How to Write an Evaluation for a Grant
An evaluation is a process that outlines the effectiveness of a funded project. A rule of thumb that should always be followed in researching, writing and implementing grants is to follow instructions as outlined by the grantor. If a foundation or corporation requires specfic information as part of the grant evaluation, be sure you have been a diligent steward of the grant and its process. A poorly researched or written evaluation will mean
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Instructions
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Review evaluation requirements as outlined by giving organization or foundation prior to applying to grant to ensure that your organization can meet them. Requirements can usually be found on the grantor's website or in its publications.
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Provide all data requested by the giving organization. If you don't have enough staff to develop and organize this data, hire an independent contractor or grant consultant who can oversee this process. Many grants require detailed and extensive data that cannot always be compiled by one individual or an organization with a small staff.
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Outline the ways the project to be evaluated affects the intended audience and describe the benefits of the services you or your organization provided.
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Outline the inputs, or program elements, the outcome, (the end result of services provided) and the impacts (benefits to the population served).
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Include a section on challenges to implementation of the project and the lessons your or your organization learned. Include a section on what could be changed in the future to make the program or service more effective. Include a brief summary of the data collection methods used for the project.
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Tips & Warnings
Quantitative methods in an evaluation are units that can be counted and measured, using statistics. Qualitative methods in an evaluation reflect direct contact with people involved in a program. It can include interviews, data and field observation.
Don't be surprised if a funder asks you to rewrite an evaluation if you haven't followed its criteria in reporting results. After all, they have given you money to allocate on a project or program and have every right to know if it was spent as intended. A poor evaluation will lessen your chances of receiving future grants from that funder.
