A program evaluation that will show if you are making a difference
Julie Whelan Capell |
You might think a program evaluation is all about counting numbers. Most nonprofits are pretty good at this! We like to count number of participants, number of acres, number of volunteers.
But counting numbers is not a program evaluation. Numbers cannot tell us if our organizations are truly making a difference.
For that, we need to measure whether or not the people/animals/lands we are working with are being changed by our programs.
One tool that can help is a logic model.
A logic model can help organizations clarify the changes they hope to see as a result of their work. It does this by asking a series of questions designed to understand the chain of logic connecting the resources available to the actual activities implemented. From there, it’s a short path right on through to impact in the real world.
Once the logic model is complete, it can be used in a wide variety of ways. The most common use is in the formation of program evaluations, but it can also be useful in grant applications, staff training, and marketing activities.
I’ve been working with logic models for thirty years. Read my article “Logic Models Are Fracking Amazing!” and then give us a call to get started on your own logic model process.