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Hello, I am a consultant writing a strategic plan for a non-profit. One deliverable from the RFP is to "create assessment tools/methods for evaluating outcomes, goals, strategies and programs." I am confused about what form this should take--is this a one page series of assessment questions that will evaluate all of these, or a multi-page document with questions about each? Do you know of any samples that I could refer to? I know what an assessment tool is generally but I'm not clear on what it means in this case. Thank you!
Answer:

Cheers Renee,
Thank you for stopping by Ask an Advisor and for your great question.  I think this is the type of deliverable that sends shivers down the spines of even the most stalwart of NFP consultants so not to worry you're not alone.  To begin, let's unpack what you've been tasked with in the RFP in terms of "creating assessment tools/methods for evaluating outcomes, goals, strategies, and programs."  What the RFP is asking you to do is write an evaluation plan as part of the strategic plan that is more detailed and specific than a one page assessment and more along the lines of a multi-page document as you correctly surmised.  This evaluation plan will be determined by talking with your NFP clients about what elements need to be evaluated, what the client wants to know about each element (i.e., the evaluation questions), what instruments (i.e., tools) are needed to answer those questions, what design might be used (e.g., qualitative, mixed-methods, quasi-experimental), whether you might be able to use existing evaluation plans and tools from previous evaluations (most NFPs have evaluations on hand), and the like.  That said, and let me be clear, if you don't feel comfortable in the evaluative domain ask your clients whether it is feasible to bring in an external evaluation consultant (ideally your client has one they've worked with and trust or there is someone on staff who has some evaluation chops) to augment the good work that you're already doing.  Renee, please don't feel bad about asking and believe me there's no shame  because it's better to bring in someone who does evaluation all the time than to fumble around in an area that is not well suited to your talents and skill set.  If, after meeting with your clients it is not feasible to bring in an external evaluator or there isn't anyone you can work with in the organization then let me steer you to the resources we have in the Community Tool Box regarding evaluation - and let me say as someone who is trained in applied research and evalation, what you'll find here is really solid and pretty awesome (yeah, it's awesome).  If you go to our home page you'll notice the Learn a Skill (how-to information) button in the top left corner.  Click it on and the click on table of contents and scroll down to "Evaluating Community Programs and Initiatives." Take a deep breath.  Voila, this section provides you with information about developing a plan for evaluation, evaluation methods, and using evaluation to understand and improve the initiative.  You will notice there are four chapters (36 - 39) and one toolkit (12) dedicated to evaluation.  There is enough information contained therein that is directly applicable to what needs to be done as specified by the RFP.  I hope you find this useful.  Again, if you don't feel comfortable with the evaluative enterprise then ask about bringing in someone to help, there is no shame at all.  Let us know if you have any other questions and thank you for sharing your question with us; you are never alone!
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Question Date: ven, 04/08/2016