Program evaluation is the process of collecting information about a program in order to make decisions about it. Including an evaluation plan in your program shows that you take your objectives seriously and want to know how well you have achieved them. More and more foundations expect to see an evaluation component in the programs they fund.

Candid's Issue Lab Measure results collection is a curated collection of reports and methodological guides focused on building the evaluative capacity of social sector organizations. In addition to this, Issue Lab's main collection contains many more evaluations that can serve as examples of how to evaluate your program.

According to Dr. Lee Mizell, a research and management consultant to public, private, and nonprofit organizations, an evaluation plan should, at minimum: clearly identify the target population

• specify program objectives in measurable terms
• identify key indicators of success
• outline data collection and analysis activities
• develop a timeline to monitor the success of the program on an ongoing basis.

However, nonprofits frequently design and implement evaluation activities after a program is up and running, making it difficult, if not impossible, for evaluators to gather the information they need to accurately measure the success of the program.

Although at least 35 different types of evaluation exist, you should first focus on what you need to know to make the decisions you need to make, and how to accurately collect and understand that information. The method(s) you choose will depend on the project and its objectives. If you plan to apply for grants, you probably will need to describe how information will be collected, analyzed, and reported.

See also our related Knowledge Base articles:

• Where can I find technical assistance or a consultant for my nonprofit?
• Where can I learn more about hiring a consultant?

Arts + Social Impact Explorer
Americans for the Arts

This tool is a good resource for arts organizations looking for SMART objectives. (SMART goals are: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.) Explore the intersection of the Arts with 30 sectors to gather resources to educate decision-makers about the social impact of the arts and encourage more arts-supportive policy action at the local level.

Evaluation and Measurement of Outcomes
National Council of Nonprofits

A compilation of resources and tools for evaluation and outcomes measurement to help your nonprofit evaluate its work, measure outcomes and success, and communicate impact.

Measuring What Matters
Candid, GFCF & PSJP

Identifies more meaningful approaches to organizational learning and accountability in civil society. Provides guiding principles for any system of measurement and recommended action steps. Published by Candid, GFCF (Global Fund for Community Foundations), and PSJP (Philanthropy for Social Justice and Peace).

The Program Manager's Guide to Evaluation
Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE)

This online manual explains what program evaluation is, why it's important, how to conduct an evaluation and understand the results, how to report evaluation findings, and how to use it to improve programs.

Social Impact Terminology Explained
GlobalGiving

Provides explanations of common monitoring and evaluation terms used to measure an organization's social impact.

Statistics Without Borders

According to the group: "SWB provides pro bono statistical and data science services. We work to improve human welfare by providing empirical knowledge using proper applications of statistical principles and best practices so that our clients can make more informed decisions. We focus on areas where access to such resources is limited."

Health Outcomes Measure Definitions
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Resource for health organizations looking for SMART objectives. (SMART goals are: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.) The CDC details various measures that can describe the health status of a community.

A Practical Guide for Engaging Stakeholders in Developing Evaluation Questions
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Outlines the value of stakeholder engagement in evaluation processes and provides step-by-step guidance on identifying stakeholders; determining their roles, priorities, and motivations; and selecting an engagement strategy. This guide provides a five-step process for involving stakeholders in developing evaluation questions and includes planning worksheets.

Strategic Learning & Evaluation
FSG

Resources target primarily grantmakers, but may be applicable to nonprofits seeking to develop evaluation methods. Scroll down for a list of actual grantmaker evaluation projects and related resources.

Nonprofits, Innovation, and Performance Measurement: Separating Fact From Fiction
Johns Hopkins Listening Post Project

Based on a survey of more than four hundred nonprofits, 85 percent of respondents reported that they measure program effectiveness, all of whom use output measures, like the number of persons served. Nearly 70 percent also reported using outcome measures, which focus on ultimate effects. Published 2010.

Program Development
National Minority AIDS Council

The purpose of this manual is to provide a step-by-step outline of the planning process that communities, groups and organizations should follow to develop action plans and successful programs.

Building a Strategic Learning and Evaluation System for Your Organization
FSG

This guide provides a framework and set of practices that can help organizations be more systematic, coordinated, and intentional about what to evaluate, when, why, with whom, and with what resources.