Social Impact Measurement
Professional Certificate
Open to Professionals and Emerging Leaders
The Social Impact Measurement Professional Certificate is an open-enrolment continuing education program. There is no competitive admissions process. There is no application or selection process. Simply register for the program and join us. This is education ready for you, when you need it, right on time.
Join Us for an Online Information Session
Learn more about the Social Impact Measurement Professional Certificate by joining us for an interactive information session.
Register HereLearning Outcomes
This University of St. Michael’s College Continuing Education Professional Certificate equips learners with the essential skills to create, implement, assess, and communicate a Social Impact Measurement strategy for a new program, or to modify or evaluate an existing one. Through a blend of on-line and in-person sessions, participants will:
Create Impact Frameworks
Click to learn more
Evaluate Appropriate Metrics
Click to learn more
Analyze Impact
Click to learn more
Apply Insights
Click to learn more
Understand the Landscape
Click to learn more
Gain a complete Social Impact Measurement toolbox with expert guidance to build or renovate your measurement strategy from the ground up.
Navigate complex challenges like reporting long-term impact with short-term data, creating concrete measures from qualitative information, and demonstrating business value in social contexts.
Join today to develop a credible, business-aligned, peer-reviewed Social Impact Measurement strategy unlike any other program available.
Learn Alongside Professionals from Across Sectors
Our participants represent a wide range of sectors, including sustainable finance and financial services, insurance, health care, higher education, municipalities, telecommunications, manufacturing, consulting, charities, conservation, economic development, and public agencies. They are typically mid- to senior-career professionals responsible for sustainability, ESG, social impact, community investment, strategy, partnerships, communications, evaluation, and organizational leadership.
Participants have included senior advisors, analysts, managers, team leads, consultants, and directors who are leading change within their organizations. Recent cohorts have included professionals from organizations such as Sun Life, TELUS, Sustainalytics, Aviso, the LCBO, Eli Lilly Canada, Lactalis Canada, the City of Kingston, the City of Oshawa, University of Toronto Mississauga, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, The King’s Trust Canada, the Canadian Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Kindred Credit Union, and many others.
What Participants Say
“As a non-profit consultant, this module was extremely valuable. I now understand the possibilities and limitations of social impact measurement and can apply the basics to my day-to-day work.”
“I had several ‘light bulb’ moments during this course that have made a difference in the way I think about social impact measurement. It was also a great opportunity to build connections with peers in the sector.”
“I felt this set a very strong foundation for how I now understand social impact measurement that I can directly apply to my work. Coming into the course, I thought I knew more than I did and it was a humbling experience to realize how much I don’t know and how much more I need to learn. This set me on the right path and gave me a lot of information that I can refer back to over time.”
“These experiences have sharpened my ability to connect mission-driven initiatives with measurable impact and evidence-based storytelling. I’m excited to apply these insights toward more transparent and accountable social impact practice.”
“This module really helped me translate the concepts around a Theory of Change into application. Using your own case study, and learning more about the case studies your peers are working on makes it very practical. I also really appreciated that the weekly recommended assignments were all mini parts to the final assignment. That way by doing a little each week, you could get feedback on how you were progressing. This process also made the final assignment way more manageable to complete.”
Financial Support
All modules/courses in the Social Impact Measurement Professional Certificate qualify for the Federal T2202 tax credit.
Professional Learning for Credentialed Evaluators
SIMPC develops practical skills and knowledge that align with the Competencies for Canadian Evaluation Practice across technical, situational, reflective and interpersonal domains.
For professionals holding the Canadian Evaluation Society’s Credentialed Evaluator (CE) designation, SIMPC learning activities may be eligible toward the CES requirement to report 40 hours of professional learning every three years. SIMPC is not an approved or accredited CES activity. Participants are responsible for determining the alignment of the program with their own learning objectives and for identifying and reporting eligible hours based on CES requirements.
Please contact ce.stmikes@utoronto.ca to discuss discounts for registering groups, and payment plans.

Join us for an interactive information session
Hear more about the Social Impact Measurement Professional Certificate program,and have your questions answered
Register HereCourse Modules & Content
Register for the full Professional Certificate
Register now for all 5 modules
Regular Rate: $6200
USMC Alumni/Nonprofit Rate: $5270
*Alumni Rate applies to all University of St. Michael’s College and SR&S Diploma alumni
Build a strong foundation in the core concepts and language of social impact measurement. Explore key frameworks and approaches used across sectors, and examine how organizations define, assess, and communicate impact.
Participants will compare qualitative and quantitative methodologies, understand the role of Theory of Change, and explore how impact data is used in nonprofits, social enterprises, and corporations.
Next offerings:
November 17 & 18, 2026, In-person, 9:00am to 5:00pm at University of St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto (final assignment due December 8)
February 10 & 11, 2027, In-person, 9:00am to 5:00pm at University of St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto (final assignment due March 3
Regular Rate: $1450
USMC Alumni/Nonprofit Rate: $1232.50
*Alumni Rate applies to all University of St. Michael’s College and SR&S Diploma alumni
Module 2: Designing a Theory of Change
Learn how to design and apply a Theory of Change and Logic Model to guide your organization’s social impact strategy.
This module focuses on aligning mission, values, and strategy with measurable outcomes, while meaningfully engaging partners and those affected by your work. Participants will explore ethical frameworks, risks such as greenwashing, and practical tools for operationalizing impact measurement.
Culminating work includes: developing a Theory of Change, logic model, and a clear impact thesis for an organization.
Next Offerings:
January 12 to February 11, 2027, synchronous online sessions (Tuesday & Thursday, 12 noon – 1:30 pm ET), with asynchronous readings and assignments
April 6 to May 6, 2027, synchronous online sessions (Tuesday & Thursday, 12 noon – 1:30 pm ET), with asynchronous readings and assignments
Regular Rate: $1400
USMC Alumni/Nonprofit Rate: $1190.00
*Alumni Rate applies to all University of St. Michael’s College and SR&S Diploma alumni
Module 3: Building a Measurement & Data Strategy
Design a robust approach to measuring impact through appropriate metrics, indicators, and data systems.
Participants will learn how to select and apply frameworks (e.g., UN SDGs, IRIS+, SROI), build a data pipeline, and ensure indicators capture meaningful change over time. The module also addresses stakeholder engagement, power dynamics, and capacity considerations in data collection.
Culminating work includes: creating a comprehensive metrics and data collection strategy.
Next Offerings:
March 3 & 4, 2027, in person on campus at the University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto. Final assignment due March 24.
June 2 & 3, 2027, in person on campus at the University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto. Final assignment due June 23.
Regular Rate: $1450
USMC Alumni/Nonprofit Rate: $1232.50
*Alumni Rate applies to all University of St. Michael’s College and SR&S Diploma alumni
Module 4: Building the Business Case for Impact
Develop a compelling case for social impact measurement within your organization.
This module explores the costs, benefits, and strategic value of impact measurement, including resource allocation, stakeholder alignment, and long-term sustainability. Participants will assess risks and opportunities, and connect impact initiatives to broader organizational strategy and systems change.
Culminating work includes: building a business and impact case for senior leadership, including cost analysis and strategic alignment.
Next Offerings:
May 4 to May 25, 2027 (7 lectures, Tuesday & Thursday, 12 noon -1:30 pm), final assignment due June 15.
September 7 to September 28, 2027 (7 lectures, Tuesday & Thursday, 12 noon -1:30 pm), final assignment due October 18.
Regular Rate: $950.00
USMC Alumni/Nonprofit Rate: $807.50
*Alumni Rate applies to all University of St. Michael’s College and SR&S Diploma alumni
Module 5: Communicating Social Impact
Learn how to effectively communicate social impact to diverse audiences.
Participants will explore reporting formats and tools—from dashboards to formal reports—and examine best practices in clarity, credibility, and strategic alignment. The module emphasizes storytelling, data visualization, and stakeholder engagement to ensure impact is communicated in meaningful and actionable ways.
Culminating work includes: developing a reporting framework and presenting a capstone project, including an outline of both an impact report and evaluation report.
Next Offerings:
July 6 to July 27, 2027 (7 lectures, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12 noon -1:30 pm online via Zoom) Final due August 17
November 2 to November 23, 2027 (7 lectures, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12 noon -1:30 pm online via Zoom) Final due December 13
Regular Rate: $950.00
USMC Alumni/Nonprofit Rate: $807.50
*Alumni Rate applies to all University of St. Michael’s College and SR&S Diploma alumni
Micro Credentials
Each module in the Social Impact Measurement Professional Certificate awards an individual micro credential.
USMC CE is proud to offer micro-credentials—digital, verifiable credentials that you own and can share on your résumé, LinkedIn profile, and more. Micro-credentials are certifications of assessed learning that focus on specific, relevant skills and competencies. These programs are designed for professionals seeking rapid, practical training to meet today’s social and environmental challenges. Whether you’re advancing your career, or deepening your expertise, our micro-credentials deliver focused learning backed by real-world relevance, and academic excellence.
1. Do I need to apply to the program?
No. The Social Impact Measurement Professional Certificate is an open-enrolment continuing education program. There is no application, interview, or competitive selection process. If you’re interested in developing your social impact measurement skills, you can simply register.
2. Who is the program for?
SIMPC is designed for professionals, practitioners, emerging leaders, and others who want to strengthen their ability to understand, measure, communicate, and improve social impact.
Participants may work in areas such as nonprofits, social services, community development, sustainability, philanthropy, government, education, or social enterprise. The program can also be a valuable complement to an undergraduate or graduate degree.
3. Do I need previous experience in social impact measurement?
No. You don’t need to be an impact measurement specialist to participate. The program is designed to provide practical knowledge and tools that can be applied in a variety of professional and organizational settings.
4. How will I be able to use what I learn?
SIMPC is designed to give you practical skills you can apply directly to your work. You might use what you learn to develop a measurement framework for a program, identify and track meaningful outcomes, evaluate whether an initiative is achieving its intended impact, communicate results to funders and stakeholders, or use evidence to inform decisions and improve programs.
Whether you’re working in a nonprofit, social service organization, government, community organization, social enterprise, or another setting focused on social change, the tools and approaches you learn can be adapted to your own projects and organizational context.
5. What will I be able to do after completing the certificate?
SIMPC is focused on practical, applied skills. You’ll develop tools and approaches for measuring and communicating social impact, evaluating programs and initiatives, understanding outcomes, and using evidence to support better decision-making.
The goal isn’t simply to understand social impact measurement as a concept. It’s to give you skills you can put into practice in your organization or professional work.