AI Tools: Using AI to Buildout Better Impact Metrics

by Robert Yoo, Senior Consultant, Grants

With the rapid adoption of AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot, many nonprofits are exploring how AI can strengthen their case for support. One particularly useful way to use AI is to refine your current impact metrics and/or buildout new benchmarks to better define your impact. While many of you have already found prompts that work really great for you, we wanted to provide some additional prompts you can try out.

Prompt 1: Strengthen Existing Outcomes

Review the following program description and current impact metrics. Suggest refinements that make the outcomes clearer, more measurable, and more compelling to grant funders. Align recommendations with common nonprofit evaluation standards used by foundations (e.g., participation, behavior change, access, or systems-level outcomes). Use only well-established nonprofit evaluation frameworks, credible publications, and peer-reviewed or government research. Do not cite blogs or opinion sources.

[Paste your program description and current metrics]

Prompt 2: Identify Missing Metrics Funders Expect

Based on the program description below, identify 5-8 additional quantitative and qualitative impact metrics that grant funders typically expect for this type of program. Prioritize outcomes commonly used by national and regional foundations and public funders. Ground suggestions in credible sources such as peer-reviewed research, government agencies, or nationally recognized nonprofits. Do not include speculative or experimental metrics.

[Paste your program description]

Prompt 3: Set Realistic Benchmarks

Using the impact metrics listed below, recommend realistic annual benchmarks (percentages or counts) for a nonprofit program of this size and scope. Base benchmarks on credible sector research, government data, or established nonprofit evaluation practices. Clearly note where benchmarks are conservative, moderate, or ambitious to help align with different funder expectations.

[Paste your metrics and basic program scale, e.g., number served]

Prompt 4: Align Metrics to a Theory of Change

Help map the following program activities and outcomes into a clear short-term, mid-term, and long-term impact framework that aligns with how grant funders evaluate impact. Ensure outcomes reflect commonly accepted nonprofit indicators (knowledge, behavior, access, stability, or systems change). Use only widely recognized evaluation approaches and credible research to inform the structure.

[Paste your activities and outcomes]

Reach out to The Ostara Group today to learn more about how to use AI to strengthen your impact metrics.