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Reporting & Dashboards

How to Track Program Performance Metrics

How to track program performance metrics using dashboards in FORWARD Direct. Use it when you need a clear view of application trends, application status movement, and award totals without digging through individual records.

When Should I Use This?


Use program performance metrics tracking when you need to:

  • Monitor application trends over time (for example, using a Line Chart)

  • Understand how applications are moving by application status (using the Filter for State)

  • Track totals like number of applications and award value (using Application Sum Card and Value Sum Card)

  • Review patterns by geography (using Map set for zip codes)

  • Share a dashboard view with leadership, funders, or partners (using Copy Public URL)


Step-by-Step Instructions


  1. Open your program’s Dashboard.

  2. Confirm you are in Preview Mode (the dashboard always opens in Preview mode).

  3. Use the dashboard Filter to narrow what you are viewing:

    • Set Date (Start Date and/or End Date).

    • Set State (sort per application status).

  4. Use Pages to move between sections of the dashboard (for example: Overview, Awards, and Map).

  5. Review the dashboard canvas (the main visualization area) and look for the components that match the metric you need:

    • Application Sum Card (summary card for a number of applications, such as submitted or approved)

    • Value Sum Card (summary card for award value, such as awarded)

    • Charts such as Bar Chart, Pie Chart, and Line Chart

    • Table for tabular views

    • Map for zip code views


Optional: Add a chart to track a specific metric

  1. Click the Preview Toggle to switch from Preview to Edit Mode.

  2. In Pages, select the page you want to update, or click Add Page.

  3. If needed, open Page Settings (Right Sidebar) and update:

    • Page Name

    • Description

    • Public Page (visible in the public dashboard view)

  4. From the dashboard canvas, click + Add Section.

  5. Click inside the new section and choose what to add (for example, Chart or Text, or create columns within the section).

  6. If you select Chart, use the left sidebar to configure it:

  7. Go to Chart and select the Chart Type (Bar Chart, Pie Chart, Line Chart, Table, or Map).

  8. In Data, select ONE dimension from the dropdown (the “friendly name” located in the FORM under Reporting, Friendly Name).

  9. In Labels, add the Title, Y-Axis Title, and X-Axis Title.

  10. In Design, select a chart color scheme.

  11. Click Publish to apply and save your edits to the live dashboard.


Common Mistakes to Avoid


  • Trying to edit while still in Preview Mode. To start editing, click the Preview Toggle to switch to Edit Mode.

  • Forgetting to click Publish after making edits. Your changes are not applied to the live dashboard until you publish.

  • Using Copy Public URL without understanding the impact. The tool notes that this will make the URL publicly searchable on the web.

  • Selecting more than one dimension for a chart. In Data, the instructions specify selecting ONE dimension.

  • Adding a section you don’t need. The dashboard guidance notes: “Once a section is added, it cannot be delete — the entire section would need to be deleted.”


Best Practices for FORWARD Direct Users


  • Use Pages to keep your dashboard organized (for example, separate Overview, Awards, and Map views).

  • Add a Description in Page Settings so viewers understand what they’re looking at on the dashboard canvas.

  • Use Filter (Date and State) before you interpret results, so you’re confident you’re viewing the right slice of data.

  • Only use Copy Public URL when you truly want a public viewing link, and you understand it may be searchable on the web.

  • When building charts, choose dimensions using the Reporting, Friendly Name so the chart matches the field you intended.


FAQ


What does “State” mean in dashboard filters?

In the dashboard Filter, State is used to sort by application status.


How do I switch from viewing to editing a dashboard?

Dashboards open in Preview Mode. To start editing, click the Preview Toggle to switch to Edit Mode.


Do I need to publish after making dashboard edits?

Yes. Publish “applies and saves all recent edits to the live dashboard.”


Can I share a dashboard with someone who doesn’t have portal access?

Yes. Copy Public URL generates a shareable link so others can view the dashboard without portal access. The dashboard notes that this also makes the URL publicly searchable on the web.


What does a “Value Sum Card” track?

A Value Sum Card is a summary card for the award value of applications tied to specific metrics, such as Awarded.

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