Both outputs and outcomes are direct results from a project. The two are similar enough that they are often lumped together, but there are some key differences between outputs and outcomes.
| Project | Output | Outcome |
| Disaster relief | Provided 20 blankets to hurricane victims | Beneficiaries are warm, more comfortable, and are less likely to become sick |
| Health | Supplied 2,000-bed nets to families in rural India | Lowered Malaria outbreaks, increasing life expectancy and quality of life for affected children |
| Education | Trained 50 primary school teachers | These 50 teachers educated 1,250 pupils, enabling these children to find better jobs and move on to higher-level education |
| Environment | Released a research paper on the effects of climate change on food prices | Galvanized increased support for stricter environmental laws |
| Human rights | Organized an international conference for indigenous peoples around the world | Provided a safe space for human rights leaders to meet, share information, and partner to improve the efficacy of their actions |
It is typically harder to create the desired outcome than output. For example, buying and shipping 20 blankets to hurricane survivors is not too difficult. However, if the blankets get wet before they reach the beneficiaries, then the desired outcome cannot occur even though the output was achieved. Similarly, just organizing a conference may not lead to action or any tangible result.
Many NGOs focus on outputs because they are easier to measure and prove successful. However, the best NGOs are the ones that know how to emphasize and evaluate outcomes, because those are the direct changes in the lives of beneficiaries that are most important.
Alta Alonzi is a writer and researcher focusing on international development funding and grassroots NGOs. She works with the fundraising consulting company Philantropia conducting research for clients ranging from small NGOs to UN organizations. She also works closely with FundsforNGOs running training webinars, contributing resource guides, and updating the Premium donor database.
Hi Alta Alonzi,
I like this page. the information is very enlightening and informative. I wish to learn more about it. I come from a rural area where the people are neglected by our government of Papua New Guinea for 45 years now, and people of all ages dye in numbers from TB and other curable diseases. We are working on a project proposal for rural housing and quality water supply project. We wish to seek funding assistance from humanitarian organisations who could be of help for the people, especially their children, women and young ones who deserve long life.
We have contributed money ourselves and bought a complete set of ‘8’ inch Lucas mill saw for modern village housing. We are milling timber from our forests but we are unable to sell them because there is no road for us to transport timber to markets. and we are working on a proposal for rural housing and water supply.
I was searching for better ideas on how to write project proposal when I sighted this.
I wish you could help us to find some degree of relief in our plight by identifying and liaising with donor organisations on our behalf.
Dear Patrick: I am glad that the article is helpful for you. Unfortunately we do not offer referral services, but I recommend you check the following links for funding opportunities https://www.fundsforngos.org
Very beneficial but is it possible to seek for your guidance where need be
Dear Biryande: Sure, please feel free to share your queries here.
Very educative and worth learning with clear examples. Thank you.
very useful article
Thank you for this article, very helpful. What is the relationship between outcome and the goal or mission of a project?
ooh! well understood
It’s very informative,Thank you
Dear Ellen: Glad that the article is helpful to you.
Dear Alonzi,
I appreciate your highlight. Its informative. Thanks so much
Dear Samuel:
I am glad you found this article helpful!
This is too learning site. I am so inspired by the page study and would able to understand the main differences between outputs and outcome in a broad sense. Thanks a lot again.
Dear Rekha:
Outputs refer to the tangible or immediate results of a project or program. They are the direct products, goods, or services that are delivered or produced as a result of project activities. Outputs are usually measurable and can be easily observed or quantified. On the other hand, outcomes refer to the broader and long-term effects or changes that occur as a result of the project or program. Outcomes are typically less tangible and may take time to materialize. They are often expressed in terms of changes in behavior, knowledge, attitudes, or conditions.
Thanks a lot.
Rekha