Empowering Nonprofits Through Data
Empowering Nonprofits Through Data
To help assess your readiness for evaluation, rate your organization to the best of your ability using the scale below. The assessment results can help you discuss with staff and/or board members understand your organization’s current needs in evaluation capacity building. For more information, Contact Us!
Organization has clear program goals and objectives. Program descriptions are consistent and clear. Program activities align to the organization’s mission. Organization has documentation that outlines program model, which may be a logic model, work plan and/or program planning and evaluation model.
Organization has clear measurable outcomes that align to the mission statement. All staff are aware of these measurable outcomes. These outcomes identify what change is expected to occur, in what way, and with what group(s). Example: K-3 students reading skills will improve.
Organization has a data collection tools that measure the outcomes. This may include intake forms, surveys, focus group question guide, and other methodologies.
Organization has at least one staff member charged with overseeing all data collection efforts. A third party evaluator may also be involved. This includes a data collection protocol being established, data collectors trained, written documentation on data collection process, confidentiality and data security addressed.
Organization has a data management system in place. This includes process to enter data (if collected on paper), a database that can be managed internally or externally, codebook to ensure data are managed in a consistent manner, and data management training for staff and/or volunteers.
Organization has identified parties that have the time and skills to analyze data, and synthesize into a meaningful report.
There is a clear communications plan of how evaluation reports will be shared with different groups, such as funders, participants, staff, board members, and the community at large (if applicable).
Organization uses the data for continuous program improvement as well as accountability to key stakeholders. There is a culture of evaluative thinking, where data based decision making is integrated into the organization’s culture.
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