Organizations conduct evaluations primarily to accomplish six purposes:

When preparing the evaluation section of the proposal, answering the following questions will help you frame what you will say:

The focus of this workbook, as in previous editions, does not allow for detailed information on program evaluation methods. A free resource you should consider reviewing as an accompaniment to this workbook is the W. K. Kellogg Foundation Evaluation Handbook, which can be found on the foundation’s website (www.wkkf.org).

That said, here is a broad overview that can provide some assistance as you determine the parameters most appropriate for your project. Generally, there are two approaches to data collection: quantitative methods and qualitative methods.

Quantitative methods are, as their name implies, methods to quantify (measure or count) data. They directly answer the question, “How much did we do?” Using this method, you collect data that you can analyze statistically, using averages, means, percentiles, and the like. These analyses allow you to make statements about cause-and-effect relationships. Employ quantitative methods for questions focused on

Qualitative methods, in contrast, are based on direct contact with the people involved with a program. These methods consist of interviews (group or individual), observation (direct or field), and review of selected documents. According to the Nonprofit Good Practice Guide Glossary (www.npgoodpractice.org/Glossary), this approach “implies an emphasis on processes and meanings that are rigorously examined, but not measured in terms of quantity, amount, or frequency.” Employ qualitative methods for questions focused on

In other words, pretests and posttests are not the only measures of success. By taking the time to think clearly and strategically up front, an organization can come up with a creative and valuable evaluation design that incorporates both quantitative and qualitative methods. For example, Some City Senior Center staff might use a pretest and posttest (quantitative method) to measure each new Spanish-speaking member’s individual success in grasping the new diabetes management protocols being taught in the new diabetes management classes, and they might also observe the classroom and the facility in which the curriculum is taught to better understand each member’s experience (qualitative method).

The evaluation component should highlight the data collection methods you plan to employ for the program. Like every other component of the proposal, the evaluation should connect directly with both the objectives and the methods. If your objectives and methods were crafted as recommended—meaning they are measurable and time-specific—that will make the task of preparing a good data collection plan and proposal evaluation much easier.

Take a look at the Sample Evaluation Component prepared for the Senior Latino Community Outreach Pilot Project.

Specific to our diabetes self-management class, we will employ a combination of evaluation tools. We will use pretests and posttests with every new monolingual Spanish-speaking senior who participates in the classes. We will also take the blood sugar level of each new senior at the beginning of the classes, and monitor each senior’s blood sugar level once weekly for three months upon completion of the classes. This monitoring will be done by the nurse, who will use a glucometer to measure each participant’s levels. The medical readings will be documented in the client’s file every week for three months to determine whether participation in the self-management classes has an effect on the seniors’ ability to successfully manage their blood sugar levels and therefore effectively manage their diabetes.

Answer the questions in Worksheet 6.1A to begin planning your evaluation section. The sample answers in Worksheet 6.1B will help you get started. Be sure to refer to the Sample Evaluation Component before writing the organization’s evaluation section. When you complete your evaluation section, review it with the Evaluation Review Questions.

If the program is successful and you are able to document that success through evaluation, you are probably going to want that program to continue. Step Seven addresses the need to plan now for program sustainability beyond the initial funding.