Our impact
Internally we use the data points to monitor the route and identify adjustment needs throughout the projects, creating effectiveness and agility in crisis management or adaptation needs. We also use the data to ascertain learning in the final balance of each project, internalizing lessons that will serve other processes. As our purpose is to reduce social and gender inequalities by creating opportunities that value and conserve socio-biodiversity, we have been looking into how to measure and demonstrate these results in recent years. Our concern is to collect data that matters both internally and externally.
Externally, we use the data to show the results to beneficiaries, partners, and funders. It is important that everyone who is part of the chain can understand and celebrate the results, as these statements are fundamental for attracting new investments from the partners who provide the resources. One of our challenges is the joint measurement (compilation) of projects of different natures.
As we work on the development of studies, lectures, training, research, listening, mentoring, networking, and the implementation of complex territorial development projects, it is difficult to minimize “Raízes’ impact” to just a few figures.
On our website, visitors will find a page for each project that contains information on the main results, as well as transparency concerning funders, duration, territory, team, and other data points. We have been looking for ways to expand the measurement of impact (and not just results) by monitoring businesses already supported by Raízes. We aim to check whether the benefits gained from mentoring and other projects remain in place over the long term. In the most recent initiatives, we have begun to adopt control groups for more precise investigations in the future.
In terms of processes, we were certified as a B Corp in 2014 (one of the first 10 B corps in Brazil) and we use the certification as it should be: a path and a guide for constant improvement. We have an internal committee responsible for evaluating and improving our processes and methods to become an increasingly inclusive, equitable, and regenerative business that benefits people and the planet.
