“Tell me about your outcomes.”

This is the question that causes many behavioral health leaders face to freeze. Shoot! you think. I know we’re doing great work, but I feel like we just can’t quantify it!

“We’ve got lots of data. I see the change in our youth every day - just come by and visit one of our programs, and you’ll see it too!”

You know it’s just an ok answer. When funders and other community partners experience and see your work, they’re more likely to get involved and support you.

Most behavioral health programs are doing meaningful work. They are serving individuals in crisis, coordinating care, building coalitions, and responding to evolving federal and state requirements. The commitment is real, and the impact on communities is significant.

Yet many program leaders quietly feel vulnerable as grant terms approach their end. Not because the work is weak, but because sustaining it often requires securing new funding. When a federal award sunsets, the question becomes whether the program can compete effectively for the next opportunity, whether from the same agency or a different source altogether.

I hear nonprofits tell me all the time, “I think our program is working. But I just don’t know how to show it!”

They weren’t alone. Many nonprofit and public-sector organizations are working incredibly hard, delivering services every day, and meeting urgent needs in their communities. And yet, when it comes time to answer a simple question of whether the organization has evidence that their program is working or not, the room gets quiet.

“We know it works. But I can’t give you any data to support that.”

This uncertainty isn’t a failure. But it is a sign it’s time for you organization to level up.