Supporting good evaluation

This presentation and paper from the Bruner Foundation guides the reader through the evaluation process and provides a step by step process for commissioning an evaluation.

The resource clarifies the differences between research and evaluation; what evaluations should cost; and further things that need to be considered before implementation.

Contents

• What’s the difference between evaluation and research?
• What should evaluation cost?
• What should you ask external evaluators?
  • What do you need to know to properly design an evaluation for this program/initiative?
  • What evaluation questions would guide your effort?
  • What strategies would you use to address the evaluation questions?
  • How will you handle common challenges? 
  • What timeline is expected for the evaluation project?
  • Who will conduct the work and what other relevant experiences do they have?
  • How and when will the findings from the evaluation work be communicated
  • How will evaluation resources be used including professional time, travel, other direct, and indirect costs

• What should grantmakers do before commissioning an evaluation?
  • Talk to a few trusted grantmaker colleagues
  • Think about how you will identify evaluators
  • Determine the best strategy and requirements for proposal
  • Determine the timeline for finding evaluators
  • Determine the format for response
  • Determine who will be involved in making the selection and how
• What should grantmakers ask grantees before commissioning an evaluation?
  • Contributions to mission or broader field
  • Implementation and feasibility
  • Project design/staging
  • Finances
  • Outcomes and evaluation
• What should grantmakers avoid when working on evaluation projects?
• How do you stay informed about evaluation status?