| Session Title: Accounting for Evaluation Readiness and Program Evaluability in Building a Membership Organization's Capacity to Conduct Outcome Assessment |
| Demonstration Session 646 to be held in Centennial Section A on Friday, Nov 7, 3:25 PM to 4:10 PM |
| Sponsored by the Organizational Learning and Evaluation Capacity Building TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Barry B Cohen, Rainbow Research Inc, bcohen@rainbowresearch.org |
| Mia Robillos, Rainbow Research Inc, mrobillos@rainbowresearch.org |
| Abstract: Oftentimes funders require grantees to conduct an evaluation on the assumption that they are equally ready to do so. Little attention is paid to evaluation capacity/experience and organizational issues that may preclude a timely and well thought-out evaluation. Even with technical assistance, some grantees may not be ready for evaluation when it has to face more pressing issues such as loss of funding, staff turnover, capital campaigns, or strategic planning. Also in this mix may be experienced grantees that do not feel the need for evaluation training or coaching. This situation can significantly reduce buy-in into the evaluation. Rainbow will discuss the 'triage' process it implemented (evaluation readiness assessment, an evaluability assessment, and technical assistance) in assisting a group of 43 grantees with outcome assessment which has been instrumental in delivering evaluation capacity building services on a 'just-in-time' basis. The evaluation readiness and program evaluability instruments will also be demonstrated. |