Build Your Foundation
Build Your Foundation
Your Evaluation ::
If you don’t have an evaluation in place, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
What should you measure? How should you measure it? And who’s going to do it?
You know that data would help you better understand who you serve, what you do, and the difference you’re making. Funders also always want this kind of information.
The problem is, you don’t have enough time, resources, or expertise to develop the tools and processes you need to collect, analyze, and communicate about data.
The truth is, evaluation takes a lot of time, people power, and resources. It can feel nearly impossible, especially for a small organization. But it doesn’t have to. You just need some help.
With twenty years of experience in research and evaluation, I know how to support you as you design and implement your evaluation. You’ll have everything you need to get your evaluation up and running, while building systems and processes that encourage using data for reflection and learning and growth.
for an Entire Program Year ::
People sometimes think evaluation is something that happens quickly or only at the end of a program. A successful evaluation needs time for thoughtful planning and ongoing monitoring. That’s why this program is designed to support you through an entire program cycle, or longer if you choose.
We’ll start wherever you are, taking stock of what you already have in place. From there, I’ll help you create an evaluation strategy that ensures you have the data you need to tell the story of your impact. Together, we will design an implementation plan that is right-sized for your organization.
Then, I’ll support you throughout your implementation. I provide an assortment of research services, customized for your needs, that can include activities such as creating surveys, conducting interviews and focus groups, and analyzing and visualizing data.
I also serve as a thought partner and guide, helping you create an evaluation calendar, write about data in annual reports and funding requests, share results with staff, and more. And, I’ll support your growth by asking questions and holding space for you to reflect on your practice so that you can be more strategic and intentional.
You’ll gain skills and confidence to use data in your decision-making and communication. You’ll also have dedicated time and space to reflect on your leadership and evaluation practice. As a result, you and your organization will be more able to tell the story of your work using data.
Who This is For
Build Your Foundation is best suited for leaders in small mission-driven organizations who want to design and implement a comprehensive evaluation strategy.
It may be a particularly good fit if you:
It may be a particularly good fit if you:
- Need significant research services and technical support
- Do not have a dedicated staff responsible for evaluation activities
- Feel overwhelmed with reporting requirements
- Want usable data that reflects the culture of your organization
- Are committed to being intentional about a process of learning from what you’re doing
Benefits
- Communicate about your impact to funders and partners
- Identify metrics to include in annual reports, marketing materials, and funding proposals
- Collect and analyze data that is aligned with your goals
- Build systems to organize and use your data
- Strengthen your capacity to use data and evaluation in your leadership
- Cultivate a climate of learning with staff, Board members, and others
What You Can Expect
Everything you need to design and implement an evaluation strategy for a full program year, or longer. Services are tailored to meet the needs of your organization where you are.
- Strategy and planning to set the course and direction of your evaluation
- Customized research services to support your implementation that may include:
- Review of best practices or current trends
- Survey creation and measurement identification
- Data collection in-person or remotely (interviews, focus groups, observations)
- Quantitative and qualitative data analysis
- Monthly collaborative work sessions to monitor progress and provide guidance and support
- Document support for Board presentations, annual reports, funding proposals, or other program materials
- Report detailing process, findings, lessons learned, and recommendations
- Email support to address time sensitive questions
I’d love to hear more about what you and your organization are hoping to accomplish.
I will work with you to develop a specific package that meets your needs and considers factors such as your organization’s size, staffing, and budget, among other things. (Commonly, if you’re starting from scratch, it’s helpful to dedicate 2-10% of your budget for evaluation and learning.)
Or, learn more about me and my approach first.
Want to Stay in Touch?
by Heart Light Digital 