Throughline is a framework for connecting the dots between an organization’s mission, its programs, how those programs are designed, and what the organization learns from them.
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It brings together three tools and together they create a connection between purpose, design, and learning so organizations can make more intentional decisions about their work.
MissionLink starts with the organization. It connects mission, priorities, and evidence to a specific program and establishes a clear program purpose, ensuring programs and initiatives align with organizational missions and priorities.
TrueNorth takes that purpose into the program. It provides a systematic way to design the program around what it needs to accomplish, identifying the functions, systems, processes, roles, and measures that support the work.
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TrueNorth is a free tool for nonprofit leaders.
Signal looks at what happens in practice. It establishes meaningful measures and targets and uses data to evaluate progress, generate learning, and inform decisions.
Together, these tools create a throughline from what the organization is trying to accomplish to how programs are designed, measured, and improved.
