Since there are many different data collection methods, selecting the best method is an important step when creating an evaluation plan. However, there are no clear cut “right” methods. While our past posts have presented four data collection methods and the pros and cons of each, this blog will follow a fictional non-profit, Organization X, …
Data Collection in Practice: A Non-profit Case Study Read More »
Surveying children is necessary for planning and evaluating youth programs. However, it can also present unique challenges from those encountered when surveying adults. It is important to understand what to avoid and what to implement when surveying youth so that you can get better response rates and data. 4 Dos and Don’ts to guide you …
In our last post we discussed different survey mistakes, now we provide some solutions to these common survey mistakes! Please note that it is always important to consider organizational and evaluation goals when creating surveys. Know that these are simply a few of the ways to avoid common survey mistakes. Mistake #1: Using All Qualitative …
Surveys are an excellent source of information that help organizations understand the communities they serve. Unfortunately, not all surveys generate quality data due to common survey mistakes and ineffective survey designs. Here are 6 survey mistakes that organizations commonly make: Mistake #1: Using All Qualitative or All Quantitative Questions Using all qualitative or quantitative survey …
Becoming a data-driven organization is an exciting opportunity for your organization to improve its operations and functionality. However, some data myths can skew results, impact conclusions, and interfere with next steps for your organization. Understanding these data myths can help ensure you are making data-informed decisions. Here is a breakdown of the common data myths: …
This year, REC blogs will focus on data best practices. We have explored some of these practices in the past, as in 6 Tips to Collect Quality Data. This blog series will elaborate on several data collection best practices as nonprofit organizations and their programs are getting back to “normal” after the COVID-19 pandemic. Now …
Funders use evaluation to learn more about the organizations they support, hold grantees accountability, and monitor program implementation. Each funder has their own guidelines and requirements about what they want from program evaluation. By asking the following program evaluation questions, your organization can develop an evaluation strategy to address these requirements and balance funders’ requests …
5 Program Evaluation Questions to Ask Your Funders Read More »
Effectively Communicating with your Stakeholders Do you communicate effectively with your stakeholders? Are your communications targeted, unique, and relational? Such communication keeps your stakeholders engaged with your organization! Tip #1: Prepare! Stakeholders – program staff, clients, funders, volunteers, and board members – have varied needs, so do your homework! Brainstorm about who your stakeholders are, …
Connect and Communicate – 3 Tips for Talking with your Stakeholders Read More »
If it feels like everyone uses the term “data-driven organization”, you would be right! In the last thirty years, technology has rapidly increased and evolved, bringing data processes and systems along. In the world today, “the business of data” is rapidly becoming a new sector of the economy worldwide (Press, 2020). Clearly, data-driven organizations are …
As technology has rapidly increased the ability to collect, store, and utilize data, the term “data-driven organization” has suddenly become a necessary priority. But what IS a data-driven organization and why does it matter? Does YOUR organization harness data to make decisions? What is a Data-Driven Organization? You might think that using data is reserved …
