CNCS Performance Measures Instructions

Volunteer Generation Fund

2020
2

Table of Contents

Volunteer Generation Fund Performance Measure Requirements ...............................................................3

Volunteer Generation Fund Performance Measures Selection Rules...........................................................4

CAPACITY BUILDING ............................................................................................................................10

DISASTER SERVICES..............................................................................................................................11

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY ..................................................................................................................12

EDUCATION .............................................................................................................................................14

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP.....................................................................................................17

HEALTHY FUTURES...............................................................................................................................20

VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES ..............................................................................................22

Appendix A: Performance Measures Checklist..........................................................................................23

Appendix B: Frequently Asked Questions..................................................................................................25
3

Volunteer Generation Fund Performance Measure Requirements

All applicants are required to use the following National Performance Measures:

• G3-3.4 (output): Number of organizations that received capacity building services

AND

• G3-3.10A (outcome): Number of organizations that increased their effectiveness, efficiency, and/or 

program scale/reach*

*In the Described Instrument section of measure G3-3.10A, applicants must specifically describe how they will 

measure organizational effectiveness, efficiency, or program scale/reach with respect to volunteer recruitment 

or management.

Applicants may optionally select additional performance measure(s), either National Performance Measures or 

applicant determined performance measures, to describe the type and amount of activities carried out by volunteers 

managed and/or generated through their program. All performance measures must align with the Performance 

Measure Instructions in this document.

The number of volunteers recruited/coordinated/supported by VGF grants, and the number of hours served by these 

volunteers, will be reported via standard Performance Data Elements and should not be included as performance 

measures.
4

Volunteer Generation Fund Performance Measures Selection Rules

These selection rules specify allowable output/outcome pairings for National Performance Measures. Applicants 

must follow these selection rules when using National Performance Measures. Applicants may not select any 

National Performance Measures that may appear in eGrants if they are not present on this list. Please see the NOFO 

for additional information about application requirements.

Capacity Building

Strategic Plan 

Objective

Selection Rules Interventions

Outputs Outcomes (if applicable)*

Capacity 

Building & 

Leverage

G3-3.4: Number of 

organizations that 

received capacity 

building services

G3-3.10A: Number of organizations 

that increase their efficiency, 

effectiveness, and/or program reach

Volunteer management

Training

Resource development

Systems development

*All National Performance Measure outputs may also be paired with an applicant-determined outcome instead or 

may be used without an associated outcome.

Disaster Services

Strategic Plan 

Objective

Selection Rules Interventions

Outputs Outcomes (if applicable)*

Assistance 

Provided

D1A: Number of 

individuals served

D5: Number of individuals reporting 

increased disaster readiness

Disaster Preparation

Disaster Response

Disaster Recovery

Disaster Mitigation

D6: Number of 

structures protected or 

restored

D7: Number of structures returned 

to regular use after a disaster

Disaster Preparation

Disaster Response

Disaster Recovery

Disaster Mitigation

EN4**: Acres of parks 

or public land treated

EN4.1**: Acres of parks or public 

land improved

Disaster Preparation

Disaster Response

Disaster Recovery

Disaster Mitigation

EN5**: Miles of trails 

or rivers treated.

EN5.1**: Miles of trails or rivers 

improved

Disaster Preparation

Disaster Response

Disaster Recovery

Disaster Mitigation

G3-3.4**: Number of 

organizations that 

received capacity 

building services

G3-3.10A**: Number of 

organizations that increase their 

efficiency, effectiveness, and/or 

program reach

Disaster Preparation

Disaster Response

Disaster Recovery

Disaster Mitigation

*All National Performance Measure outputs may also be paired with an applicant-determined outcome instead or 

may be used without an associated outcome. 

**In the eGrants Performance Measure Module, these measures may appear with the letter “D” at the end when used 

in the Disaster Services focus area. However, the instructions for these measures are the same regardless of the 

focus area in which they are used.
5

Economic Opportunity

Strategic Plan 

Objective

Selection Rules Interventions

Outputs Outcomes (if applicable)*

Financial 

Literacy

O1A: Number of 

individuals served

O9: Number of individuals with 

improved financial knowledge

Financial Literacy Education

Housing O1A: Number of 

individuals served

O11: Number of individuals 

transitioned into safe, healthy, 

affordable housing

Housing Unit Development

Housing Unit Repair

Housing Placement/Assistance

O4: Number of housing 

units developed or 

repaired

O20: Number of safe, healthy, 

affordable housing units made 

available

Housing Unit Development

Housing Unit Repair

Employment O1A: Number of 

individuals served

O10: Number of individuals who 

secure employment

O21: Number of individuals with 

improved job readiness

Job Training

Job Placement

GED Education

Other Adult Education

Find 

Opportunity

N/A N/A N/A

Other Economic 

Opportunity

O1A: Number of 

individuals served

Applicant-determined Applicant-determined

*All National Performance Measure outputs may also be paired with an applicant-determined outcome instead or 

may be used without an associated outcome.
6

Education

Strategic Plan 

Objective

Selection Rules Interventions

Outputs Outcomes (if applicable)*

School 

Readiness

ED1A: Number of 

individuals served

ED23A: Number of children 

demonstrating gains in school 

readiness

Tutoring

Mentoring

Other Classroom Support

Out-of-School Time

Family Involvement

Service Learning

Summer Learning

Classroom Teaching

K-12 Success ED1A: Number of 

individuals served

ED5A: Number of students with 

improved academic performance

ED9: Number of students graduating 

from high school on time

ED10: Number of students enrolling 

in post-secondary education/training

ED27C: Number of students with 

improved academic engagement or 

social-emotional skills

ED6: Number of students with 

increased attendance

ED7A: Number of students with 

decreased disciplinary incidents 

(referrals, suspensions/expulsions, 

criminal or gang involvement)

Tutoring

Mentoring

Coaching

Other Classroom Support

Out-of-School Time

Family Involvement

Service Learning

Summer Learning

Classroom Teaching

Opioid/Drug Intervention

Post-HS 

Education 

Support

ED1A: Number of 

individuals served

ED11: Number of individuals 

earning a post-secondary degree or 

technical certification

Tutoring

Mentoring

Family Involvement

Service Learning

Summer Learning

Teacher Corps N/A N/A N/A

Other Education ED1A: Number of 

individuals served

Applicant-determined Applicant-determined

*All National Performance Measure outputs may also be paired with an applicant-determined outcome instead or 

may be used without an associated outcome.
7

Environmental Stewardship

Strategic Plan 

Objective

Selection Rules Interventions

Outputs Outcomes (if applicable)*

At-Risk 

Ecosystems

EN4: Acres of parks or 

public land treated

EN4.1: Acres of parks or public land 

improved

Fire Mitigation

Flood Mitigation

Invasive Species Removal

Debris Removal

Plant Establishment

EN5: Miles of trails or 

rivers treated.

EN5.1: Miles of trails or rivers 

improved

Trail Creation

Trail Remediation

Stream Remediation

Fire Mitigation

Flood Mitigation

Invasive Species Removal

Debris Removal

Plant Establishment

Energy 

Efficiency

EN1: Number of 

housing units or public 

structures weatherized or 

retrofitted to improve 

energy efficiency

EN1.1: Number of housing units or 

public structures with reduced energy 

consumption or reduced energy costs

Weatherization

Retrofitting

Awareness & 

Stewardship

EN3: Number of 

individuals receiving 

education or training in 

environmental 

stewardship and/or 

environmentallyconscious practices

EN3.1: Number of individuals with 

increased knowledge of 

environmental stewardship and/or 

environmentally-conscious practices

EN3.2: Number of individuals 

reporting a change in behavior or 

intention to change behavior to better 

protect the environment

Education/Training

Service Learning

Green Jobs N/A N/A N/A

*All National Performance Measure outputs may also be paired with an applicant-determined outcome instead or 

may be used without an associated outcome.
8

Healthy Futures

Strategic Plan 

Objective

Selection Rules Interventions

Outputs Outcomes (if applicable)*

Aging in Place H4A: Number of 

individuals served

H9A: Number of individuals who 

report improved capacity for 

independent living

H19: Number of individuals with 

improved health

Companionship

Nutrition/Food Support

Legal Services

Transportation

Medical Services

Opioid/Drug Intervention

Obesity & Food H4A: Number of 

individuals served

H12: Number of individuals who 

report increased food security

H17: Number of individuals with 

increased health knowledge

H18: Number of individuals 

reporting a change in behavior or 

intent to change behavior to improve 

their health

H19: Number of individuals with 

improved health

Outreach

Education/Training

Referrals

Medical Services

Nutrition/Food Support

Physical Activities

Counseling/Coaching

Opioid/Drug Intervention

H10A: Number of 

pounds of food provided

Applicant-determined Nutrition/Food Support

Access to Care H4A: Number of 

individuals served

H17: Number of individuals with 

increased health knowledge

H18: Number of individuals 

reporting a change in behavior or 

intent to change behavior to improve 

their health

H19: Number of individuals with 

improved health

H20: Number of individuals with 

improved access to medical care

Outreach

Education/Training

Referrals

Medical Services

Counseling/Coaching

Opioid/Drug Intervention

Other Healthy 

Futures

H4A: Number of 

individuals served

Applicant-determined Applicant-determined

*All National Performance Measure outputs may also be paired with an applicant-determined outcome instead or 

may be used without an associated outcome.
9

Veterans and Military Families

Strategic Plan 

Objective

Selection Rules Interventions

Outputs Outcomes (if applicable)*

Veterans & 

Families Served

V1: Number of veterans 

served

V7A: Number of active 

military members and/or 

military family members 

served

V8: Number of veteran 

family members served

O9**: Number of individuals with 

improved financial knowledge

O11**: Number of individuals 

transitioned into safe/affordable 

housing

O10**: Number of individuals who 

secure employment 

O21**: Number of individuals with 

improved job readiness

ED11**: Number of individuals 

earning a post-secondary degree or 

technical certification

H9A**: Number of individuals who 

report improved capacity for 

independent living

H12**: Number of individuals who 

report increased food security

H17**: Number of individuals with 

increased health knowledge

H18**: Number of individuals 

reporting a change in behavior or 

intent to change behavior to improve 

their health

H19**: Number of individuals with 

improved health

H20**: Number of individuals with 

improved access to medical care

Financial Literacy Education

Housing Unit Development

Housing Unit Repair

Housing Placement/Assistance

Job Training

Job Placement

GED Education

Other Adult Education

Tutoring

Mentoring

Family Involvement

Service Learning

Summer Learning

Companionship

Nutrition/Food Support

Legal Services

Transportation 

Outreach

Referrals

Medical Services

Physical Activities

Counseling/Coaching

Opioid/Drug Intervention

Access & 

Attract

N/A N/A N/A

*All National Performance Measure outputs may also be paired with an applicant-determined outcome instead or 

may be used without an associated outcome.

**In the eGrants Performance Measure Module, these measures may appear with the letter “V” at the end when used 

in the Veterans and Military Families focus area. However, the instructions for these measures are the same 

regardless of the focus area in which they are used.
10

CAPACITY BUILDING

Focus Area Notes 

• Activities associated with these measures must be carried out by staff or volunteers supported by the 

Volunteer Generation Fund grant.

• Activities associated with these measures must meet the definition of capacity building specified in the 

“key terms” definition under G3-3.4.

• Programs are not permitted to create applicant-determined outputs in the Capacity Building focus area.

• The number of volunteers recruited/coordinated/supported by VGF grants, and the number of hours served 

by these volunteers, will be reported in the GPR Performance Data Elements.

G3-3.4 (output) Number of organizations that received capacity building services

Definition of Key 

Terms

Organization: nonprofit or state/local/tribal government entity

Capacity building services: a set of activities that expand the scale, reach, efficiency, or 

effectiveness of programs and organizations. Capacity building activities may also leverage 

resources (e.g., funding, volunteers, in-kind support, or partnerships) for programs and/or 

organizations. As a general rule, CNCS considers capacity building activities to be indirect 

services that enable organizations to provide more, better and sustained direct services. 

Capacity building activities must (1) be intended to support or enhance the program 

delivery model, (2) respond to the organization’s goal of increasing, expanding or 

enhancing services in order to address pressing community needs, and (3) enable the 

organization to provide a sustained level of more or better direct services after the national 

service participant’s term of service has ended.

How to Measure/ 

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of organizations who have 

received services

G3-3.10A

(outcome)

Number of organizations that increased their effectiveness, efficiency, and/or program 

scale/reach

Definition of 

Key Terms

Organizations: those counted in G3-3.4

Effectiveness: Improved ability of the organization to achieve outcomes resulting in better 

success rates or better quality of outcomes achieved

Efficiency: Improved outcomes with the same level of resources; improved or consistent 

quality of services with fewer resources

Scale/Reach: The scope of a program’s services. Increased scale/reach can be measured by 

the number of new people served, new populations served, and/ or new or expanded 

services. 

How to Measure/ 

Collect Data

Organizational assessment tool or other instrument capable of measuring changes in 

effectiveness, efficiency, or scale/reach at the organization level. When possible, pre-post 

assessments should be utilized. 
11

DISASTER SERVICES

Focus Area Notes

• Programs should only opt into the Disaster Services performance measures if the measures reflect

significant program activities aligned with the applicant’s core theory of change. 

• Any other grantees who provide disaster-related services during the program year should report on this 

activity in the GPR Performance Data Elements and provide a brief description of those services.

• Activities associated with these measures must be carried out by staff or volunteers supported by the 

Volunteer Generation Fund grant.

D1A (output) Number of individuals served

Definition of Key 

Terms

Individuals: recipients of CNCS-supported services related to disaster preparedness, 

response, recovery, and/or mitigation

Served: substantive engagement of individuals with a specific disaster-related goal in mind. 

Cannot consist solely of mass dissemination of information such as email blasts, social 

media posts, or distributing pamphlets.

How to Measure/ 

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of individuals who have received 

services

D5 (outcome) Number of individuals reporting increased disaster readiness

Definition of Key 

Terms

Individuals: those reported in measure D1A

Disaster readiness: measures taken to prepare for and reduce the effects of future disasters

How to Measure/

Collect Data

Survey, interview, or other instrument capable of measuring changes in disaster readiness at 

the individual beneficiary level. When possible, pre-post assessments should be utilized.

D6 (output) Number of structures protected or restored

Definition of Key 

Terms

Structures: housing units or public facilities

Protected: prepared to more effectively withstand future disasters

Restored: repaired from damage sustained during a disaster

How to Measure/ 

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of structures that received services

D7 (outcome) Number of structures returned to regular use after a disaster

Definition of Key 

Terms

Structures: those reported in measure D6

Returned to regular use: able to be used for the same or similar purpose for which they 

were used prior to the disaster 

How to Measure/

Collect Data

Report from structure owner/manager/occupant, or other instrument capable of measuring 

changes in condition at the individual structure level.
12

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

Focus Area Notes 

• Programs should only opt into the Economic Opportunity performance measures if the measures reflect 

significant program activities aligned with the applicant’s core theory of change. 

• Activities associated with these measures must be carried out by staff or volunteers supported by the 

Volunteer Generation Fund grant.

O1A (output) Number of individuals served

Definition of Key 

Terms

Individuals: recipients of CNCS-supported services related to increasing economic 

opportunity

Served: substantive engagement of individuals with a specific goal in mind related to 

economic opportunity. Cannot consist solely of mass dissemination of information such as 

email blasts, social media posts, or distributing pamphlets.

How to Measure/

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of individuals who have received 

services

O4 (output) Number of housing units developed or repaired

Definition of Key 

Terms

Housing unit: A single-family home (including a mobile home if permanently placed), an 

apartment, or a room in a group home for people with disabilities

Develop: Build new or substantially rehabilitate housing units that were uninhabitable or 

soon would have become so. Involves replacing major systems such as the roof, the 

plumbing, the wiring, the foundation, or elevating the unit as required by a flood plain 

standard. 

Repair: A more modest level of physical work on the unit, such as weatherizing, painting, 

replacing appliances and removing safety hazards

How to Measure/

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of the number of housing units that 

have received CNCS-supported development or repair services 

O9 (outcome) Number of individuals with improved financial knowledge

Definition of Key 

Terms

Individuals: those reported in measure O1A, V1, V7A, or V8

Improved financial knowledge: increased knowledge/understanding of financial literacy 

topics such as credit management, financial institutions including banks and credit unions, 

and utilization of savings plans

How to Measure/

Collect Data

Survey, interview, or other instrument capable of measuring changes in financial knowledge

at the individual beneficiary level. When possible, pre-post assessments should be utilized.
13

O10 (outcome) Number of individuals who secure employment

Definition of Key 

Terms

Individuals: those reported in measure O1A, V1, V7A, or V8

Secure employment: individual is hired in a new job as a result of CNCS-supported

services provided; individual may have been previously working in a different job or 

previously unemployed

How to Measure/

Collect Data

Preferred method is a copy of acceptance letter from employer or copy of first pay stub. 

Beneficiary self-reports may also be utilized.

O11 (outcome)

Number of individuals transitioned into safe, healthy, affordable housing

Definition of Key 

Terms

Individuals: those reported in measure O1A, V1, V7A, or V8

Safe, healthy, affordable housing: Grantee certifies that the housing is safe and healthy 

based on an inspection or other documentation. Grantee defines affordability and certifies 

that the housing is affordable to the individual(s) transitioned into the unit.

How to Measure/

Collect Data

Preferred method is a proof of residence such as a lease, mortgage, certificate of occupancy, 

or other verification from an external agency. Beneficiary self-reports may also be utilized.

O20 (outcome) Number of safe, healthy, affordable housing units made available

Definition of Key 

Terms

Housing unit: those reported in measure O4

Safe, healthy, affordable housing unit: Grantee certifies that the housing unit is safe and 

healthy based on an inspection or other documentation. Grantee defines affordability and 

certifies that the housing unit is affordable.

Made available: This count indicates that the work has been completed to make the units 

available but they may or may not have been occupied. 

How to Measure/

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of the number of safe, healthy, 

affordable housing units that have been made available 

O21 (outcome) Number of individuals with improved job readiness

Definition of Key 

Terms

Individuals: those reported in measure O1A, V1, V7A, or V8

Improved job readiness: increased knowledge or skills related to seeking, obtaining, or 

successfully retaining a job.

How to Measure/

Collect Data

Survey, interview, observation, or other instrument capable of measuring changes in job 

readiness at the individual beneficiary level. When possible, pre-post assessments should be 

utilized.
14

EDUCATION

Focus Area Notes 

• Programs should only opt into the Education performance measures if the measures reflect significant 

program activities aligned with the applicant’s core theory of change. 

• Activities associated with these measures must be carried out by staff or volunteers supported by the 

Volunteer Generation Fund grant.

ED1A (output) Number of individuals served

Definition of Key 

Terms

Individuals: recipients of CNCS-supported services related to education; may include 

students enrolled in grades K-12, out-of-school youth, preschool age children, and/or 

individuals pursuing postsecondary education

Served: substantive engagement of individuals with a specific education-related goal in 

mind. Cannot consist solely of mass dissemination of information such as email blasts, 

social media posts, or distributing pamphlets.

How to Measure/ 

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of individuals who have received 

services

ED5A (outcome) Number of students with improved academic performance

Definition of Key 

Terms

Students: those reported in ED1A

Improved academic performance: an improved demonstration of skill or knowledge in 

one or more academic subjects

How to Measure/ 

Collect Data

Standardized test, report card grade, or other instrument capable of measuring changes in 

academic performance at the individual beneficiary level. When possible, pre-post 

assessments should be utilized.

ED6 (outcome) Number of students with increased school attendance

Definition of Key 

Terms

Students: those reported in ED1A

Increased school attendance: higher rate of presence and/or on-time arrival at school as 

compared to a previous comparable time period

How to Measure/

Collect Data

School/district/classroom attendance records or other instrument capable of measuring 

changes in attendance at the individual beneficiary level

ED7A (outcome) Number of students with decreased disciplinary incidents (referrals, suspensions/expulsions, 

criminal or gang involvement)

Definition of Key 

Terms

Students: those reported in ED1A

Decreased disciplinary incidents: lower rate of incidents as compared to a previous 

comparable time period

How to Measure/

Collect Data

School/district/classroom records, police records, or other instrument capable of measuring 

changes in disciplinary incidents at the individual beneficiary level
15

ED9 (outcome) Number of students graduating from high school on time with a diploma

Definition of Key 

Terms

Students: those reported in ED1A

On Time: Within four years of starting 9th grade

How to Measure/ 

Collect Data

Preferred method is school/district graduation records for student beneficiaries. 

Beneficiary self-reports may also be utilized.

ED10 (outcome)

Number of students enrolling in post-secondary education or training

Definition of Key 

Terms

Students: those reported in ED1A

Post-secondary education or training may include two- or four-year college programs or 

occupational/vocational programs

Enrolling: means matriculating as a full-time or part-time student

How to Measure/ 

Collect Data

Preferred method is registration records that confirm student enrollments. Beneficiary selfreports may also be utilized. 

ED11 (outcome) Number of students earning a post-secondary degree

Definition of Key 

Terms

Students: those reported in ED1A, V1, V7A, or V8

Degree: may include an associate degree from an accredited academic program or an 

occupational or vocational program; a bachelor’s degree (ex., BA, BS); a master’s degree 

(ex.: MA, MS, MEng, MEd, MSW); a professional school degree (ex.: MD, DDS, DVM); or 

a doctorate degree (ex.: PhD, EdD)

How to Measure/ 

Collect Data

Preferred method is registration records that confirm degree was earned. Beneficiary selfreports may also be utilized.

Notes Programs may only select this measure if they are able to collect data during a one-year 

grant period. 

ED23A (outcome) Number of children demonstrating gains in school readiness

Definition of Key 

Terms

Children: those reported in ED1A

School readiness: Preparation for Kindergarten which includes multiple indicators assessed 

across developmental and behavioral domains including but not limited to physical wellbeing, health and motor development, social and emotional development, approaches to 

learning, language development, cognitive development, and age-appropriate academic 

skills and behavior.

How to 

Measure/

Collect Data

Teacher observation, standardized test, or other instrument capable of measuring changes in 

school readiness at the individual beneficiary level. When possible, pre-post assessments 

should be utilized.
16

ED27C (outcome) Number of students with improved academic engagement or social and emotional skills

Definition of 

Key Terms

Students: those reported in ED1A

Improved academic engagement or social and emotional skills: A positive change in 

student skills, attitude, and/or mindset that is likely to contribute to increased educational 

success. May include increased interest in school, improved perspective on school climate, 

increased attachment to school and/or increased educational aspirations. 

How to Measure/ 

Collect Data

Survey, observation, or other instrument capable of measuring changes in academic 

engagement or social and emotional skills at the individual beneficiary level. When 

possible, pre-post assessments should be utilized.

Notes Academic or behavioral improvements counted under ED5A, ED6, or ED7A cannot be 

counted under this measure
17

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Focus Area Notes 

• Programs should only opt into the Environmental Stewardship performance measures if the measures 

reflect significant program activities aligned with the applicant’s core theory of change. 

• Activities associated with these measures must be carried out by staff or volunteers supported by the 

Volunteer Generation Fund grant.

• CNCS encourages grantees to perform service with the greatest impact versus providing minimal impact to 

the highest number of acres/miles/individuals

EN1 (output) Number of housing units or public structures weatherized or retrofitted to improve energy 

efficiency

Definition of 

Key Terms

Housing unit: a single-family home (including a mobile home if permanently placed), an 

apartment, or a room in a group home for people with disabilities

Public structure: Shelter, such as homeless shelter or emergency shelter operated by a 

nonprofit or government organization; government-owned building

Weatherization: Modifying a building to reduce energy consumption and costs and 

optimize energy efficiency. Whole-house weatherization includes the installation of modern 

energy-saving heating and cooling equipment and looks at how the house performs as a 

system.

Retrofit: An energy conservation measure applied to an existing building or the action of 

improving the thermal performance or maintenance of a building.

How to Measure/ 

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of units/structures that have 

received services

EN1.1 (outcome) Number of housing units or public structures with reduced energy consumption or reduced 

energy costs

Definition of Key 

Terms

Housing units or public structures: those reported in EN1

How to Measure/ 

Collect Data

Utility bill/statement, computer modeling, resident survey, or other instrument capable of 

measuring changes in energy consumption or energy costs at the individual unit/structure

level. When possible, pre-post assessments should be utilized.

EN3 (output) Number of individuals receiving education or training in environmental stewardship and/or 

environmentally-conscious practices

Definition of 

Key Terms

Environmental Stewardship and/or environmentally conscious practices: Organized 

efforts to teach about how natural environments function and, particularly, how human 

beings can manage their behavior and choices in order to live sustainably within those 

environments.

Education or training: substantive engagement of individuals with a specific education 

goal in mind. Cannot consist solely of mass dissemination of information such as email 

blasts, social media posts, or distributing pamphlets.

How to Measure/ 

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of individuals that have received 

services
18

EN3.1 (outcome) Number of individuals with increased knowledge of environmental stewardship and/or 

environmentally-conscious practices

Definition of 

Key Terms

Individuals: those reported in EN3

How to Measure/ 

Collect Data

Survey, test, or other instrument capable of measuring changes in knowledge at the 

individual beneficiary level. When possible, pre-post assessments should be utilized.

EN3.2 (outcome) Number of individuals reporting a change in behavior or the intent to change behavior to 

better protect the environment

Definition of 

Key Terms

Individuals: those reported in EN3

How to Measure/ 

Collect Data

Survey, interview, or other instrument capable of measuring changes in behavior at the 

individual beneficiary level. When possible, pre-post assessments should be utilized.

EN4 (output) Number of acres of public parks or other public and tribal lands that are treated

Definition of 

Key Terms

Public parks: Park/recreation areas that are designated by national, state, city, or county 

governments (not trails or rivers; see EN5)

Other public lands: Other publicly owned lands; land owned by nonprofits for public use 

or the public good (such as land conservancies): and public easements

Tribal lands: Same meaning as imparted by the definitions of “Indian Lands” and “Indian 

Tribes” provided in. SEC. 101. [42 U.S.C. 12511] 

Treated: Removal of invasive species, planting native plants, building riparian buffers, 

clearing of natural debris (such as fallen trees/limbs, hazardous fuel) and unnatural debris 

(such as disaster debris and improperly disposed waste). Treatment must go beyond basic 

trash removal. 

How to Measure/ 

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of acres of land that have received 

services

EN4.1 (outcome) Number of acres of public parks or other public and tribal lands that are improved

Definition of 

Key Terms

Acres of public parks or other public and tribal lands: those reported in EN4

Improved: Renovated to reduce human impact or the negative impact of natural disasters or 

invasive species, restored native plants and habitat, reduced erosion, protected watersheds, 

reduced wildfire risk, upgraded or repaired outdoor recreation facilities or signage, increased 

public safe access, protected flora and fauna. Improvement should be consistent with an 

accepted natural resource restoration, maintenance or improvement plan. 

How to Measure/ 

Collect Data

Land manager assessment or other instrument capable of measuring changes in land 

condition at the scale of individual acres. When possible, pre-post assessments should be 

utilized.
19

EN5 (output) Number of miles of public trails or waterways that are treated and/or constructed

Definition of 

Key Terms

Public trails or waterways: owned/maintained by national, state, county, city or tribal 

governments; nonprofits when for public use or the public good; and public easements

Treated: Removal of invasive species, planting native plants, building riparian buffers, 

improving tread/corridor of existing trail or making changes to increase the trail lifespan, 

implementing safety measures, removal of unsafe trail structures, repair of damage caused 

by visitor use, changes to increase accessibility, clearing of natural debris (such as fallen 

trees/limbs and hazardous fuel) and unnatural debris (such as disaster debris and improperly 

disposed waste). Treatments must go beyond basic trash removal. 

Constructed: Activities designed to make trails newly available such as adding

handicapped accessibility, building boardwalks, trail-blazing, converting a railroad bed to a 

trail, etc.

How to Measure/ 

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of miles of trail/waterway that have 

received services

EN5.1 (outcome) Number of miles of public trails or waterways that are improved and/or put into use

Definition of 

Key Terms

Miles of public trails or waterways: those reported in EN5

Improved: Restored to reduce human impact or the negative impact of natural disasters or 

invasive species, restored native plants and habitat, reduced erosion, protected watersheds, 

increased safe condition or long-term sustainability of trails, increased accessibility, 

protected flora and fauna. Improvement should be consistent with an accepted natural 

resource restoration, maintenance or improvement plan.

Put into use: Established safe and useable trails that are now available for public access

How to Measure/ 

Collect Data

Land manager assessment or other instrument capable of measuring changes in trail or 

waterway condition at the scale of individual miles. When possible, pre-post assessments 

should be utilized.
20

HEALTHY FUTURES

Focus Area Notes 

• Programs should only opt into the Healthy Futures performance measures if the measures reflect significant 

program activities aligned with the applicant’s core theory of change. 

• Activities associated with these measures must be carried out by staff or volunteers supported by the 

Volunteer Generation Fund grant.

H4A (output) Number of individuals served

Definition of 

Key Terms

Individuals: recipients of CNCS-supported services related to improving health-related 

outcomes

Served: substantive engagement of individuals with a specific health-related goal in mind. 

Cannot consist solely of mass dissemination of information such as email blasts, social 

media posts, or distributing pamphlets.

How to Measure/ 

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of individuals who have received 

services

H9A (outcome) Number of individuals who report improved capacity for independent living

Definition of 

Key Terms

Individuals: those reported in H4A, V1, V7A, or V8

How to Measure/ 

Collect Data

Survey, interview, caseworker assessment, or other instrument capable of measuring 

changes in independent living capacity at the individual beneficiary level. When possible, 

pre-post assessments should be utilized.

H10A (output) Number of pounds of food provided

Definition of 

Key Terms

Food provided: made available at reduced or no cost to individuals and/or organizations for 

the purpose of alleviating food insecurity or hunger. May include community garden 

programs.

How to Measure/ 

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of pounds of food provided

H12 (outcome) Number of individuals who report increased food security

Definition of 

Key Terms

Individuals: those reported in H4A, V1, V7A, or V8

Food security: Access at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life. Food security 

includes at a minimum: (1) the ready availability of

nutritionally adequate and safe foods, and (2) an assured ability to acquire acceptable

foods in socially acceptable ways (that is, without resorting to emergency food supplies,

scavenging, stealing, or other coping strategies). [USDA]

How to Measure/ 

Collect Data

Survey, interview, caseworker assessment, or other instrument capable of measuring 

changes in food security at the individual beneficiary level. When possible, pre-post 

assessments should be utilized.
21

H17 (outcome) Number of individuals with increased health knowledge

Definition of 

Key Terms

Individuals: those reported in H4A, V1, V7A, or V8

How to Measure/ 

Collect Data

Survey, test, or other instrument capable of measuring changes in knowledge at the 

individual beneficiary level. When possible, pre-post assessments should be utilized.

H18 (outcome) Number of individuals reporting a change in behavior or intent to change behavior to 

improve their health

Definition of 

Key Terms

Individuals: those reported in H4A, V1, V7A, or V8

How to Measure/ 

Collect Data

Survey, interview, or other instrument capable of measuring changes in behavior at the 

individual beneficiary level. When possible, pre-post assessments should be utilized.

H19 (outcome) Number of individuals with improved health

Definition of 

Key Terms

Individuals: those reported in H4A, V1, V7A, or V8

How to Measure/ 

Collect Data

Assessment by a healthcare professional, survey, or other instrument capable of measuring 

changes in health condition at the individual beneficiary level. When possible, pre-post 

assessments should be utilized. 

H20 (outcome) Number of individuals with improved access to medical care

Definition of 

Key Terms

Individuals: those reported in H4A, V1, V7A, or V8

How to Measure/ 

Collect Data

Survey, interview, caseworker assessment, or other instrument capable of measuring 

changes in health care access at the individual beneficiary level. When possible, pre-post 

assessments should be utilized. 
22

VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES

Focus Area Notes 

• Programs should only opt into the Veterans and Military Families performance measures if the measures 

reflect significant program activities aligned with the applicant’s core theory of change. 

• Activities associated with these measures must be carried out by staff or volunteers supported by the 

Volunteer Generation Fund grant.

V1 (output) Number of veterans served

Definition of 

Key Terms

Veteran: a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was 

discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable [Section 101 of 

Title 38, 23 United States Code]

Served: substantive engagement of individuals with specific outcome(s) in mind. Cannot 

consist solely of mass dissemination of information such as email blasts, social media posts, 

or distributing pamphlets.

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of individuals who have received 

services

V7A (output) Number of active duty military service members and/or military family members served

Definition of 

Key Terms

Active duty military service member: The term ‘‘active duty’’ means “full-time duty in the 

active military service of the United States, including active duty or full-time training duty in 

the Reserve Component” [DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms, April 2018]. 

CNCS considers National Guard members and reservists and wounded warriors sub-groups 

of active duty military service members for the purposes of grant applications and 

performance measure reporting.

Military family member: Immediate family member related by blood, marriage, or adoption 

to a current member of the U.S. armed forces including one who is deceased. 

Served: substantive engagement of individuals with specific outcome(s) in mind. Cannot 

consist solely of mass dissemination of information such as email blasts, social media posts, 

or distributing pamphlets.

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of individuals who have received 

services

V8 (output) Number of veteran family members served

Definition of 

Key Terms

Veteran: a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was 

discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable [Section 101 of 

Title 38, 23 United States Code] 

Veteran family member: Immediate family member related by blood, marriage, or adoption 

to a veteran, including one who is deceased.

Served: substantive engagement of individuals with specific outcome(s) in mind. Cannot 

consist solely of mass dissemination of information such as email blasts, social media posts, 

or distributing pamphlets.

How to 

Measure/ 

Collect Data

Tracking mechanism that ensures an unduplicated count of individuals who have received 

services
23

Appendix A: Performance Measures Checklist

This checklist is used to assess performance measures during the review process. Items on the checklist are 

common problems that require resolution but do not represent a comprehensive list. Refer to the Performance 

Measure Instructions for full requirements.

Checklist Item Primary 

Aligned 

Measure 

(required)

Additional 

Measure

(optional)

Additional 

Measure

(optional)

Performance Measure Requirements

The application includes the required aligned performance measure 

G3-3.4 (output) and G3-3.10A (outcome)

The Described Instrument section of measure G3-3.10A describes 

how the applicant will measure organizational effectiveness, 

efficiency, or program scale/reach with respect to volunteer 

recruitment or management.

All performance measures included in the application are logically 

connected to activities described in the grant application.

Any output-only measures included in the application consist solely 

of National Performance Measure outputs.

The application does not include applicant-determined measures that 

duplicate existing National Performance Measures. (Note: 

Applicant-determined measures are recognizable by the labels 

OUTPT or OUTCM, followed by numbers. Any applications 

containing these labels are NOT National Performance Measures, 

even if the applicant has labeled them like a national measure.)

The application does not include any applicant-determined outputs in 

the Capacity Building focus area. (Note: the number of volunteers 

recruited/coordinated/supported by the grant and the number of 

hours served by these volunteers will be reported via Performance 

Data Elements on the Grantee Progress Report)

Interventions

7 Interventions are consistent with the program design and contribute 

directly to the outputs and outcomes.

8 The application does not include user-defined intervention labels that 

duplicate existing system-defined intervention categories.

Output Quality

9 Outputs clearly specify what is counted.

Outcome Quality and Alignment

11 Outcomes are logically aligned with the outputs.

12 Outcomes reflect a meaningful change in knowledge, attitude, 

behavior or condition for program beneficiaries. (Note: completion 

of a program would be considered an output, not an outcome.)

13 Outcomes can be measured during a single grant year.

Targets

14 Output and outcome targets are reasonable for the proposed program 

design.

15 Targets are expressed as numbers, not percentages.

Performance Measure Instructions

16 National Performance Measures conform to selection rules, 

definitions, and data collection requirements specified in the 

Performance Measure Instructions.
24

17 The application does not include any retired National Performance 

Measures (e.g., measures that do not appear in the Performance 

Measure Instructions).

Data Collection/Instruments

18 Data collection methods are appropriate for the output/outcome 

being measured.

Sampling (if applicable)

19 If sampling is proposed, the sampling plan is forwarded to CNCS for 

consideration.
25

Appendix B: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should a continuation applicant do if one or more of their National Performance Measures is no 

longer present in the Performance Measure Instructions?

All applicants, including continuation applicants, must follow the National Performance Measure selection rules 

specified in the current-year Performance Measure Instructions. Applicants must revise their performance measures 

as needed to conform to the updated instructions.

2. What should a continuation grantee who is measuring a National Performance Measure output or outcome 

that has a changed definition do in the continuation application? 

If the grantee is unable to measure the output or outcome as defined in the current-year Performance Measure

Instructions, the grantee should choose a different performance measure. 

3. What are National Performance Measures? 

CNCS has established six Focus Areas: Disaster Services, Economic Opportunity, Education, Environmental 

Stewardship, Healthy Futures, and Veterans and Military Families based on the priorities included in the Serve 

America Act. Within these Focus Areas, as well as for Capacity Building, CNCS has created National Performance 

Measures in order to aggregate the results of similar programs and demonstrate the impact across our agency 

programs and initiatives. 

4. What is an aligned performance measure? 

An aligned performance measure is an output paired with an outcome. The paired output-outcome measures may be 

National Performance Measures, applicant-determined measures, or the combination of a National Performance 

Measure output and an applicant-determined outcome. Applicant-determined outputs cannot be paired with 

National Performance Measure outcomes in an aligned performance measure.

5. What is an applicant-determined performance measure? 

An applicant-determined performance measure is one in which the applicant creates the language for the outputs 

and/or outcomes that will be measured. This is different from the National Performance Measures, where CNCS 

pre-determines common outputs and, in some instances, outcomes that are available for applicants to use. 

6. What is an output-only performance measure?

An output-only measure is a National Performance Measure output without associated outcome(s). Applicants may 

select output-only measures if the output measures a significant program activity. These do not fulfill the 

requirement for an aligned performance measure, but may be selected in addition to the aligned measure(s).

7. Can I count the same beneficiaries in more than one performance measure output? 

Unless otherwise specified, the same beneficiaries may be counted more than once across different measures for 

different interventions (services) they may be receiving. For example, if your program helped one specific individual

to both prepare for a disaster and obtain employment, you may count that same individual in both D1A and O1A. 

However, programs cannot count the same individual more than once within any one specific performance measure. 

So, for example, an individual who attended two disaster preparation training workshops during a single program 

year cannot be counted twice under D1A. 

8. Do all beneficiaries counted under a particular performance measure have to receive the same 

interventions?

Yes, the interventions associated with the measure need to be applicable to all of the beneficiaries counted under the 

measure, even if the details of the intervention (e.g., the exact dosage provided) may vary. If one set of beneficiaries 
26

is receiving one type of intervention (e.g., mentoring) and a different set of beneficiaries is receiving a different type 

of intervention (e.g., tutoring), the two sets of beneficiaries should be counted in separate performance measures 

even if the expected outcome is the same. In contrast, if all beneficiaries are receiving multiple interventions with 

the same expected outcome (e.g. all beneficiaries are being both mentored and tutored to improve their academic 

performance), they can be counted in a single performance measure.

9. Can one performance measure output have more than one outcome? 

Yes, there may be more than one outcome measure associated with a single output. Aligned measures should only 

be configured this way if it is expected that all of the individuals counted in the output will potentially achieve the 

outcomes indicated. If the outcomes are resulting from different populations being served, they should be counted 

in distinct performance measures.

10. Can I count the same people more than once under one performance measure output or outcome if they 

receive service in more than one grant year?

If the individual receives services in more than one grant year, they may be counted as having received services in 

the output measure for each of the grant years in which they receive services. They may only be counted in the 

outcome measure for each grant year if they meet the specified level of improvement for the outcome in each year. 

For example, a student receives tutoring in second and third grade. The program expects that students will improve 

their reading score by one grade level each year. If the student is served in both second and third grade and 

improves by one grade level in each year, the student may be counted in output ED1A and outcome ED5A for both 

years. If the student improves by 1⁄2 grade level in second grade and one grade level in third grade, the student may 

be counted in ED1A for both years but only in ED5A for the third-grade year.

11. Am I allowed to allocate funds for collecting and analyzing data? If so, how much? 

Costs related to measuring the performance of a program are allowable grant expenses. There is no standard 

recommended amount. As with all grant expenditures, these costs must be reasonable, allowable for the proposed 

program, and properly allocated across grant activities. 

12. The National Performance Measure I want to select doesn’t appear in the drop-down menu. What should I 

do? 

Only performance measures corresponding to objectives selected on the Objectives tab will appear in the drop-down 

menu. Refer to the National Performance Measure selection rules to determine which objective to select for each 

performance measure. Do NOT create an applicant-determined measure that duplicates a National Performance 

Measure.

13. I want to create an applicant-determined measure, but the Performance Measures Module isn’t allowing me 

to do that. What should I do?

There are some objectives for which the creation of applicant-determined measures is not allowed. These include 

the Capacity Building and Leverage objective (Capacity Building focus area), the Find Opportunity objective 

(Economic Opportunity focus area), the Teacher Corps objective (Education focus area), the Green Jobs objective 

(Environmental Stewardship focus area), and the Access & Attract objective (Veterans and Military Families focus 

area). For the Capacity Building and Leverage objective, only National Performance Measures are allowed to be 

used. For the Find Opportunity, Teacher Corps, Green Jobs, and Access & Attract objectives, programs are not 

allowed to create performance measures. 

14. Under what circumstances is it ok for grantees to use sampling to measure outputs and outcomes?

Methodologically speaking, sampling is appropriate for competitive grantees as long as the grantee has a solid plan 

for ensuring that its sample will be representative. Practically speaking, we would want grantees to use sampling 

only when they are able to make the case that it is unrealistic to collect data from the whole population. Formula 

grantees, with rare exceptions granted by CNCS, are not permitted to sample.
27

15. When would CNCS not allow sampling? 

CNCS will not allow sampling when it is reasonable to expect a grantee to collect data from the whole population. 

CNCS will also not allow sampling if the grantee’s sampling frame is not sufficient or if the grantee’s methodology 

will not result in a representative sample.

16. How does a grantee set targets when it is planning to sample? 

In most cases the grantee should be able to set targets based on the population as a whole. If a grantee‘s sampling 

methodology is sound and results in a representative sample, then the program can extrapolate their results to report 

on an outcome for the population as a whole. For example, a program reports an output of 1000 children served. The 

program selects a representative sample of 200 children. Of these, 180 students (90%) demonstrate the desired 

change. In this case, the program could report an extrapolated outcome of 900 students.