Evaluation

Evaluation & Outcomes

Evaluation & Outcomes Evaluation is carefully collecting information about something in order to make necessary decisions about it. Nonprofit organizations - and funders - are increasingly interested in outcomes-based evaluation to find the most efficient and effective way to meet the mission. This information and articles on this page strive to assist you in making meaning of the evaluation process.

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Posted on: January 29, 2018

Topics: Featured

Untangling the Elements of Impact

Source: Blue Avocado

This excerpt from The Sustainability Mindset: Using the Matrix Map to Make Strategic Decisions examines the elements of impact, and suggests a variety of criteria you can use to evaulate your organization's impact.

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Posted on: June 26, 2015

Topics: Evaluation | Organizational Assessment | Outcomes

Idealware’s Results Data Initiatives

Source: Idealware

Idealware collected more than 300 initiatives that share program results data across multiple organizations, and made findings and data about the initiatives available online.

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Posted on: March 16, 2015

Topics: Data & Research | Evaluation | Outcomes | Program Planning & Evaluation

A 2-Step Exercise for Designing Your Best Board

Source: PhilanTopic

Andy Robinson, a Vermont-based nonprofit consultant and author, shares a simple board self-evaluation exercise to help you clarify your boards strengths and weaknesses.

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Posted on: March 12, 2015

Topics: Board | Board Development | Evaluation

4 Tips for Measuring Outcomes Instead of Activities

Jason Saul, Founder & CEO of Mission Measurement LLC and presenter at some of the Center's past workshops, shares some great tips on measuring outcomes, not activities, on Philanthropy.com's Measuring Up blog.

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Posted on: June 19, 2014

Topics: Data & Research | Evaluation | Outcomes

Effective Nonprofit Evaluation

Source: TCC Group

This paper defines the Community of Leaders (CoL) evaluation model and provides a step-by-step guide showing how to create and develop a community of learners for evaluative learning and decision making across a wide range of nonprofits.
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Posted on: November 13, 2013

Topics: Evaluation | Outcomes

Evaluation Capacity Building: Funder Initiatives to Strengthen Grantee Evaluation Capacity & Practice

Source: Innovation Network

This report reflects on various strategies and techniques used to build evaluation capacity among groups of grantees and offers recommendations for funders considering an evaluation capacity building initiative. Read the report from the Innovation Network.

Posted on: May 2, 2013

Topics: Evaluation

Expanding Stakeholder Involvement in Evaluation

Source: Innovation Network

This paper shares some techniques used to give evaluation participants a more active role in the review and analysis of their evaluation data. It also discusses the benefits and challenges of the participatory analysis process. Read the paper from the Innovation Network.

Posted on: May 2, 2013

Topics: Evaluation

The State of Evaluation

The State of Evaluation report is based on surveys of nonprofit organizations and paints a picture of how the nonprofit sector uses evaluation. Download a copy of the latest State of Evaluation report.

Posted on: May 2, 2013

Topics: Evaluation

More on Evaluations

Source: Blue Avocado

In a follow up to an article, Blue Avocado reviewed feedback from readers and adapted a survey format of an evaluation for the Executive Director. Learn more about their process and download an easy to modify version of the tool. Read the article from Blue Avocado.

Posted on: May 1, 2013

Topics: Board | Executive | Evaluation

Board Self-Assessment Tool

The Board Self-Assessment Questionnaire helps New Hampshire nonprofit boards identify how the board might be strengthened and assists boards in identifying priorities for board development activities. The tool now includes the option of online administration and tabulation of the results.
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