An indispensable primer on program evaluation, with step-by-step instructions and real world examples

The field of evaluation, which has its roots in the evaluation of Federal programs, has grown into an important aspect of the nonprofit funding cycle. Many funders require that initiatives they fund be subject to some form of evaluation, and the demand for trained evaluators is greater than ever before. Evaluation Essentials offers an introduction to the theory and practice of evaluation, with examples from sectors including public policy, public health, non-profit management, social work, arts management, education, international assistance, and labor.

Beth Osborne DaPonte, a leading authority in program evaluation, describes a step-by-step approach to forming evaluation questions, describing programs using Theory of Change and program logic models, understanding causation as it relates to evaluation, using quasi-experimental design, and creating meaningful outcome measures. This Second Edition covers the latest best practices and advances in the field, helping readers develop the essential skills they'll need to work as an evaluator or to wisely hire an evaluator.

With Evaluation Essentials, nonprofit leaders, funders, government agencies, NGOs and students gain a thorough and thoughtful approach to demonstrating real impact.