The Step-by-Step Guide to Evaluation

The evaluation profession is multi-faceted and can be characterized partly by its theoretical debates, ethical considerations and proprietary interests. This handbook will not attempt to provide in-depth evaluation information that has little relevance to the day-to-day evaluation needs of nonprofit directors and staff, nor will it transform anyone into an evaluator.

Evaluations can be simple or extensive depending on the scope and complexity of the work being evaluated. The scope of the evaluation could potentially include a single program, a multi-site initiative, or a multifaceted strategy aimed at systems and community change. Regardless of the complexity of the effort, the basics for evaluating it remain the same. What is evaluation? How can it help your organization? And how can you work more effectively with your evaluator? This handbook is designed to demystify evaluation and help you get the most out of evaluation for your organization.