In an environment of growing societal challenges, nonprofits must clearly demonstrate their value more than ever before. In this context, focusing on impact is becoming increasingly important.

In the lead article, we explain why impact has become a central, common language in the nonprofit sector. One important tool for practical implementation is the “Social Impact Navigator”, which has been helping organizations plan and implement projects in an impact-oriented manner for many years. In an interview, Andreas Rickert, the founder and CEO of PHINEO, discusses how the Navigator was developed and its practical value in the daily project work of many organizations.

Another article by Dr. Steffen Bethmann addresses the question of what happens when the intended impact fails to materialize, advocating for a more open discussion of learning processes. Dr. Elisabeth Hasse points out that the question of impact is often framed differently in the cultural sector because the focus is on dialogue about values and societal contributions, rather than on measuring individual outcomes. Finally, Milan Weller presents the book Adventure Finance, a book offering new perspectives on impact-oriented financing models.

Those wishing to delve deeper into impact management will find relevant opportunities in CEPS’s executive education offerings, such as the newly revised CAS Wirkungsmanagement in NPO, which provide the chance to systematically build and apply relevant competencies.

We hope you enjoy reading.

The issue can be downloaded free of charge here.