Sheri Jones: Using Data to Enhance Social Impact for Non-Profits

Social impact measurement has emerged as an innovative tool for organizations to assess the effectiveness of their initiatives. This process is specifically useful for non-profits on a mission to drive positive change to attract new investors. Sheri Jones, a visionary and founder of SureImpact is closing this gap, blazing the trail in impact measurement and reporting. Hailing from the heartland of Ohio, Sheri is on a mission to transform the social sector through data-driven excellence and impact with SureImpact.  

Sheri's journey into the realm of impact management and reporting solutions is a tale of resilience that reflects her commitment to excel in every service she offers through her platform. She was diagnosed with dyslexia during childhood which became an early challenge, eventually shaping her career in data-driven solutions. Disappointed by standardized tests that failed to capture her true potential, Sheri wanted to delve into the world of data-driven technology to predict her performance in personal and professional realms. Her educational journey through industrial and organizational psychology has created a solid foundation in data-driven solutions.  

At 26, Sheri was working at the Franklin County Juvenile Court, measuring the impact of court programs. It was here that she uncovered programs inadvertently causing harm to children. She turned the situation around, to pave the way for numerous success stories, setting the stage for a career dedicated to positive change. Sheri proved her mettle while venturing into state-level leadership at the Ohio Department of Aging during the 2008 Great Recession. As the Director of the Performance Center, she crafted the Long-Care Savings Calculator that not only saved the state money but also reflected the potential of data-driven solutions during crises.  

Despite achieving a series of successes across industries, Sheri wanted to explore other ways for more extensive use of data to solve problems, particularly in the nonprofit sector. A national study led to her first book, "Impact and Excellence," preparing the groundwork for her first company, Measurement Resources. The company became a multidisciplinary powerhouse, employing a diverse team of experts uniquely qualified to tackle community issues. The team leveraged data-driven strategies to meet human aspects of change, addressing root causes and creating sustainable solutions.  

Through extensive research, Sheri realized that nonprofits actively using data related to outcomes and impact were more likely to thrive financially and foster stronger relationships. This revelation led to the foundation of SureImpact in 2018.  Over the years, SureImpact has emerged as a game-changing platform designed to bridge the gap between decision-making and optimism. SureImpact is not just a venture but Sheri’s commitment to a world where data empowers change. Through its automatic data-sharing feature, the platform is offering real-time access to information like how taxpayer dollars are spent, revolutionizing the way impact is measured.  

Sheri Jones, CEO and Founder of SureImpact, envisions harnessing data for the greater good of society. With SureImpact, she aspires to make a lasting difference in the world of data-driven solutions to help non-profits assess the impact of their initiatives and plan more positive moves. With a keen focus on transforming the social sector through data-driven excellence and impact, Sheri is charting new horizons to empower communities. She strives to harness data for the greater good, changing the methodology behind impact measurement and reporting for social good providers and their funders.