Impact measurement in social projects in Brazilian communities

: bridging everyday evidence and funder expectations

Abstract

Small community-based social projects in Rocinha and Vidigal (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) must evidence impact to meet funder expectations embedded in calls for proposals (CFPs). This thesis examines how these projects define impact, document change, and navigate funder requirements. Using a proportionality perspective, it develops a triangle lens, purpose (whether evidence is decision-useful), feasibility (sustainable for low resource teams) and legibility (credible to external actors). The study uses a multiple-case design combining 13 interviews with project leaders, three specialist interviews, participant-shared routine artefacts, and documentary analysis of ten anonymized CFP packages. Findings show that projects rarely start from predefined indicators; they rely on embedded routines,such as attendance tracking and conversations with families. These indicators support coordination and learning but translate poorly into standardized tables. CFPs, by contrast, emphasize target-driven indicators and extensive documentation to support comparability. This often shifts compliance work onto already thin teams, which can lead to more reliance on intermediaries, selective compliance, or withdrawal from opportunities altogether. The study points to more proportionate funding and reporting requirement, including mixed-format proof of impact combining simple indicator sets with brief narratives of change. These adjustments can widen access to resources for social community projects. The thesis contributes with empirical insight into everyday evidence practices and introduces a purpose–feasibility–legibility lens to diagnose and improve fit between project routines and funder requirement.

Date of Award	4 Feb 2026
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Fabricio Stocker (Supervisor)