Intention 2 Impact (I2I) is a dynamic social change organization at the forefront of impact measurement. Founded in October 2018 by the visionary Nina Sabarre, I2I is a minority, women-owned small business known for disrupting the status quo in philanthropy through innovative and equity-centered monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL) and strategy consulting.
The Birth of a Vision
Reflecting on the early days of I2I, Nina vividly recalls, “I started Intention 2 Impact in October 2018. I was working as a freelance researcher and evaluator, but I knew that the way impact was being measured just wasn’t cutting it. To innovate and contribute to more equitable approaches to measurement, I wanted to build something bigger than myself that could eventually influence the field.” With this conviction, she transitioned from a solo freelancer to the leader of a thriving consulting firm with more than a dozen consultants across the country.
Measuring Solutions for Complex Challenges
I2I is renowned for its multifaceted approach to impact measurement, embracing quantitative and qualitative methods that center storytelling and actionable learning. From social enterprises and foundations to donor collaboratives and impact investors, I2I uses data to ensure impact is effective, relevant, equitable, and sustainable.
“We help foundations and social enterprises rethink how they measure impact,” Nina explains. One standout example of I2I’s work is with a coalition of housing advocates in California. Partnering with advocates, I2I is helping to identify and measure indicators to shift mainstream narratives about safe and affordable housing for all. I2I’s work utilizes communications data, the development of shared metrics, and building narrative capacity to influence culture change.
Full-Service Research, Evaluation, Strategy
At the core of I2I’s offerings is the firm’s full-service research, evaluation, and strategy support for purpose-driven organizations. They are generalists who work across diverse sectors, issue areas, and geographies; however, the throughline of their practice is meeting clients where they are to measure and communicate impact using data. “We believe evaluation is not about measuring what’s good or bad, and rather about illuminating possibilities and helping communities decide what is most valuable for them,” Kathleen Doll, Partner and COO emphasizes.
One of the firm’s hallmark services is designing and implementing 360° MERL Frameworks™ to help organizations set up systems for comprehensive monitoring, strategic evaluation, purposeful research, and continuous learning.
“We design tailored MERL frameworks to turn data into actionable insights that can be shared and used across every department in an organization,” Blake Beckmann, Senior Evaluation Consultant explains. This holistic approach ensures organizations can make informed decisions that drive sustainable, long-term impact.
Building Capacity for Sustainable Change
Beyond research and evaluation, I2I is deeply invested in capacity building. Through interactive webinars, trainings, and customized workshops, they equip organizations with the skills and confidence needed to collect and utilize data effectively. “We recognize organizations have different data needs and there is no one-size-fits-all approach,” Nina urges, underscoring the importance of adaptive impact measurement.
I2I works with philanthropic foundations of all shapes and sizes — ranging from global funders like Open Society Foundations and the WK Kellogg Foundation; place-based organizations like The California Endowment or Colorado Health Foundation; and newer foundations or donor collaboratives like the Elevate Prize Foundation and the Audacious Project.
Innovation at the Heart of Impact
I2I is guided by core values that reflect team members’ dedication to a more just and equitable society. These are intention, interdependence, introspection, innovation, integrity, intelligence, ingenuity, and impact. Nina jokes that in addition to “being suckers for alliteration,” these values drive everything they do — from their business decisions, to team culture, and work with clients.
Innovation at I2I is not just about employing cutting-edge methodologies; it’s about challenging the status quo and embracing a collaborative, bottom-up approach to problem solving. They are pushing boundaries when it comes to evaluation for impact investing portfolios and innovative social finance mechanisms.
Redefining Evaluation: From Accountability to Learning
One of the most transformative aspects of I2I’s work is its effort to redefine the role of evaluation. Historically, foundations have used evaluation to hold grantees accountable for their use of funds. Sahiti Bhaskara, Senior Evaluation Consultant, challenges this traditional view: “We are helping rewrite the narrative to use measurement and evaluation for learning and inspiring collective action.” They see themselves as champions in the shift towards trust-based philanthropy, redefining power dynamics to center communities rather than funder priorities. Even when it means tough conversations, I2I pushes funders to think about how they can use data to understand their role in systems and drive transformation.
The Power of Measurement
Nina leaves us with a powerful message for all social innovators: “For all social innovators out there, you can’t maximize your impact without defining and measuring it.”
I2I firmly believes in the potential of data to generate and amplify community knowledge. Because knowledge yields power, I2I recognizes their role in reallocating power to those most impacted by unequal systems. With its unwavering commitment to innovation, equity, and impact, Intention 2 Impact is working hand-in-hand with changemakers to transform the world through data.
