What we are committing to, in public.
The Global Institute for Sustainable Development (GISD) has committed to specific, published targets for fiscal years 2027 through 2029, tracked quarterly against actuals and reviewed by its board. An impact summary is published each June.
By the end of FY2029.
Volume without quality is not impact.
The first full programming year.
- 4 flagship cohorts, producing 80 to 100 graduates.
- 250+ workshop participants.
- 6+ community events with 900+ reach.
- 8 to 10 institutional partnerships.
- AI for Mission pilot cohort and formation of the Virginia Nonprofit AI Network.
How we create change
Inputs
- Experienced volunteer leadership
- Subject matter experts and mentors
- Partners and funders
- Technology platforms
Activities
- Cohort training
- Workshops and forums
- Mentorship matching
- Applied research
Outputs
- Participants trained
- Credentials completed
- Events and attendance
- Research briefs published
Outcomes
- Job placement and advancement
- New ventures and freelance income
- Greater digital and AI confidence
- Stronger local networks
GISD tracks participation, completion, skills gains through pre and post assessment, employment and income outcomes, and participant satisfaction, and uses the results to refine program design.
Questions about how GISD measures itself
How does GISD measure its impact?
Against a board-adopted strategic plan for fiscal years 2027 to 2029 that sets specific targets in advance. Progress is reported monthly to the board, reviewed quarterly against the plan, and published in an impact summary each June.
Why does GISD publish targets before results?
Because publishing the targets first is how an organization asks to be held to them. A target published only after it has been met is a description, not a commitment.
What happens if GISD misses a target?
It appears in the annual impact summary alongside the ones that were met. The plan is reviewed annually and the targets are adjusted openly rather than quietly.
Who reviews GISD performance?
The volunteer board of directors, quarterly, against the plan it adopted. The executive director reports monthly.
How the commitments stay honest.
- Monthly Executive Director reporting to the board.
- Quarterly board review of KPIs against the plan.
- Annual plan review and a published impact summary each June.