Now Accepting Applications - 2013 Evaluation Series
10/16/2012
This advanced series is designed to help organizations strengthen their evaluation plans. A strong evaluation plan leads to developing a strong data infrastructure to monitor organizational progress, inform stakeholders on how well you are meeting your mission, and demonstrate the value of your work to others. While having a strong evaluation plan and infrastructure is a must, evaluation can be tricky, so getting there isn’t always simple!
CNE, in partnership with evaluation expert, Maryfrances Porter from Youth-Nex at UVa, have designed a series of six, three-hour, small group consultations that will demystify the aspects of evaluation that vex us all. Each session will explore the topics outlined below and utilize the expertise of the facilitator, as well as the opinions and perspectives of the other nonprofit participants in an action learning approach. The series will require work outside of the sessions, will provide opportunities for participants to get real-world feedback on their current and desired evaluation practices, and create a network of evaluation peers for continued improvement beyond the series. (All dates are 9:00am-12:00pm).
- Nov 14– It’s All “Up Here”: Introduction to the series, realities of evaluation driven by funders, and a “think big” exercise designed to give you new perspective on your evaluation practices. (At Charlottesville Area Community Foundation)
- Dec 5 – Why Do We Care?: Re-define the picture of what your organization does, why it matters and how to map that to specific outcomes. (At Charlottesville Area Community Foundation)
- Dec 12 – The Nitty Gritty: A look at what you are currently measuring and where gaps exist with the goal of identifying a manageable number of measurable outcomes. (At Charlottesville Area Community Foundation)
- Jan 9 – When Real Life and Numbers Meet: Using qualitative data and stories to bring your numbers to life, including the logistics of how to collect this type of information. (At Charlottesville Area Community Foundation)
- Jan 23 – A Picture Tells a Thousand Words: How to frame, graph and report your data in a way that catches the attention of others. (At Charlottesville Area Community Foundation)
- Feb 6 – Tackling the Beast: How to use your limited resources most wisely when working to measure longer-term impact. (At Charlottesville Area Community Foundation)
*Note, while these topics are the intended approach the sessions may be shifted depending on the specific needs of the group with consensus from the group.
Interested organizations are encouraged to apply by October 26 and will be notified of acceptance by November 1. We encourage you to save the dates above in advance of notification. The cost of $500 includes participation for 2 staff members in all 6 sessions. Participation is limited to CNE member organizations who serve youth as their primary target group.
