The CIC's ability to measure its impact resulted in closer ties with its members, reports in his new book,  scheduled to be released on March 22. 

The book refers to the CIC as a case study of how an organization can work with its stakeholders to measure value. The CIC developed a metric that shows its members' return on collaboration, on an aggregate level and institution by institution. Reporting that value -- as CIC Director Barbara McFadden Allen says in the book -- resulted in greater trust; a tighter connection throughout the consortium; and ultimately, greater investment.

Allen is quoted: "We were quick to go to go to our stakeholders and say, "What do you think is a value you get from the CIC and how can we measure that? And they told us, in no uncertain terms."  

Saul is also the CEO of Chicago-based Mission Measurement, a social impact consulting firm. His new book "includes the tools needed to effectively frame, market, and sell a nonprofit organization's impact, and contains step-by-step guidance for creating dynamic new opportunities with a variety of funders."

 is published by Jossey-Bass and is available for purchase on Amazon.com and other booksellers.