Giving Compass' Take:

• Third Sector Capital details how its helping local governments produce measurable outcomes to serve the two-generation needs of vulnerable children and families.

• It all boils down to data: How we gather it and use it. In what ways can the partnerships described in this post serve as a model for other organizations looking to build impact?

• Here's how another organization uses data insights to execute its mission.

Local and state governments collect vast amounts of information in the course of delivering social services to children and their families. Unfortunately, many government agencies are unable to use that valuable data to assess program impact and improve quality. This is because data are rarely connected across agencies and almost never used to allocate government spending. In the absence of integrated data and outcomes-oriented contracting, governments struggle to make good decisions about how to spend tax dollars or engage in the continuous improvement required to truly make a difference in people’s lives.

“We are proud to launch this innovative effort with AISP to harness the power of data and provide governments the opportunity to develop outcomes-driven programs that have a measurable, positive impact. These governments have shown vision and commitment to improving program evaluation, policy analysis capacity, and outcomes contracting affecting thousands of families in need,” said Caroline Whistler, CEO of Third Sector Capital Partners.

Following a two-pronged approach, AISP will support each community in developing a sustainable IDS infrastructure for program evaluation, policy analysis, and systems reform while Third Sector will work with the communities to leverage their data insights to develop new outcomes contracts that will direct resources to programs that deliver measurable results.

Read the full article on integrated data to improve family outcomes by Emily Wood at Third Sector Capital Partners.

The five awardees, along with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and King County, Washington, will also participate in a national Learning Community, providing a peer support network to exchange best practices, brainstorm solutions to common challenges, and connect with leading experts in the field.