ESC-US Board Member, Wendi Wilson, President & CEO at EMPOWER: Strategic Solutions for Nonprofits, tells us why Turning Data into Impact: Why Evaluation Matters More Than You Think.
As someone who has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 30 years and now teaches program evaluation to Master of Arts students, I can tell you: the mere mention of program evaluation often triggers moans and groans. Why? For many nonprofits, especially those new to data collection, the idea of adding one more task to an already overloaded schedule feels overwhelming.
In most cases, program evaluation enters the picture because a funder wants to see their dollars at work. They want proof that the programs they support are making a difference. That responsibility often falls to someone in program delivery, tasked with gathering, interpreting, and presenting outcomes to secure grants and satisfy donors. It becomes an unwanted box to check.
But here is what many nonprofits do not realize: program evaluation, when implemented thoughtfully, is a powerful tool that can transform an entire organization.
Imagine using data, both qualitative and quantitative, to tell your story. To show that every dollar invested is creating real change – hello, marketing and development departments. Executive Directors and Boards can use that data to guide strategic decisions around growth and sustainability. Volunteers can see the tangible impact of their time and talents. Program staff can assess whether services are truly meeting client needs. Donors and foundations can make informed decisions about future funding. And when nonprofits can demonstrate that their work is changing lives, the entire community benefits.
So maybe it is time to shift the narrative. Let’s stop viewing program evaluation as a burden and start seeing it as a lens of possibility.
