Meet Sheri Chaney Jones | Serial Social Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sheri Chaney Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sheri, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
SureImpact is designed specifically to serve the nonprofit sector and the entities (i.e. government and foundations) that fund them. In the United States the nonprofit sector is the 3rd largest workforce behind retail and manufacturing, with 12 million employees. The nonprofit sector contributed an estimated $1.5 trillion to the U.S. economy in third quarter 2022, accounting for 5.7% of the U.S. GDP. This sector is the backbone behind most communities. Nonprofit leaders work tirelessly every day to create healthy and vibrant communities where everyone has a chance to thrive. These organizations ensure people get access to jobs, affordable housing, education, recreation, faith, and culture. Despite communities’ reliance on their important work, nonprofits are often prevented from implementing innovative strategies due to a scarcity mindset and an underinvestment in technology. SureImpact is working to change this.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
SureImpact is the only technology solution specifically designed for all members of the social-good sector. Our proven collaborative infrastructure combines case management, impact measurement, and reporting to enhance organization’s delivery of mission-critical services, engage communities, attract new sources of funding, and increase trust with existing funders. By demonstrating the degree to which organizations are changing the world, funders and other stakeholders become more invested in causes than ever before. SureImpact is the result of a two-decade long career trying to address a fundamental question: Why wasn’t data being used more extensively to solve problems, especially in the nonprofit sector? In 2010, I launched a national study to evaluate how non-profit and government organizations were using data. The results of this study would become the foundation for my first book, “Impact and Excellence: Data-driven Strategies for Aligning Mission, Culture, and Performance in Nonprofit and Government Organizations” (Josey Bass, 2014).
My research uncovered a critical revelation: Nonprofits possessing data related to outcomes and impact, and actively using it, were more likely to thrive financially, foster stronger relationships, and achieve greater impact. This insight led to the creation of my consulting firm, Measurement Resources Company, dedicated to helping government, nonprofits, social enterprises, and foundations unlock the power of data to make informed decisions and drive lasting impact.
After working with thousands of nonprofit leaders, it became clear that nonprofits lack the needed technology to help them to measure outcomes. With the envisioned product not available in the market, I decided to take matters into my own hands, launching SureImpact. In 2018, SureImpact was informally introduced to the world, offering an innovative intersection between data-driven decision-making and unwavering optimism. It bridged the gap between what organizations do and how they do it by providing easy access to data-driven insights, ensuring accountability, and highlighting effective practices designed to drive equitable outcomes. SureImpact’s automatic data-sharing feature sets it apart as a pioneer in the industry, offering real-time access to how taxpayer dollars are spent and revolutionizing the way impact is measured.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Columbus, Ohio is an amazing place to grow a business and raise a family. There is so much to do to entertain friends and family that came into town. The prefect weeklong agenda would include visiting all the best gems our city has to offer. One day we would enjoy shopping at Easton, have lunch at the NorthStar Café, and end the day with a game of duck pin bowling at Pins Mechanical. Another day we would venture over to Bridge Park in Dublin, Ohio and explore Indian Falls and then walk over to North High Brewery to grab a beer. Then we’d walk across the Scioto River Bridge and take a stroll through the North Market before grabbing some dinner at Cap City Diner. After dinner we’d back across the bridge and enjoy at night cap at Gateway Brewing. Another day we would venture downtown to have brunch in the Short North at The Guild House and stroll the shops, then we’d go canoeing at the Scioto Audubon Metro Park and depending on the season we’d end the day by taking in a Clippers or Blue Jackets Game. After the game we’d enjoy a snack and Bloodthirst Wheat at Barley’s Brewing Company. We’d also spend time relaxing in our backyard pool and enjoying our neighborhood Worthington Hills. This would include a bike ride down the Olentangy Bike trail to the Park of Roses and into Clintonville to enjoy a trip to Jeni’s Ice Cream in Clintonville. We’d also enjoy a meal at the Rusty Bucket and pick up a great meal to grill by the pool at the Hills Market. Of course no trip to Columbus would be complete without a visit to the Columbus Zoo.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Only 2% of all businesses are women-owned with revenues over million dollars and less than 2% of venture capital dollars go to women-owned start-ups; yet, I have had the good future to achieve both of these statistics. Behind my success is a pyramid of women supporting me – I stand on the shoulders of dozens of women. My mom, who raised me to believe I could do anything. My grandmas, aunts, and sister who would listen to my wild ideas and dreams and always have my back. To all my Girls Scout troop leaders who nurtured my love of science, innovation, and leadership. In my professional career, every boss I ever had was a woman. I had the privilege to work for two entrepreneurs, one County Court Director, and one State Cabinet-level Director, before branching out and becoming an entrepreneur myself. The women of the National Association of Women Business Owners became my lifeline as a march towards my big business goals. These women’s influence on my life is profound. They normalized women in leadership — everywhere I looked I saw smart, successful, accomplished, and powerful women.

Website: https://www.sureimpact.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherichaneyjones/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SureImpactInc

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SureImpactInc/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sureimpactinc7993

Other: www.measurementresourcesco.com