Service package
Value-for-Money and Cost-per-Beneficiary Analysis for NGOs
A clear, defensible analysis of what your programme costs per beneficiary and per result, framed around the value-for-money questions funders ask.
When you need this
Funders ask for value-for-money evidence and a cost per beneficiary, but programme finance data are rarely organised by activity or result, and the numbers are hard to compare or defend.
What is included
- Agree the value-for-money framework with you — economy, efficiency, effectiveness and equity (the 4Es), or your funder's own framework
- Define beneficiaries and results consistently, avoiding double counting
- Allocate programme costs to activities and outputs
- Calculate cost per beneficiary, cost per output and, where outcome data allow, cost per outcome
- Compare results over time, across sites or with published figures where they are comparable
- Identify cost drivers and practical efficiency opportunities
What you receive
- Value-for-money report structured around your funder's framework
- Cost-per-beneficiary workbook that your team can update each year
- Short summary for proposals, annual reports and board papers
How it works
- 01
Framework and definitions
We agree the framework, the results to cost and how beneficiaries are counted.
- 02
Data mapping
We map your finance and monitoring data to activities and results.
- 03
Analysis
We calculate unit costs and value-for-money indicators and check them independently.
- 04
Reporting
We write up the results in your funder's format and hand over the workbook.
Every engagement follows our methods and standards, including independent quality control.
Free resources for this package
Guides
Templates
Frequently asked questions
What is a good cost per beneficiary?
There is no universal benchmark. Cost per beneficiary depends on what a beneficiary receives, the setting and the scale. It is most useful compared over time or across similar programmes that use the same definitions.
Is cost per beneficiary the same as value for money?
No. Cost per beneficiary is a measure of economy and efficiency. Value for money also asks whether the programme achieves its results (effectiveness) and reaches the people it should (equity).
How much does it cost?
Pricing is on request, after a short call. We send a written proposal setting out the scope, timeline and price.
Not sure which package fits?
Tell us about the decision you need to support and we will suggest the right scope.