Impact

telling our story:

Results from cedc's 30th anniversary outcomes assessment

In recent years, community development corporations and other non-profit organizations have put increasing emphasis on the importance of evaluating a group’s impact on individuals, families and communities. At the Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), this work has taken place through a variety of formats, including surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one discussions with residents and clients. Over recent years, CEDC has also undergone formal assessments of its impact, including a 2003 study of its NeighborWorks® Home Ownership Center clients and a 2006 study of the Real Estate Development Division.

In 2011, as CEDC celebrated its 30th anniversary, we undertook our most comprehensive set of impact assessments to date. This series of evaluations, the high-level results of which are documented in the below attachments, represent a quantitative analysis of the organization’s impact on the local economy, a study of CEDC’s contribution to improving the lives of those who access our housing and services, and a review of changes in opinions and perceptions of affordable housing during CEDC’s four-decade tenure.

With this information in hand, we can better illustrate, both qualitatively and quantitatively, the value of our work and our efforts to improve lives through housing.

Below you will find a summary report of this impact assessment, as well as fact sheets with highlights from each component of the study. We hope that this multi-pronged process and report can serve as a best practice throughout our peer network and inspire other CDCs to consider conducting similar studies, so the field can better tell its story.

Telling Our Story--Final Report, April 2012

CLU Center for Economic Research and Forecasting
CEDC Economic Impact Report, Executive Summary, August 2011

CEDC Economic Impact Fact Sheet
CEDC Rental Property Impact Fact Sheet
NeighborWorks® HomeOwnership Center Impact Fact Sheet

In April 2012, CEDC presented these findings as part of a panel at Housing California’s 2012 Annual Conference. Jill Fioravanti, Director of Organizational Planning at CEDC, moderated a presentation on the study’s methodology and findings, followed by a panel discussion about how quantitative and qualitative evaluations can be used to convey the impact of an organization to various key stakeholders.

Panelists who participated in the workshop included: Kirk Lesh, Economist at Cal Lutheran University’s Center for Economic Research and Forecasting (www.clucerf.org); Alexander Russell, Board President at Housing Opportunities Made Easier (www.vchome.org); Nancy Conk, Chief Executive Officer of CEDC; Alex Sasayama, Public Affairs and Communications Advisor at NeighborWorks® America (www.nw.org); and David Brown, Executive Director of National NeighborWorks® Association (www.nnwa.us).

Click the links below to view video footage of the panel discussion, and the PowerPoint used during the workshop, to further explore how impact studies can enhance the capacity of an organization.    

Part 1 - 'Conveying Your True Impact' Seminar
Part 2 - 'Conveying Your True Impact' Seminar
Part 3 - 'Conveying Your True Impact' Seminar
Part 4 - 'Conveying Your True Impact' Seminar
Part 5 - 'Conveying Your True Impact' Seminar
Part 6 - 'Conveying Your True Impact' Seminar
Part 7 - 'Conveying Your True Impact' Seminar

Housing CA Impact Workshop Presentation Final Powerpoint

If you would like to provide feedback on this information or wish to receive more information about this study, please contact Jennifer Gordon, CEDC's Communications Manager at jgordon@cabrilloedc.org.