Almost all non-profit organizations measure outputs, such as the number of clients served and a large majority look at client characteristics and demographics. Organizations tend to use these measures much more often than outcomes measures because organizations often have multiple goals and stakeholders making evaluating nonprofit programs difficult. Yet evaluation is central to the continued ability of nonprofits to innovate, adapt and make use of scarce resources. Beginning almost 20 years ago, OMOD began measuring outcomes in order to guide management, motivate staff and focus the organization's mission.

Evaluation is essential to continuously improve the services and operations of the organization. It also improves OMOD's capacity to fundraise and advocate on behalf of its clients. The Research and Quality Department at OMOD is primarily responsible for ensuring that these goals are met.

Performance measurement is done through one-time data gathering such as consumer and staff satisfaction surveys and through ongoing measurement. Evaluation plans are developed with the assistance of the Research and Quality Department to guide how this information is gathered and used.

Ongoing program performance measures are used mainly in the day-to-day management of the programs. For the past 10 years, OMOD has had a computerized measurement system to collect, sort and analyze the results of the organization's programs, providing better information for staff, management and funders.

Results are measured against internal and external standards on an ongoing basis by program managers and, periodically, by middle and senior management. Standards are specific samples of excellence based on the outcomes the organization values. They are concrete benchmarks as opposed to average performance goals or vague statements of value or intent. The importance of setting standards is that they enable staff to set targets that will increase the quality of their work. All similar programs must be judged against the same standards.