We are currently phasing out the Performance Management Learning Community (PMLC). As we develop our new 5-year strategic plan, we will be considering how our future commitment to data-informed nonprofit work will be designed. Please contact Frank Ridzi with any questions. 

The Performance Management Learning Community (PMLC) offered grants and learning opportunities to nonprofits looking to improve data measurement, which includes such things as database management and statistical analysis, to help track efforts and look for trends. This assists organizations in identifying what is working and what’s not, leading to the development of more effective programming, funding competitiveness and impactful storytelling. The program consisted of three courses: Performance Management Prep, Intermediate and Pro. Applicants had to commit to participating in a monthly learning community in order to qualify for a grant.

  • Built capacity to demonstrate both outcomes (i.e. measureable impact on community needs) and outputs (i.e. number of people served)
  • Addressed an identifiable community need (preference to literacy, lead poisoning prevention or poverty programs)
  • Used a logical approach, emphasize assessment and have long-term sustainability
  • Created a new, or improve a current, process for data collection
  • May have involved one organization or a collaboration between multiple organizations
  • Could have involve hiring and working with consultants or external evaluators

Additional Information about the Program

  • For learning the concepts of gathering and utilizing data
  • Four-month course that typically ran from February through May
  • Typically included one Learning Community Session per month
  • Allowed participants to share their project implementation experiences with each other and eventually with the wider Central New York Region
  • Yearlong course with intensive Learning Community Sessions in the months of January and June
  • Participants collaborated, shared and developed a project to implement within the Central New York region
  • Four-month course that typically ran from January through April
  • Typically included one to two Learning Community Sessions per month
PMLC Prep PMLC Intermediate PMLC Pro
Audience Intended for organizations that are in the beginning stages of using data management. Intended for organizations that have begun using data to create reports, but have yet to master the skills to produce charts, graphs, and analysis to drive decision making. Intended for organizations that have mastered the skills listed in Prep and Pro – but are interested in working with other organizations to collaborate and network on best ways to solve community needs.
Requirements Complete Life Needs Assessment Surveys of 100 clients

Attend six learning community sessions

Complete Life Needs Assessment Surveys of 100 clients

Attend ten learning community sessions

Complete ten labs

Provide midterm assessment and final report

Complete Life Needs Assessments Surveys of 100 clients

Attend six learning community sessions

Develop a joint white paper based on results of Life Needs Assessment Survey

Participants Beginner/Novice data managers

Grant writers

Program Associates

New learning community participants

Intermediate data managers

Grant writers

Program Managers

New or previous learning community participants

Proficient data managers

Program Officers or Directors

Previous learning community participants

Grant Amount Up to $5,000 Up to $20,000 Up to $5,000

The Life Needs Assessment is a collaborative effort to assess and respond to the needs of our clients. Our partner organizations, including all Performance Management Learning Community participants, continue to collect and evaluate responses to the survey to develop a more robust picture of each neighborhood’s distinctive characteristics and needs.

All Performance Management grantees were expected to collect data from the clients of their proposed programs using the needs assessment survey and share de-identified data at the census tract level with other members of their learning community.

Community Investment Stories

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Stories March 2, 2023

Junior Achievement Supports Students with Virtual Learning Program

Finding a career can feel like a heavy weight on youths’ shoulders and support may ...

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Publications November 21, 2022

Adding New Flavor to Grantmaking with Participatory Budgeting

Giving Voice Fall 2022: Granting Matters

Six young people gather in front of mural at Boys & Girls Clubs
Publications October 6, 2022

Turning the Corner: A Rationale for the Next Step in Our Performance Management Work

Colby Cyrus, CAPM and Frank Ridzi, Ph.D. examine the impact the CNYCF's Performance Management Learning ...

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$240,000 in Grants Awarded to Black-Led Organizations

Seventeen grants from our Black Equity & Excellence Fund totaling $240,000 were distributed to support ...

News Releases August 31, 2022

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Black Philanthropy Month | Juneteenth Inc. Receives $2,500 for Festival and Parade

Last month’s Juneteenth parade, a city-wide expression of pride, brought together the Black community in ...

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Publications July 19, 2022

Lead Free Kids New York Receives $25,000 to End Childhood Lead Poisoning

Central New York is home to various features to be proud of. However, it is ...

Children on the playground
Blogs July 13, 2022

North Syracuse Early Education Program Receives $30,000 for Inclusive Playground

For children who are eager to spend time with their friends but have physical impairments, ...

Students sitting around a table using laptops
Stories March 2, 2023

Junior Achievement Supports Students with Virtual Learning Program

Finding a career can feel like a heavy weight on youths’ shoulders and support may ...

Group of teens sitting at a table
Publications November 21, 2022

Adding New Flavor to Grantmaking with Participatory Budgeting

Giving Voice Fall 2022: Granting Matters

Six young people gather in front of mural at Boys & Girls Clubs
Publications October 6, 2022

Turning the Corner: A Rationale for the Next Step in Our Performance Management Work

Colby Cyrus, CAPM and Frank Ridzi, Ph.D. examine the impact the CNYCF's Performance Management Learning ...

Children standing with paramedic
News Releases September 28, 2022

$240,000 in Grants Awarded to Black-Led Organizations

Seventeen grants from our Black Equity & Excellence Fund totaling $240,000 were distributed to support ...

News Releases August 31, 2022

Layla's Got You Assists in EITC Education

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable tax credit geared towards middle, and ...

Central New York Community Foundation at Juneteenth Parade
News Releases August 15, 2022

Black Philanthropy Month | Juneteenth Inc. Receives $2,500 for Festival and Parade

Last month’s Juneteenth parade, a city-wide expression of pride, brought together the Black community in ...

Lead Free Kids New York at assembly
Publications July 19, 2022

Lead Free Kids New York Receives $25,000 to End Childhood Lead Poisoning

Central New York is home to various features to be proud of. However, it is ...

Children on the playground
Blogs July 13, 2022

North Syracuse Early Education Program Receives $30,000 for Inclusive Playground

For children who are eager to spend time with their friends but have physical impairments, ...

View More