Evaluation in Tough Times

Those of us who work with small non-profits are watching them struggle under the pressure of our current economic situation. What can we, as evaluators, do to help them when they can barely keep the lights on? Evaluation, whether or not we want to admit it, is a luxury, most social and human service agencies are doing the best they can to serve their clients and keep the staff paid. There is not money for “evaluation” during these times…or is there? What I’m finding useful as we all make our way through these trim economic waters is that the little things matter. Now is the time to check and see what data processes are in place, which ones are working? Which ones are taking too much time for the staff to use? As an evaluation consultant I’m finding just a 20 minute conversation with my clients can help them focus on a small particular aspect of their current operations that can be improved, streamlined, or done away with completely. These are the times to look inside!! Stay tuned…this week is going to be focused on tiny tips for independent evaluation consultants who are trying to support their client base in lean times.