Sanjeev Pandey | Published: 07 July, 2025

As a social sector professional, I’ve often found myself in a conundrum about a relatively simple but critical question: “Are we truly creating lasting change in society, or are we just busy delivering activities?” The stark reality is that in this complex and resource-constrained development sector, having good intentions alone isn’t enough. We’re constantly requested to show and produce real data-driven results—to move beyond reports of activities and demonstrate measurable impact on the ground.

That’s why I have always advocated that Results-Based Program Management (RBPM) is not just a helpful tool—it can be a game-changer for the sector. RBPM produces a strategic, outcomes-driven approach that ensures every resource, activity, and partnership is aligned with the change we seek to create.

Why traditional approaches no longer work

I’ve seen many programs focus primarily on processes—whether it’s delivering workshops, distributing resources, or conducting training. While these actions have their importance, they fall short in providing answers to the question funders, communities, and partners care about most: What impact did this have?

Without a systematic results-based approach, we face several challenges:

• Struggling to justify funding and demonstrate return on investment.
• Missing opportunities to course-correct when programs aren’t delivering the intended outcomes.
• Finding it difficult to scale what works and build trust with stakeholders who expect transparency, accountability, and evidence.

In a sector where resources are limited and needs are vast, we cannot sustain by operating this way.

How RBPM transforms our work

What I appreciate most about Results-Based Program Management is its ability to shift our focus from activities to outcomes. Here’s what it brings to the table for professionals working in the social sector:

1. Clarity of purpose
   RBPM defines success in measurable outcomes. When we start with the end-goal in mind, we create alignment across teams, and a shared sense of direction evolves, focusing on the bigger picture.
2. Evidence-based decision making
   RBPM empowers us to make thoughtful decisions by embedding regular data collection and monitoring into the programs. Instead of relying on gut feelings or anecdotal stories, RBPM makes strategic choices based on what the evidence provides.
3. Accountability and ownership
   By mapping roles and responsibilities directly to expected results, RBPM promotes a culture of accountability. We get a clear picture of what we are working toward and how our efforts contribute to the broader impact.
4. Stronger stakeholder confidence
   Donors, funders, and partners want us to show progress. With RBPM, we get a clear and transparent framework to communicate impact, which helps us build trust, secure funding, and scale what works.
5. Adaptability and learning
   RBPM encourages continuous learning and adaptive management. In our dynamic sector, this is invaluable—it allows us to respond to evolving needs and challenges without losing sight of our goals.

Why this matters in India’s Development Sector

In India’s diverse and complex development landscape, where resources are scarce and the challenges vast, RBPM provides a practical and robust way forward. Whether we’re working in education, health, livelihoods, or the environment, RBPM equips us as able program managers, CSR professionals, and development leaders to design and implement programs that deliver real, measurable results that genuinely improve lives.

It’s not about delivering services; it’s about enabling behaviour change and sustained community ownership. Whether it’s children attending school regularly, families adopting better hygiene practices, or farmers improving crop yields, RBPM keeps us focused on what really matters.

My final take

For social sector professionals, Results-Based Program Management is not optional—it’s essential. It’s the mindset shift we need to ensure that our work is truly transformative. RBPM assists us in scaling from “what we are doing to what the community is doing”—from data-driven outputs to measurable outcomes, from effort to long-lasting impact.

We must incorporate a methodical, results-driven approach into our work if we hope to build trust, acquire sustained funding, or bring about long-lasting social change. The development sector's future lies with those who adopt a transformative mindset and approach to work.

In a world where development challenges are increasingly interconnected, spaces that enable collaboration and fresh thinking are essential.

The Dialogues on Development Management (DoDM) is one such space. In 2024, it brought together over 1,100 participants from 470+ purpose-driven organisations.

In 2025, it's set to be even bigger and more action-driven. Expect immersive sessions, live polls, and networking breaks to stay engaged and energised throughout the day.

Looking Back: What Made DoDM 2024 So Impactful?

DoDM 2024 wasn't just a conference; it was a space to question, co-create, and reimagine how we build systems that truly serve.

Here's a glimpse of sessions:

• Storytelling for the Development Sector
• Data for Better Intervention Design
• A Gender-Inclusive Approach to Organisational Development
• Strengthening Compliance through Effective Governance
• New Age Communication for Social Impact

Participants left with:

• Hacks to communicate impact more effectively using analogies, credible data, and visuals
• Hands-on experience with the DataSights platform to extract actionable insights
• Strategies to build resilient organisations
• Compliance insights on the Income Tax Act, 1961, and FCRA

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Voices of the Participants

We reached out to participants to hear how the experience resonated with them. Here is what they had to say.

"What stood out for me was the design and execution of the event, which were deeply rooted in the collaborative spirit of sector leaders."

"I deeply appreciate the platform that ISDM has created to bring attention to the critical field of Development Management."

"Got deep insights into using data as evidence and influencing decisions through data. While implementation is crucial for any project, communicating evidence must be aligned with the stakeholders' agenda."

"What stayed with me is the importance of identifying the right people and utilising data effectively."

What's Coming in 2025: New Ideas, Immersion and More

• Kick-off with a plenary on Viksit Bharat @2047 and the role of SPOs
• Dive into four immersive tracks on decentralised decision-making, managing intergenerational teams, building finance, and scaling impact
• Attend immersive masterclasses and engage with changemakers across the country
• Explore grassroots insights through research presentations
• Connect with peers, leaders, and innovators from the development space

DoDM 2025 promises a dynamic mix of learning, reflection, and meaningful dialogue.

Whether you are part of the social sector or passionate about change, DoDM 2025 invites you to join and strengthen Development Management.

Don't miss your chance to shape what's next. Register now for DoDM 2025.

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Social sector organisations often struggle to sustain themselves due to compliance hurdles, financial instability, and weak governance.

Many, despite their bold missions to address poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, falter not from lack of intent but due to critical management gaps.

Dialogues on Development Management (DoDM) 2024 brought together leaders, funders, and practitioners to reimagine how the sector is managed and led.

It emerged as a vibrant platform for collaboration across the three key pillars—Samaaj (society), Sarkaar (government), and Bazaar (market).

A glimpse of the four DoDM 2024 tracks

There were four thematic tracks in DoDM 2024. The conference focused on strengthening development management frameworks to tackle global and local challenges, such as water scarcity, hunger, inequity, and access to essential resources.

Track 1: Building the Sector of the Future
This track explored how impact measurement, philanthropic innovation, and collaborative ecosystems can build a stronger, future-ready social sector.

Track 2: Building Resilient Organisations
With a focus on long-term sustainability, this track explored what it takes to build organisational resilience, be it through financial stability, talent strategies, culture, or operations.

Track 3: Building a Voice for the Sector
The social sector often does the work but lacks visibility. This track tackled how to elevate its voice, attract new talent, and expand its influence across policy and public discourse.

Track 4: Research Paper Presentations
A dedicated research track brought together academics, development professionals, and social entrepreneurs to present 12 research papers.

They presented themes like organisational resilience, community-led sustainability, data and tech for social impact, and the evolving roles of Samaaj, Sarkaar, and Bazaar.

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Key takeaways from the Dialogue:

• Governance and market systems must align with societal values to ensure equitable development.
• Samaaj must take ownership of governance, collaborating with Sarkaar and Bazaar to develop systems that reflect cultural values.
• Nonprofits and corporates can add local context to government initiatives, maintaining diversity while achieving scalability and inclusivity.
• Trust-based partnerships among all three are critical for sustainable impact.
• Nonprofits must strengthen governance and compliance to gain the confidence of Sarkaar and Bazaar.
• Open, strategic communication enables cross-sector collaboration.
• Civil society plays a crucial role in amplifying grassroots voices and shaping inclusive policy.

What lies ahead: DoDM 2025

DoDM 2024 reinforced the need for strong management, effective leadership, and sector-wide collaboration. The 2025 edition brings bold ideas and immersive sessions.

There will be four tracks combining research, discussions, and masterclasses, building a shared body of knowledge.

Track 1: The Art and Science of Decision Making
Track 2: Strengthening the Core for Social Change
Track 3: Financing the Future of Social Change
Track 4: Delivering Social Impact at Scale

Building on the DoDM 2024, we now look forward to DoDM 2025. It will offer practical insights, new perspectives, and connections to amplify your impact.

Join us at DoDM 2025. Registration is now open

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DoDM is India’s leading conference on Development Management. A collaborative space where purpose-driven organisations come together to ideate, co-create, and develop strategies to create impact at scale.

Over time, it has become a significant convening for India’s social impact community.

Last year, in November 2024, at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, we welcomed over 1100 participants from across the country, along with 27 international contributors who submitted research papers.

People joined us from social impact organisations, consulting firms, government departments, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) units, for-profit enterprises, universities, and think tanks.

Curious about what DoDM 2024 was all about?

At DoDM 2024, Samaaj (society), Sarkaar (government), and Bazaar (market) came together to question, collaborate, and co-create the future of Development Management in India.

The dialogue spotlighted the urgent need to rethink management frameworks to drive effective interventions around water scarcity, hunger, inequality, etc.

With 100+ speakers, from grassroots leaders to philanthropy, policy, and education researchers, it was a day of bold ideas, reflection, and insights ready for action.

People attended from global foundations like the Ford Foundation, the NASSCOM Foundation, PRADAN, Magic Bus, Quest Alliance, and more.

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Key highlights from DoDM 2024:

• Thought leaders such as Aamir Khan, Amit Chandra, Pramath Raj Sinha, and Dr. Shamika Ravi shared powerful perspectives on the development scale and impact.
• Launched the Outcomes Readiness Framework, a self-assessment tech tool designed to help nonprofits evaluate their readiness for outcomes-based work.
• Announced Code4Change 2, an initiative that sought to empower the Social Purpose Organisations (SPOs) ecosystem to leverage data science for enhanced operations, efficiency, and impact.
• Introduced a first-of-its-kind research track connecting academics and practitioners through 12 paper presentations.

What lies ahead: DoDM 2025

DoDM 2024 brought together people from across the development sector. It highlighted the need for sustainability, inclusion, and data-driven decisions.

The 2025 edition goes further, with new voices, bold ideas, and immersive sessions. You will leave with practical insights to strengthen management practices in social sector interventions and amplify your impact.

You will explore the science of decision making, strategies to manage intergenerational teams, practices to manage working capital, and build financial resilience, etc.

Whether you’re with a nonprofit, CSR, government organisation, funding organisation, or any social purpose organisation, or someone passionate about the social sector, DoDM 2025 is for you.

Register now

Save your spot at DoDM 2025 and build the future of Development Management together.