Evaluation Plan / Outcome Measures. Why is an evaluation plan is critical to nonprofits?
- Need to identify the outcomes desired for all programs and services
- Need to know how the information will be obtained that will support program/service continuation or elimination.
How are evaluations conducted?
- Through the tracking of statistical data combined with interviews, focus groups and the use of surveys with different stakeholder groups.
- Use of an objective evaluator for at least the interview and focus group portion of the process is important because information may be shared about the organization’s services and relationships that might otherwise be withheld from someone attached to or involved with the organization.
Outcome measurement is a growing field in the nonprofit sector. Although a new term, most organizations already have a process in place for documenting program outputs but not outcomes. Outputs are the direct products of program activities and usually are measured in terms of the volume of work accomplished-for example, the numbers of classes taught, counseling sessions conducted, educational materials distributed, and participants served. Outputs have little inherent value in themselves. They are important because they are intended to lead to a desired benefit for participants or target populations. Output levels can be controlled by the organization depending on the availability of resources.
Many nonprofit organizations have not addressed outcomes. Outcomes are benefits or changes for individuals or populations that occur because of interaction with the nonprofit organization. They can be measured both during and/or after receipt of services or participation in program activities. Outcomes may relate to behavior, skills, knowledge, attitudes, values, condition, or other attributes. They are what participants know, think, or can do; or how they behave; or how their condition is different following the program.
