The RISE Framework for Social Change
Developed by Rebecca Riccio, Director, The Social Impact Lab at Northeastern University
How is your favorite organization doing | 5 = Great! This is a strength. | |||||||
3 = Okay, but we could do better. | ||||||||
in each of these areas? | ||||||||
1 = We really need improvement. | ||||||||
Strong relationships with and a deep | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |||
understanding of individuals and community | ||||||||
served. | ||||||||
Clarity about need or issue being addressed. | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |||
RELEVANCE | Awareness of key actors and stakeholders; | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||
openness to collaboration. | ||||||||
Solid understanding of “what works,” lessons | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |||
learned, and best practice in the field. | ||||||||
A real opportunity exists to effect change. | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |||
Overall success in achieving Relevance | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |||
Clear definition of “success” and desired | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |||
results. | ||||||||
Use of research, data, experience, best | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |||
practice or other reliable information in program | ||||||||
design. | ||||||||
IMPACT | Program design logically “connects the dots” | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||
between activities and intended results. | ||||||||
Accountability for results and making a | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |||
difference. | ||||||||
Evaluation is used as a continual learning and | ||||||||
improvement process. | ||||||||
Overall success in achieving Impact | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |||
Clarity about real cost of doing business, | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |||
including fair salaries and the overhead | ||||||||
necessary to be successful. | ||||||||
Clear business model. | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |||
SUSTAINABILITY | Strong value proposition to potential funders. | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||
Reliable funding streams from multiple sources. | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |||
Effective financial management, accountability, | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |||
and transparency. | ||||||||
Overall success in achieving Sustainability | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |||
Compliance w/ state and federal requirements. | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |||
Well-qualified executive director and staff. | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |||
Board of Directors qualified to govern, plan, and | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |||
EXCELLENCE IN | fundraise effectively. | |||||||
Marketing and communication materials are | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |||
MANAGEMENT & | ||||||||
OPERATIONS | professional, engaging, and comprehensive. | |||||||
Appropriate and effective legal, financial, HR, | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |||
IT, and facilities management systems. | ||||||||
Overall success in achieving | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |||
Excellence in Management and Operations | ||||||||