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 can utilize both to build data-driven organizations.
REC’s 2025 Blog Series
Given our focus for this year, REC will be posting blogs on the following topics:
Research vs. Evaluation: What Every Leader Needs to Know
- Research and evaluation are two words that every leader must understand. Often, they are used interchangeably; however, they are not the same. This blog will walk you through the key differences, explore real-world applications, and, ultimately, show you how to use both in your organization effectively.
Leveraging Research & Evaluation to Stay Ahead: Why Data-Driven Leadership Wins
- What separates effective organizations from those that fall behind? Without a doubt, thriving organizations have leaders who utilize research and evaluation to adjust their strategies. This blog will discuss how organizations can use research and evaluation to remain competitive. Furthermore, we will review how other organizations have successfully done so.
Unlocking the Basics of Evaluation Planning
- What exactly is evaluation, and why is it important? Additionally, what are the different types of evaluation, and what value can they add to your organization? In this blog, REC will help you understand the basics of evaluation planning, ensuring you have a solid foundation to build upon.
Crafting and Implementing Effective Evaluation Plans
- Now that you have the basics, how can you ensure your evaluation plan is effective for your nonprofit? Who should be involved in your plan, and how can you make your plan last long-term? We will help you answer these questions and provide realistic examples.
Logic Models and Theories of Change: What is the Difference and How Do They Help?
- Leaders often ask: What is the difference between logic models and theories of change? Moreover, what can each tool offer your nonprofit? This blog will support your understanding of both frameworks and, in turn, help you craft strategies that align with your organizational goalsLeaders often ask: What is the difference between logic models and theories of change? Moreover, what can each tool offer your nonprofit? This blog will support your understanding of both frameworks and, in turn, help you craft strategies that align with your organizational goals
Best Practices for Creating and Using Logic Models and Theories of Change
- Now that you know the difference between these two vital tools, how do you use them effectively? This blog provides best practices to help nonprofit leaders maximize the potential of these frameworks. Additionally, we will offer tips for navigating common challenges.
Six Research Challenges that Could Be Holding Your Organization Back
- Many organizations struggle to collect, interpret, and apply data in meaningful ways. As a result, they face obstacles that hinder their success. This blog will walk you through six common research challenges that organizations may encounter. More importantly, we will discuss how to recognize and address them.
Six Research Solutions to Strengthen Your Organization
- In the previous blog, we touched on research challenges that your organization might be facing. Building upon that, this blog will explore research solutions to these challenges. Moreover, we will discuss how you, as a leader, can build a strong organization rooted in data-driven insights.
The Future of Research & Evaluation: Embracing Artificial Intelligence
- As technology evolves, AI presents both exciting opportunities and new challenges for the field. Consequently, understanding its impact is crucial for organizations aiming to stay ahead. In this blog, we will explore how AI may shape the future of research and evaluation. Additionally, we will discuss what leaders must consider as they navigate this shift.
Still have questions about creating an evaluation plan?
Reach out to REC! We can help your organization implement effective and feasible plans for 2025 and beyond.
Related Posts
Data Collection in Practice: A Non-Profit Case Study
Demystifying Research and Evaluation