There is some movement — albeit slow movement — away from the “overhead is bad” model of measurement. The trick is coming up with new ways to evaluate charities that can be used across the board. I don’t think we’re there yet.

Your point about efficiency is a good one. How many organizations plan to do exactly the same thing for a long time? Some really should be focused on putting themselves right out of business. (Wouldn’t it be great if there were no longer a need for cancer research or organizations that help the hungry?) Others may plan to be around forever, but no organization is static.