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Lightbulb, pencil, and paper symbolizing best practices for logic models and program planning

Best Practices for Creating and Using Logic Models and Theories of Change

Leave a Comment / Logic Models, Theories of Change /

Nonprofit organizations rely on logic models and theories of change (ToC) to effectively design, implement, and evaluate their programs. However, while these tools are invaluable, creating and using them well requires careful planning and attention to detail. This blog outlines best practices for logic models that help nonprofit leaders plan, communicate, and adapt their programs […]

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Logic Models & Theories of Change represented by a strategic chess piece placed on top of interlocking puzzle pieces.

Logic Models and Theories of Change: What is the Difference and How Do They Help?

Leave a Comment / Logic Models, Theories of Change /

The Roadmap to Success with Planning and Evaluation Tools For nonprofit organizations, achieving measurable impact requires more than good intentions. In other words, it demands a clear, actionable roadmap that connects the organization’s mission to tangible outcomes. Logic models and theories of change (ToC) are two powerful tools that provide this clarity. These frameworks define

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Nonprofit evaluation planning brainstorming with hand writing 'Who, What, Where, Why' on whiteboard to define program goals and outcomes

Crafting and Implementing Effective Evaluation Plans

Evaluation, Evaluation Resources, Program Evaluation /

Transforming Goals Into Action For nonprofits, creating a strong evaluation plan is essential for measuring success, improving services, and securing funding. In this post, we’ll walk through how to build a nonprofit evaluation plan, including both process and outcome evaluations, using real-world examples tailored to nonprofit operations. Process Evaluation Plans: Monitoring Success in Real-Time Process

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Chalkboard illustration showing the process from idea to planning, strategy, and success, with icons representing each stage of nonprofit evaluation planning

Unlocking the Basics of Evaluation Planning

Evaluation, Evaluation Benefits /

Why Evaluation Matters In the nonprofit world, the pressure to demonstrate impact and accountability is higher than ever. Evaluation planning is a powerful tool for nonprofits to assess their effectiveness, optimize resource allocation, and build trust with funders and stakeholders. Whether your nonprofit focuses on education, health, environmental conservation, or social justice, a robust evaluation

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DATA text on glass window representing data-driven leadership

Leveraging Research and Evaluation to Stay Ahead: Why Data-Driven Leadership Wins

Leave a Comment / Data, Data Practices, Evaluation, Research /

In a world where markets shift overnight, competition is fierce, and disruption is the norm, data-driven decision-making separates thriving organizations from those left behind. Successful leaders don’t rely on intuition alone. Instead, they leverage research to anticipate trends and evaluation to refine strategies in real time. Otherwise, without these tools, businesses risk making costly missteps,

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Research vs. Evaluation concept with magnifying glass analyzing a document, surrounded by tools for data analysis and decision-making

Research vs. Evaluation: What Every Leader Needs to Know

Leave a Comment / Evaluation, Research /

In today’s data-driven world, leaders across industries – whether in business, healthcare, education, government, or the nonprofit sector – need solid evidence to make informed decisions. But when it comes to gathering and analyzing information, two terms often get confused: research and evaluation. Are they the same? Not quite. Think of research as exploring uncharted

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How to build a strong research & evaluation foundation for 2025

Building a Strong Research & Evaluation Foundation: 2025 Blog Series

Leave a Comment / Artificial Intelligence, Evaluation /

Effective leadership hinges on the ability to adapt and make informed decisions. More importantly, research and evaluation are at the forefront of this process, providing essential insights that drive strategic decisions and success. This year, REC blogs will focus on how to support your organization with research and evaluation. Additionally, we will highlight how leaders

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Strategies for High Response Rate Impact Study

Target Audience in Action: A Successful Case Study with Habitat for Humanity

Leave a Comment / Quality Research, Response Rate, Strategies to Improve Efficiency, Target Audiences /

If your organization wants to succeed and continue growing, you must evaluate your services. You have to reach your consumers in an effective manner and collect quality data. In 2021, Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity conducted an Impact Study with REC that examined homeowner experiences. They used these findings to make data-driven decisions about their programs,

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Follow Up to Unlock Your Survey’s Full Potential

How to Unlock Your Survey’s Full Potential with Follow-Up

Leave a Comment / Follow Up, Response Rate, Strategies to Improve Efficiency, Survey Response, Surveys /

Now that you have already found and researched your target audience and created your survey – all you have to do is send it out, right? Nope! You have already done so much work; now it is time to finish strong! A simple way to strengthen your study is by creating a follow-up plan. Research

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How to spot and prevent survey bias

Survey Biases Exposed: How to Spot and Prevent Them

Leave a Comment / Quality Data, Strategies to Improve Efficiency, Survey Bias /

Your organization is creating a survey to receive feedback on a particular topic or perhaps several areas of interest. The feedback you receive should help your organization make data-driven decisions that will support the achievement of organizational goals. You want to ensure the data you receive is quality and represents your audience so that you

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