| Session Title: Evaluation During Challenging Economic Times: Strategies for Non-profits and Foundations |
| Think Tank Session 111 to be held in Panzacola Section H4 on Wednesday, Nov 11, 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM |
| Sponsored by the Non-profit and Foundations Evaluation TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Courtney Malloy, Vital Research, courtney@vitalresearch.com |
| Pat Yee, Vital Research, patyee@vitalresearch.com |
| Discussant(s): |
| Courtney Malloy, Vital Research, courtney@vitalresearch.com |
| Pat Yee, Vital Research, patyee@vitalresearch.com |
| Harold Urman, Vital Research, hurman@vitalresearch.com |
| Abstract: This session will examine how non-profit organizations and foundations can continue to support evaluation activities during challenging economic times. Participants will generate strategies that organizations can use to control costs while still collecting and analyzing high quality evaluation data. Participants will choose to participate in two of three breakout groups for 20 minutes each throughout the 90-minute session. Breakout groups will discuss the following topics: 1. Choosing what, when and how to evaluate (e.g., which programs and/or evaluation questions, timing, funding options, staffing, etc.); 2. Designing evaluations (e.g., instrumentation, sampling, data sources, use of findings, etc.); and 3. Leveraging technology: Making the right investment choices. Summary reports from each topic will be provided by breakout leaders followed by comments and questions from participants. Results from the think tank will be documented and made available to AEA as well as posted on an evaluation resources web site hosted by the facilitators. |