Measure Ignite

Measure Ignite (see video walkthrough here) is an innovative social platform designed to empower and connect leaders from Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities. Available free of charge to small businesses, BIPOC leaders of nonprofit organizations and grassroots initiatives (the small businesses of the social justice space), the platform will operate as a catalyst for social justice initiatives, enabling these leaders to collaborate, showcase their impact, secure funding, and amplify their collective efforts. 

Ignite is poised to bridge the gap between small business owners and the vital work of social change within their neighborhoods. By providing a dedicated space for these entrepreneurs to express their passions and concerns, Ignite empowers them to engage directly with the causes they care about most. Through this platform, small business owners can effortlessly connect with organizers and organizations that are at the forefront of addressing complex social issues.

The platform's unique features enable them to share their support, donations, and community involvement, fostering a sense of transparency and connection with their local neighborhoods. This newfound visibility not only highlights their dedication but also encourages others to follow suit, amplifying the impact of their efforts.

Measure Ignite will offer a structured process to input data, metrics, and qualitative information about their projects' outcomes and achievements. Data analytics and visualization tools will create comprehensive impact reports demonstrating the tangible results of these efforts. 

A local cultural arts organization in Austin called DAWA always says, "Our community is our greatest technology" to add to this, the underlying technology and processes employed by Measure Ignite will play a crucial role:

Knowledge Integration and Sharing: Ignite's technology will act as a virtual repository of historical, lived, and ancestral experiences from diverse communities. It will employ advanced data processing techniques to aggregate and integrate this wealth of knowledge into a cohesive digital ecosystem. This integration will enables leader to share insights, traditional practices, and innovative solutions, creating a collaborative space that draws from the collective wisdom of the community.

Networking and Collaboration: The platform will employ advanced algorithms and intelligent matching mechanisms to suggest potential collaborations based on shared interests, expertise, and goals.

Impact Reporting: A core feature of Measure Ignite is its capability to track, measure, and showcase the impact of various social justice projects and initiatives led by Black, Brown, and Indigenous leaders. This will involve a structured process where leaders will input data, metrics, and qualitative information about their projects' outcomes and achievements. A key aspect of our innovation, the inclusion of lived experience data, will recognize and acknowledge the cultural, historical contexts and result in a richer, more truthful picture of impacts than numbers alone. The platform will utilize data analytics and visualization tools to create comprehensive impact reports that demonstrate the tangible results of the projects.

Anti-Racist Funding Opportunities: This streamlined process will enhance leaders' chances of securing financial support to further their social justice initiatives.

Force Multiplier Effect: The platform will provide tools for seamless coordination, knowledge sharing, and joint campaigns, ultimately leading to a more significant and lasting impact on social justice issues.

User-Centric Interface: Ignite's user-centric interface will be intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing leaders to seamlessly engage with the platform, share their stories, access resources, and connect with others. By prioritizing user experience, Ignite encourages active participation and knowledge exchange within the community.

Measure Ignite will leverage a cutting-edge technology stack to facilitate its operations:

• Machine Learning and AI: The platform will utilize machine learning algorithms to analyze data, identify trends, and make personalized recommendations for collaborations and funding opportunities.
• Data Analytics and Visualization: Advanced data analytics tools will be employed to process and visualize the impact data submitted by leaders. This will enable the creation of visually engaging reports that highlight the societal changes brought about by their initiatives.
• Secure Networking Infrastructure: To ensure the privacy and security of user interactions, Measure Ignite will implement robust encryption protocols and secure communication channels.
• Cloud Computing: The platform will be hosted on scalable cloud infrastructure, enabling seamless access for users and efficient handling of data processing demands.
• User-Friendly Interface: Measure Ignite will feature an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy for leaders to navigate, input data, collaborate, and access funding opportunities.
• Community Engagement Tools: The platform will incorporatesfeatures such as forums, discussion boards, and messaging systems to foster active engagement and knowledge sharing among community leaders.

In 2021 Measure partnered The Black Leaders Collective in Austin through a research project, found that 79% of Black-led nonprofits in Austin lacked a place to track or measure their impact. Measure Ignite's technology directly addresses this need by providing a platform for impact measurement, reporting, and collaboration. This suggests that Measure Ignite's technology will fill a critical gap in the community. With your financial support, we will be able to pilot the prototype, and through the processes detailed below, learn how well the technology works.

Quantitative and Qualitative Data: Track the progress of nonprofits that have adopted Ignite's technology. Measure how many organizations have successfully started tracking and measuring their impact after using the platform. Additionally, collect qualitative data through surveys, interviews, and testimonials from nonprofit leaders who have experienced positive changes using Ignite.

Impact Reports: Create impact reports showcasing the progress and success stories of nonprofits that have utilized Ignite's technology. Highlight specific projects that have measured and reported their impact using the platform. These reports can demonstrate how Ignite's technology has enabled these nonprofits to effectively track and communicate their contributions to social justice.

Partnerships and Collaborations: Highlight instances where nonprofits have come together to collaborate on a common cause through Ignite's technology. Showcase how these collaborations have led to more significant and sustainable impact, emphasizing the platform's role as a facilitator of collective action.

Long-Term Data Analysis: Over time, analyze the data collected from nonprofits using Ignite's technology. Compare the impact measurement capabilities of these organizations before and after adopting the platform. Longitudinal data can provide insights into the sustained effectiveness and growth enabled by Ignite.

Case Studies: Develop detailed case studies that illustrate the journey of specific Black-led nonprofits in Austin. Showcase how these organizations used Ignite's technology to overcome challenges related to impact tracking, leading to increased funding opportunities, improved efficiency, and stronger community engagement.

Ignite serves the BIPOC community through the good work of local community organizers, small (local) businesses owners and philanthropists. The goal is to create a space where equity goals might be shared publicly and a place where companies and philanthropic institutions might connect with the power of BIPOC-led movement making. So many small businesses made commitments to supporting social justice after the murder of George Floyd, but their was no tangible to track these initiatives. This free platform will allow locals businesses to track those metrics, encourage their staff to participate and be authentically connected to the local community organizations in their city. Measure takes an approach by ensuring BIPOC-led organizations and communities have access to relevant data—allowing them to better meet the needs of the populations they support. At the heart of our work is the CARE Model, developed alongside over 400 community members:

Community: Involve community throughout the process
Advocacy: Advocate with community to address disparities
Resilience: Generate solutions that strengthen community resilience
Evidence: Use data and evidence for decisions

The landscape of nonprofit and grassroots organizations that are led by BIPOC is uncharted and there is no good data out there to tell us how many there are. This is another goal for Ignite. We would like to be a comprehensive data source to measure the number of BIPOC-led organizations in America and beyond. 

Since our founding, we have provided data support to 63 organizations that address issues like housing justice, human trafficking, basic income, and recruiting and retaining Black teachers. Over time, our focus has shifted from Measure facilitating the CARE Model process for community organizations, to building capacity by training BIPOC leaders to facilitate the process themselves. Measure Ignite is the next logical step, and will exponentially expand our reach and impact. 

Our solution, Measure Ignite, aligns perfectly with this dimension of the challenge:

• Data and impact: Capturing, synthesizing, optimizing, and/or displaying data for business intelligence, impact evaluation, and/or improved decision making for resource allocation.

First, we must clarify that "business" in our space means working toward social justice. Measure Ignite will guide, encourage and allow local business owners, philanthropic organizations and leaders, many for the first time, to collect and use data related to their organizations' impact and outcomes. 

Utilizing data analytics and visualization tools, Measure Ignite will create comprehensive impact reports to demonstrate the tangible results of projects and organizations. These reports will give leaders a sense of how well they are meeting the needs of the people and populations they serve, and help them make decisions to maximize their allocation of resources (i.e., people, knowledge, cash), and adjust their strategies and approaches to the social issues they are addressing.

Too often metrics are a secret between an organization and a funder, something to check off a box and put on the shelf. Measure Ignite will take data out of the dark, making it a utility in the lives of our local communities . The "social" aspect of the platform will allow leaders to see how others are doing, connect to compare notes, share lessons learned, and do better together.

Our Theory of Change embraces the possibility to transform the way small businesses and BIPOC led organizations connect with one another, champion each other work and use data to elevate their work. We conceptualize this through the following two If & Then Theory of Change statements: 

• If Ignite connects and empowers Powerful Black, Brown, and Indigenous leaders within a collaborative digital ecosystem (Connect and Empower), then it'll leverages technology to facilitate meaningful collaborations, knowledge sharing, and data-driven impact measurement (Leverage Technology).
• If BIPOC leaders, local small businesses and philanthropists effectively track, measure, and report the impact of their social justice initiatives through Ignite (Amplify Impact), then this emphasis on impact measurement will empowers them to demonstrate tangible outcomes, attracting support, funding and resources.

Immediate Outputs:

A. Connect and Empower:

• Immediate Output: BIPOC leaders join Ignite's collaborative platform, creating a network of diverse expertise.
• Longer-Term Outcome: Strengthened connections lead to enhanced collaboration, knowledge exchange, and shared resources among BIPOC organizations, fostering a sense of community and collective empowerment.

B. Leverage Technology:

• Immediate Output: BIPOC leaders utilize Ignite's AI-driven matching and data analytics tools to find potential collaborators and partners.
• Longer-Term Outcome: Increased collaboration and partnerships lead to the development of innovative solutions, expanded projects, and enhanced capacity-building for BIPOC organizations.

C. Amplify Impact:

• Immediate Output: BIPOC organizations input impact data and metrics into Ignite's platform, creating evidence-based impact reports.
• Longer-Term Outcome: Improved ability to showcase and communicate impact attracts funding, resources, and increased visibility, enabling BIPOC-led initiatives to grow and sustain their efforts.

Longer-Term Outcomes:

Enhanced Collaboration and Innovation:

• Longer-Term Outcome: Strengthened connections and collaborations among BIPOC organizations lead to the co-creation of innovative solutions, strategies, and initiatives to address systemic challenges.

Increased Funding and Sustainability:

• Longer-Term Outcome: The ability to showcase impact attracts funding and resources, ensuring the sustainability and growth of BIPOC-led initiatives over time.

Empowerment and Capacity Building:

• Longer-Term Outcome: Through knowledge exchange and collaboration, BIPOC leaders develop enhanced skills, resources, and capabilities, driving the capacity of their organizations to create lasting change.

Systemic Change and Advocacy:

• Longer-Term Outcome: The collective impact of BIPOC-led organizations drive systemic change, policy advocacy, and a more equitable societal landscape.

Nonprofits are indeed akin to small businesses within the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community, playing a vital role in addressing social, economic, and systemic challenges unique to our communities. There is a myriad of ways in which nonprofits operate similarly to small businesses while serving as vehicles for empowerment, advocacy, and social change within the BIPOC context. Yet in still, Measure Ignite will also serve traditional "small businesses" to support them in their DEI efforts, impact reporting and community engagement efforts. 

Measure has served 63 NPO's and Small Business Organizations 

Next Year, through the launch of Ignite we aim to serve 300 small businesses on the platform. 

In 2028 Measure Ignite aims to host over 1 Million Users  with 25% of these users being small businesses who are interested in social change support. 

Our commitment to supporting BIPOC-led organizations serving BIPOC communities reflects our profound dedication to a community-defined approach. We are based in Austin, TX but our work is now national. Our community influences our organizational strategy as we take a "Community First " approach to strategic planning every year. We recognize that those most directly impacted by historical inequities are the true architects of our work. Every facet of Measure's core endeavors is intricately woven into the tapestry of addressing the specific needs of communities molded by the intricate interplay of socially sanctioned distinctions, spanning race, gender, class, sexuality, citizenship status, and disability.

This exemplifies how we operate in tandem with the communities we serve. Our commitment to listening to our community goes beyond rhetoric, extending to the very essence of our actions. 

Trust is built though relationship, actively listening and honoring the space in which we take up alongside our community. Our CARE Model philosophy finds concrete expression in the actionable steps we take. For instance, Measure actively engaged in conducting focus groups in collaboration with Partners in Parenting (PIP). PIP stands as a beacon of support, offering crucial weekly sessions for new parents whose identities encompass Spanish-speaking, BIPOC, and/or LGBTQIA+ dimensions.

Our collaborative efforts yielded a profound series of findings. These findings not only shed light on the lived experiences of these families but also forged a path forward—a road map, if you will—for PIP to enhance its services and enrich its sphere of influence. Our focus groups became a conduit for amplifying voices, a means to empower those who have historically been on the margins, and a testament to our belief in the inherent power of community-defined solutions.

Our impact goals for the current year and the next five years center around the launch of Measure Ignite. This year, our primary focus is on fine-tuning Ignite's infrastructure, ensuring a seamless user experience, and garnering strategic partnerships. We launch for Beta on October 1,2023. Over the next five years, our ambitions broaden significantly:

Current Year (Year 1): Our initial year is dedicated to the foundational BETA launch of Ignite. We aim to onboard a diverse range of users, curating a dynamic ecosystem of individuals seeking each other, funding, a place to measure their impact and find funding. 

Year 2 - 5: By Year 2, we aim to have Ignite significantly promoted and funded by philanthropic organizations, equipping grantees and other organizers with vital data to share their impact. Year 3 sees us extending Ignite's reach internationally, fostering global networks of BIPOC organizers. In Year 4, we plan to scale Ignite's accessibility to underserved countries further supporting the global diaspora through partnerships with local organizations. By Year 5, we aspire to have Ignite become a pivotal resource for BIPOC-led organizations, businesses and philanthropists supporting millions worldwide.

To achieve these milestones, we will employ a multi-pronged strategy. Internally, our team will continuously enhance Ignite's content, adapt to user feedback, and innovate its features to cater to evolving needs. Externally, strategic partnerships with philanthopic organizations, major BIPOC-led networks, NGOs, and corporations will help us extend Ignite's impact. 

Ignite's transformational potential lies in its ability to democratize access to data, resource, and unity. 

I am applying for the Truist Foundation Inspire Awards because of the incredible opportunity it presents to amplify the impact of my initiative, Ignite. This award signifies more than just being "seen" as a Black woman in technology; it is a strategic platform that can catalyze the growth and reach of Ignite.

As I navigate the dynamic landscape of social impact, I recognize the pivotal role of a strong and engaged board. A well-structured board brings diverse expertise, insights, and networks that can elevate Ignite's effectiveness and influence. I am committed to nurturing and engaging my board members to be active champions of Ignite's mission. Through the support of the Truist Foundation Inspire Awards, I hope to develop my board members into a cohesive unit, aligned with our goals, and equipped to contribute meaningfully to the launch of Ignite.

I also acknowledge that the journey to launch Ignite is a collective endeavor. To ensure its successful national outreach and powerful storytelling, I am hopeful to gain the support offered by the six-month program. 

Our partnership goals are centered around strengthening the impact and reach of Ignite. We work to form strategic collaborations that align with our mission of fostering collaboration, empowerment, and social justice within BIPOC communities. More specifically, here are ways in which this partnership can be measured. We seek partners who share our values and are committed to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and social justice. Assistance in identifying partners who align with our vision and mission would be invaluable. Collaborating with partners who can provide resources such as funding, technical expertise, and operational support is crucial. Assistance in connecting with potential partners who can offer these resources would greatly enhance our capacity. Finally, creation of a strategy for a national outreach. Expanding our reach across diverse communities requires a broad national presence. We need help in establishing partnerships that can facilitate our national outreach efforts, particularly in areas where our impact is needed most.