A grant evaluation plan is a detailed, step-by-step approach that outlines how you will assess the effectiveness and outcomes of a grant-funded project. A well-structured grant evaluation plan will clearly define the project’s goals and objectives and specify the methods used to track and measure progress and results.
While funders often require a grant evaluation plan, it offers additional benefits for your nonprofit organization. A strong evaluation plan not only ensures accountability but also provides valuable insights into what worked well and what needs improvement, helping to enhance the current project and guide future initiatives.
There are two primary types of evaluation: formative and summative.
- Formative evaluation focuses on assessing the project’s implementation while it is still in progress. It helps identify areas for improvement and ensures the project is on track to meet its goals. This can include periodic reporting that may need to be submitted to the grant funder.
- Summative evaluation takes place after the project’s completion and assesses whether the objectives were successfully achieved. It provides an overall assessment of the project’s effectiveness and outcomes.
Depending on the nature of your project, the needs of your nonprofit, and the expectations of the grant maker, you may choose to conduct one or both types of evaluation. Be sure to select the appropriate evaluation approach that aligns with your project’s goals and evaluation requirements when preparing your plan.