Empathy and Evaluation
This blog was written by Gemma Clendining, our Fundraising Impact Coordinator. Gemma has previously worked as Head of Impact at Plate It Forward. Her academic work was published in 2025 by Routledge in the anthology ‘Representing Hip Hop Histories, Politics, and Practices in Australia’.
The Importance of Research in the Not-for-Profit Sector
Research is often seen as the backbone of progress across various fields, and the not-for-profit sector is no exception. While my personal journey began with a deep dive into anthropology and archaeology, it was my subsequent career in the for-purpose sector that truly highlighted the vital role research plays in creating meaningful social impact.
Bridging Anthropology and Impact Evaluation
When I graduated with two degrees in anthropology, I initially believed my research skills might go unused. However, my role as a Fundraising Impact Coordinator at The Girls & Boys Brigade quickly dispelled this notion. Here, research is not just beneficial—it is essential. Impact evaluation, a growing necessity in the sector, parallels anthropology in its quest to understand human experiences. Yet, while anthropology asks qualitative questions about people and their experiences, impact evaluation seeks to quantify these experiences to articulate causes and effects.
This quantification is crucial for communicating the significance of programs and initiatives to stakeholders. But numbers alone are insufficient. They lack the depth needed to fully convey the human emotions and stories behind them. This is where the principles of anthropology become invaluable. By integrating these principles into our impact evaluation, we can better express the emotions, thoughts, and lived experiences of the young people and families we serve.
A Holistic Approach to Evaluation
Our approach to impact evaluation includes not only surveys and metrics but also interviews, observations, and reflections. These qualitative methods allow us to paint a comprehensive picture of how our services affect the lives of our community members. By engaging directly with those we aim to help, we gather insights that go beyond mere statistics, capturing the nuances of their experiences and the changes they undergo.
Moreover, anthropology offers a sensitivity to evaluative research, enabling us to become an integral part of the communities we work with. This immersion fosters trust and understanding, both of which are crucial for creating positive change. By seeing the world through the eyes of those we serve, we can tailor our programs to better meet their needs and aspirations.
Research in the not-for-profit sector is not just about data collection; it is about understanding and empathy. By blending quantitative and qualitative methodologies, we can ensure our efforts are not only measurable but also meaningful. Ultimately, anthropology encourages us to see the story behind a number, and it is through these stories that we can truly make a difference.
