Shalom Lamm on Measuring What Matters: Impact Metrics That Move Funders and Supporters
In a world driven by data and digital transparency, nonprofits are no longer judged solely by their intentions—they’re measured by their impact. Whether you’re a grassroots initiative or a global nonprofit, the ability to quantify your effectiveness is crucial. But not all metrics are created equal.
Entrepreneur and nonprofit leader Shalom Lamm, founder of Operation Benjamin, knows this truth firsthand. Through his experience leading a mission with deep historical and emotional weight, Lamm has developed a sharp understanding of which metrics truly matter—not just to boards and funders, but to the broader community of supporters who care about results.
In this article, we explore how Shalom Lamm approaches impact measurement, how Operation Benjamin proves its value, and what nonprofit leaders should focus on when reporting outcomes in a way that resonates.
Why Metrics Matter More Than Ever
“Intentions are powerful—but in today’s world, you have to prove that you’re doing what you say you’re doing,” says Shalom Lamm. “Supporters want transparency. Funders want evidence.”
It’s no longer sufficient to say you’re making a difference; you have to show how, where, and for whom. From major philanthropic foundations to individual donors on social media, stakeholders expect accountability and clarity. The challenge? Not everything meaningful is easy to measure.
That’s especially true for organizations like Operation Benjamin, which is dedicated to identifying Jewish American soldiers buried under Latin Crosses and correcting their headstones to reflect their true heritage with the Star of David.
The mission is deeply human, emotionally charged, and highly specific. So how do you measure impact in such a space? According to Lamm, it’s about selecting metrics that reflect both scale and soul.
The Power of People-Centered Metrics
For Operation Benjamin, the core metric is simple yet profound: the number of headstones accurately restored. Each change represents months of meticulous research, collaboration with military and historical institutions, and communication with families. Every success is a tribute, a corrected record, and a renewed piece of truth.
But Lamm goes further.
“We measure families’ impact, educational reach, and even engagement levels on our stories,” he explains. “Because every act of remembrance also educates and connects.”
This people-first approach to metrics creates a story that funders and supporters can both understand and feel. Each number has a name. Each statistic has a soul.
Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Data
Shalom Lamm believes in blending hard numbers with human stories.
“Yes, we track how many service members we’ve honored,” he says. “But we also document testimonials from their descendants. We capture the emotional weight. That’s a metric too.”
For instance, Operation Benjamin tracks:
- Corrected military headstones
- Family members reached and engaged
- Educational presentations delivered
- Community events hosted
- Media impressions and digital reach
- Donor retention and repeat giving rates
This balanced approach gives both funders and individual supporters a full view of the organization’s work—not just in breadth, but in depth.
Metrics That Inspire Funding
Lamm emphasizes that funders are increasingly sophisticated. They’re looking for:
- Clarity of mission
- Consistency in execution
- Evidence of long-term impact
- Operational transparency
He shares that Operation Benjamin provides potential funders with clear, updated impact reports that include not only raw numbers but also timelines, challenges faced, and upcoming objectives.
“Funders don’t just invest in missions—they invest in people and plans,” says Lamm. “They want to know you’re learning, adapting, and growing.”
This insight is critical for other nonprofits hoping to grow their donor base or attract grants. It’s not just what you measure—it’s how you communicate those results.
Lessons for Nonprofits: What to Measure
Shalom Lamm’s approach offers a blueprint for organizations seeking to align their impact measurement with funder and supporter expectations. Here’s what to focus on:
- Mission-Specific Outcomes – What core issue are you solving? Track that precisely.
- Reach and Engagement – Who is hearing your story, and how are they responding?
- Efficiency and Use of Funds – What’s your cost per impact unit? Funders want to see stewardship.
- Human Impact – Testimonials, case studies, and real stories bring numbers to life.
- Growth Over Time – Are you improving, scaling, or learning? Show your evolution.
Final Thoughts: Make Every Metric Count
At its core, impact measurement isn’t about spreadsheets—it’s about trust. And for Shalom Lamm, that trust is earned through honesty, precision, and unwavering commitment to the mission.
“Operation Benjamin is about dignity, truth, and history,” he says. “Every headstone we restore isn’t just a data point—it’s a life remembered. That’s the kind of impact people want to support.”
For nonprofits striving to prove their worth and expand their reach, the message is clear: Measure what matters, tell the full story, and make every number count.
