Unnatural Selection

An Examination of the Fraser Institute’s Performance Index for the Donner Canadian Foundation Awards for Excellence in the Delivery of Social Services

Abstract

Using Darwinian metaphors, this article examines a relatively new quantitative performance evaluation tool for Canadian nonprofits: the Fraser Institute’s Performance Index for the Donner Canadian Foundation Awards for Excellence in the Delivery of Social Services. Several aspects of the Index, including strategic management, outcome monitoring, and income independence, are analyzed in light of their ability to accurately evaluate excellence in performance and their potential unsuitability for many non-profits. A theme throughout this discussion is the interaction of the “business-like” approaches favoured by the Index and the fundamentally different nature of non-profit perspectives. Particular attention is paid to the difference between organizations that share a profit motive and non-profits that have diverse organization-specific missions. Context-specific mission-driven approaches to non-profit performance evaluation are recommended.