Although OCF expectations in terms of grant reporting are rather modest compared to those of federal funders, we do encourage nonprofits to become familiar with evaluation tools and methodologies. Programs that can demonstrate positive impact are much more likely to secure funding from community members and foundations.
Grant evaluation has its own vocabulary. Below are some of the more common terms.
Best Practices / Promising Practices / Effective Practices
Program strategies and activities that have been shown to work elsewhere, preferably through professional evaluation results.
Indicators
A research-based interim measurement that shows progress toward the goal but not the actual goal itself; for example, the ability to read by the end of third grade is an indicator of future school success.
Logic Model
A graphic that reflects the theory and assumptions behind a program and the relationships among resources, activities and goals. Usually a logic model encompasses from left to right inputs, outputs and outcomes, and describes assumptions and external factors.
Outcomes
The results of outputs; the impact of the ways in which a program’s activities led to the larger social change sought by the organization undertaking the activities; for example, reduction in the teen pregnancy rate.
Outputs
The products or activities than an organization or project “produces”; for example, number of classes held, number of volunteer hours, etc.
Program Goals
The overall aims of a program.
Program Strategies
The methods a program will use to achieve its goals.
Qualitative Methods
Evaluation methods that describe change but do not necessarily measure it; for example, interviews, case studies, etc.
Quantitative Methods
Evaluation methods that count processes or changes; for example, numbers served, percentage increase in knowledge, etc.
Theory of Change
Development of a road map to help an organization effect change. Planners begin with a long-term goal and work their way backward, step by step, to intermediate goals then early-term changes that would be required to cause the desired long-term change. Planners must articulate their assumptions at each step and define expected outcomes clearly.