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This article explores the role and importance of impact evaluations in understanding effective solutions to social problems. It acknowledges that impact evaluations can be a valuable investment in certain circumstances, but also highlights the trade-off between immediate assistance and long-term research. The article provides examples of successful impact evaluations that have influenced policy changes and improved development knowledge. However, it cautions against poorly designed evaluations that can waste resources and produce misleading results. The article suggests the need for a "right-fit" evidence system and offers alternative approaches when impact evaluation is not feasible or worth the cost. It emphasizes the importance of monitoring implementation and collecting credible and actionable data for organizational decision-making. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses reason on why nonprofit organizations should not make or measure impact assessment on the undertakings that they do. It mentions the effects of good impact evaluations on most organizations including to address policy relevant questions and the development of best practices. It cites several tools that can be used by organizations instead of impact assessment, which include the Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) aimed to address poverty.