the market research and insight consultancy, has added a new addition to its suite of research services called ShutterLIGHT. ShutterLIGHT integrates a user-friendly online research platform to help nonprofits collect and analyze data to document program outcomes. Integrating ShutterLIGHT into the outcomes measurement process increases staff efficiency and data accuracy.
 
“Before starting Sprout Insight just under three years ago, we ran a nonprofit called Harmony Garden for many years,” says Lisa Mills, co-founder of Sprought Insight. “We understand that it can be a struggle and you often are dealing with very limited resources. ShutterLIGHT helps with the daunting task of documenting outcomes through a cloud-based service and simplifies what used to be a very time consuming process.”
 
Sprout Insight believes that with the correct focus, filter and frame (its three-step process of integrating ShutterLIGHT), nonprofits can leverage the power of this new technology to maximize and target resources toward meeting business objectives and organizational mission.
 
“Nonprofits need to become more modern and incorporate these systems to understand the community they are working with and addressing,” Mills says. “With our three-step process, we help them identify the right question to answer, fine tune and further customize measurements, and create opportunities for them to receive a return on their investment.”
 
After pivoting to become Sprout Insight in early 2012, one of the biggest projects Mills and company have landed so far is through a partnership with a group called Student Sports, based in Los Angeles. The company has been looking to learn more about high school boys, one of its most important segments.
 
“Through this partnership and the technology and research methods we have, we are gaining insights into this segment that help us better understand what their challenges and preferences are,” Mills says. “We have 5,000 teenage boys on a panel, some of which are elite high school athletes. Given the prominence of issues like bullying and concussions in sports right now, we think it is especially important to help the public better understand these students.”
 
To learn more about Sprout Insight, check out their website here.

By Mike Sarason

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