Inputs are resources. Outputs are activities. Outcomes answer the all important question, “So What?”.
What will be the results of your work? Funders are not interested in paying to keep you going. They want to make change in the community.
If children learn to dance with your group, what is the benefit? If a garden is planted, what is the benefit? There must be a connection between what you do and the needs you have talked about and vice versa – children’s health, older people’s social inclusion, poor communities’ healthy air and diets. The outcomes are needs responded to.
Often it is your front line workers and volunteers who are most clear about the changes you are making to individuals. Evaluation helps you gather quotes and stories to pass on.