D04: Laying the Groundwork for Shared Measures
Track
Learning for Improvement
Session Designer
Brian Paulson, Pohlad Family Foundation
Session Description
The use of data-driven decision-making and outcome-based funding are popular ideas, but are more often aspirational than practical to implement for funders and nonprofits. We use metrics that are often ill-defined and focused more on activities than outcomes, and we conduct our evaluation and learning activities in isolation from peers and practitioners who could benefit from information that informs and improves their work. Without common performance measures across funding streams, grantmakers and nonprofits have a limited understanding of what works, for whom and at what level. If measuring outcomes and identifying effective practices in a larger field is a challenge you face, join this session to explore with peers how grantmakers lay the groundwork for shared learning and alignment in assessing performance. You’ll hear about the work of MSPWin, a workforce funders collaborative in the Twin Cities, whose members are tackling this challenge, ultimately leading to consistency in measuring performance across public and private funding and community job training programs.
Session Designers
Brian Paulson, Pohlad Family Foundation
Speakers
![[photo]](https://8ca84662c5b8f0cff50d-4baaaf97d63fd7b01243e1b1c57f0cc1.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/1109/profile_cea364c825bb5087ed42258869776c48.png "Rachel Speck, Greater Twin Cities United Way")
Rachel Speck, Greater Twin Cities United Way
Biography
As a Community Impact Program Manager, Rachel Speck oversees an annual grants portfolio of $5 million, partnering with non-profits working to advance education and career opportunities for low-income adults in the Twin Cities area. In addition to grantmaking, her work involves collaboration with philanthropic funders, City, County and State agencies, and community-based organizations to support collaboration, increase transparency and structure policies to increase access and quality across human services. Prior to joining United Way in 2012, Rachel obtained her Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the Humphrey School.
![[photo]](https://8ca84662c5b8f0cff50d-4baaaf97d63fd7b01243e1b1c57f0cc1.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/1108/profile_16278655f4c305c6627dfb50e2f2d860.png "Brian Paulson, Pohlad Family Foundation")
Brian Paulson, Pohlad Family Foundation
Biography
Brian has 15+ years of experience in the social sector, serving families living in poverty through direct practice, developing and managing programs, and grantmaking. Brian has been involved in a number of systems change efforts locally and nationally, including Minnesota Adult Career Pathways, Pay for Success financing models, and evidence-based policy. Brian is a creative, strategic thinker with expertise and skills that help advance large?scale change. He served as co?chair of Workforce Matters, a national funders affinity group, is a board member of the Corporation for a Skilled Workforce, and has been active in a number of national policy venues.
![[photo]](https://8ca84662c5b8f0cff50d-4baaaf97d63fd7b01243e1b1c57f0cc1.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/1110/profile_82026b52566f0ccda14ece477dc5d800.png "Ruby Azurdia-Lee, CLUES (Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio)")
Ruby Azurdia-Lee, CLUES (Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio)
Biography
Ruby joined CLUES in August 2012, after a long professional career in philanthropy, media, and government. As the President of Minnesota’s largest Latino nonprofit, she oversees a $6+ million budget, 100 employees, and several programs and initiatives that focus on economic empowerment, behavioral health and healthcare, and family support services for Latinos and new immigrants. Ruby was born and raised in Guatemala City where her family still resides. She has been a strong advocate of Latinos and immigrants across the country and believes that collaboration and inclusion are two vital tools in finding solutions to the challenges immigrants face today.