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 »
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 …
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 »
Sharing Your Nonprofit Impact: Practical Tips What do you say when your funders or other stakeholders ask you, “How is your organization making a difference during COVID-19?” Today’s blog offers five suggestions for sharing your nonprofit impact in a practical way! 1. Make sure you are measuring your impact effectively. A global pandemic does not …
Identifying and showcasing the content that matters most is crucial for effective communication in your organization. This blog post provides five tips to communicate your organization’s impact as part of your communication strategy. Tip #1: Know Your Audience Before drafting an impact report or email campaign, make sure you know your audience. Here are some …
Surveys are fantastic tools for evaluation. They help your organization determine what is working, what can be improved, and provide information to tell your story of impact. Surveys also allow for more complex analyses using descriptive and inferential statistics. This blog provides 5 tips for creating a survey when your organization is ready for evaluation and …
The Decision Should your organization hire an external evaluator or evaluation firm? The answer is that it depends. When to Work with Internal Staff Some nonprofits are poised to conduct evaluation internally. These organizations have qualified staff who know how to conduct evaluations, design surveys, collect data, analyze findings, and report results. Often, …
When to Hire an External Evaluator – A Checklist! Read More »
