When to work with an external evaluator


When to work with an external evaluator


Bringing in an external evaluator can make the evaluation process easier, more reliable, and provide valuable information. External evaluators bring expertise that can improve and strengthen the way you evaluate your programs. Having someone external that asks why things are done a certain way, takes another look at existing data, and develops and implements strategies for evaluation can greatly improve how you measure and quantify your impact. Many funders even require that nonprofits work with an external evaluator. They want to make sure that their money is well spent and that the goals and objectives of a grant are achieved.

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Benefits of an External Evaluator

  • Breadth of Experience

    External evaluators bring a breadth of experience evaluating a wide range of programs.  Such expeience can be especially useful when evaluating innovative programs that seek to creatively serve their target populations.  Evaluators who have worked in a variety of program contexts and who have worked with a diversity of program stakeholders can draw on their experience to inform current evaluation initiatives. 

  • Objectivity

    External evaluators are often more disinterested and objective in their view of a program and its outcomes.  External evaluators are better positioned to provide an unbiased eye with which to conduct a program evaluation.  Objectivity is critical for discovering whether a program achieves its intended outcomes.

  • Expertise

    While internal evaluators may be highly skilled, external evaluators often mobilize a range of expertise and technical skills that internal evaluators might lack. Professional evaluators specialize in developing their skills, they apply their expertise to a variety of programs, and they often have a superior ‘tool box’ of evaluation knowledge and wisdom.  

  • Cost-Effectiveness

    An external evaluator can be very cost effective, especially for smaller and mid-sized organizations (local non-profits, community-based organizations, school districts, family and community foundations,  colleges, etc.) that may not have sufficient resources with which to fund and maintain an internal evaluation capacity.  

Consider the evaluation experts at LaBarbera Learning Solutions

At LaBarbera Learning Solutions, we have the expertise to help you evaluate your government, non-profit, or company program for process, performance, and impact.  We have experience designing and implementing program evaluations for non-profits and government agencies implementing projects and programs aimed at addressing complex issues including homelessness, addiction, corrections  education/rehabilitation, re-entry, and mental illness.


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So how do you know whether to work with an external evaluator?

Ask the following questions to help guide the decision:

  1. Does your funding source require you to hire an external evaluator? Y / N
  2. Are staff disengaged in collecting data or lack the training and/or skills to complete data collection?  Y / N
  3. Are you having trouble writing grant requests and getting grants awarded?  Y / N
  4. Are you unsure of how your programs ad services are making a difference or achieving targeted outcomes?  Y / N
  5. Are you concerned about the quality of data collected?  Y / N
  6. Does your staff lack evaluation experience or expertise?  Y / N
  7. Do you have funding to hire an external evaluator?  Y / N
  8. Does your organization lack evidence of impact?  Y / N
  9. Is data an evaluation an area of stress for your organization?  Y / N
  10. Do you want to elevate your organization to the next level?  Y /

Scoring

Take a moment to count how many times you selected "yes" to the questions above.  Below is a summary of what your score means and whether you should consider hiring an external evaluator.

0-3

Your organization can likely handle evaluation internally. While your nonprofit may benefit from working with or partnering with an evaluator, it may not be necessary at this point. The one caveat is if you are required to work with an external evaluator.

4-6

Your organization may want to consider your options with working with an external evaluator or evaluation firm. If funding is a challenge, this may need to become a line item for the next fiscal year. Evaluation prices can be reasonable, especially if you want to start small and build from there. It may even save your organization money if you are worried about the quality of the data collected and are having issues expressing the impact your nonprofit is making.

7-10

Your organization likely needs to work with an external evaluator or evaluation firm as soon as possible. The quality of data being collected, staff engagement and support, and your organization’s ability to demonstrate your value are at risk. Not working with an evaluator is likely costing your organization time, money, and resources. At this point, hiring an external evaluator would be a cost-saving and would greatly help your organization.

As you determine whether or not to work with an external evaluator or with internal staff to complete your program evaluation, think about who has the skills and availability to accomplish your mission.  You also want to make sure that your organization is ready for an evaluation.  In either scenario, make sure that you have the right person or people for the job.  In many cases, nonprofits benefit from working with both internal staff and external evaluators.

Get started

Please contact me to help me get started with program evaluation.

Address: 1198 Pacific Coast Hwy., Suite D230, Seal Beach, CA 90740

562-476-8166

robin@labarberalearning.com

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