Impact
Measuring impact is a central part of Hobby Lobby’s work. Each year, we publish a detailed Impact Report, and our activities are regularly evaluated by external institutions, such as the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU Wien).
Our impact approach
The data required for impact measurement is collected through anonymous quantitative questionnaires completed by all course participants, Youth Leaders, and course instructors. In addition, qualitative interviews with parents, teachers, and mentors are conducted to analyze the personal and social development of participating children and teenagers. To understand long-term effects, selected participants and Youth Leaders are interviewed repeatedly over time, and their insights are integrated into Hobby Lobby’s ongoing impact analysis.
It’s truly wonderful to see that our work creates real social value. We experience this not only in our daily interactions with the children and teenagers but can also prove our impact with data. I’m always amazed to see how participants grow, develop new skills, and how powerful non-formal education really is.
Our impact model
INPUT
Hobby Lobby invests financial and human resources at various locations to help young people recognize their strengths, develop potential, and gain key life skills through educational and creative programs.
OUTPUT
With the support of volunteer course instructors, Hobby Lobby offers free leisure courses in Austria, Germany, and Romania. Both instructors and Youth Leaders (co-trainers) receive ongoing supervision and workshops to strengthen their teaching and leadership skills.
OUTCOME
Through meaningful learning experiences during their free time, participants’ life situations improve.
Hobby Lobby’s impact occurs across four levels:
- Development of social skills
- Practice of leadership skills
- Access to psychosocial support
- Building and strengthening of networks
IMPACT
Our long-term goal is to foster equal educational opportunities for all children and teenagers by building local educational networks. In doing so, education is redefined — extending beyond the classroom into everyday life.
Social Return on Investment study
What impact does one euro invested in Hobby Lobby have? This question was examined by the Center for Nonprofit Organizations and Social Entrepreneurship at the Vienna University of Economics and Business as part of a Social Return on Investment (SROI) study. The study analyses, quantifies, and monetises the social and financial effects of Hobby Lobby.
The results are impressive: every euro invested generates a social added value of €21.27. This means that the investments pay off more than 21 times in terms of positive societal effects. According to the study, a key factor behind this high level of impact is the preventive nature of Hobby Lobby’s programmes. By supporting children and teenagers early on, long-term effects are created in the areas of education, personal development, health and social inclusion.
Our annual impact report
Hobby Lobby’s impact report follows the Social Reporting Standards (SRS) to transparently show partners, supporters, and the public the measurable outcomes of our work. The report outlines our resources (input), activities and programs (output), and their effects (0utcome and impact) on both participants and society.
Hobby Lobby in numbers
Co-CEO