Evaluation 101 (2026)
Description
Overview
This training will review the competencies and elements to introduce participants to evaluation concepts. Our Evaluation 101 training covers implementing systems and a structure to set an organization up for success and embed evaluation into their organizational practices. We will highlight the steps involved in creating an evaluation system and prepare participants to begin similar processes in their own organizations that are aligned to their data management plans. This workshop introduces the concept of logic models, SMART outcomes, and an organizational learning culture. This half-day session will dive into the importance of data systems and procedures and how to develop them. We will share examples of how to develop processes to ensure consistency in how data is collected, stored, and analyzed. We will also cover the implications of when organizations do not have these procedures. Participants will walk about with concrete action steps they can carry out!
Workshop Objectives:
Participants will understand basic evaluation terms and processes, including the four steps of program evaluation.
Participants will gain skills to establish clear outcomes and outputs, collect clean data, analyze data, and implement evaluation procedures.
Participants will understand the goals of process evaluations and outcome evaluations.
Participants will identify successes and challenges with the procedures used to collect, store, and analyze the data.
Who should attend?
Ideal participants are those that are looking to learn how to build a compelling grant narrative using data and relevant information, primarily using or leaning into the Grow/SAVI data tool for data usage.
Follow Up Technical Assistance (Optional)
Participants in this training will be offered follow up, individualized technical assistance (TA) with the consultants at Transform Consulting Group for a 45 min session to walk through any questions, concerns, or feedback their team may have. This is an opportunity to work with a consultant in your organizations evaluation process. This opportunity is first come, first serve and limited to six organizations. Organizations will be encouraged to bring any relevant team members to the TA conversations, regardless of whether they also attended the training. Details to sign up for this follow up TA opportunity will be communicated to the attendees of the training session.
* Following the training, attendees will be asked to complete a brief survey.
Instructed by: Transform Consulting Group
A Credly Badge Earning Offering
Your growth deserves to be seen. Participants who complete this training can earn a Grow digital badge through Credly, making it easy to showcase your skills, celebrate your progress, and share your achievements with others. Each badge represents the knowledge you’ve gained and provides a verified, shareable way to demonstrate your capabilities to employers, funders, and your network. Learn more about earning and using your badge here.
Presenter
Amanda Lopez, President at Transform Consulting Group
Data Informed. Results-Oriented. Mission Driven. Amanda Lopez is a passionate entrepreneur, speaker, and consultant in the nonprofit, government, and education sectors. For over twenty years, organizations have hired Amanda for transformational projects that include program expansion strategies, organizational alignment, strategic planning, program feasibility studies, fundraising strategies, and bringing together community leaders and individuals to drive meaningful and intentional change and outcomes for all. Amanda Lopez took the leap in 2008 to move from a top practitioner in her space to launch Transform Consulting Group (TCG). Today, TCG is one of the most sought-after national consultancies for organizations looking to transform their people, communities, and the lives of those they serve. As President and Founder of TCG, Amanda speaks nationally about putting the power of data to work to drive change and accelerate impact. Guided by the best practices and standards TCG has developed, Amanda has worked with organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of America, American Academy of Pediatrics, YMCA of the USA, the National Head Start Association, and the Lilly Endowment to continue to experience measurable outcomes; ultimately driving funding, mission awareness and outreach, and sustainability to ensure their critical work continues to advance and drive transformational impact. Previously, Ms. Lopez worked for the Association of Community Human Service Agencies in Los Angeles, California, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of the Budget, the Children’s Bureau, and the Head Start Bureau in Washington, DC. She holds a Masters of Social Work with a focus on policy and evaluation from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor’s degree in Law and Society from Purdue University. Amanda was the first recipient of the Purdue University Emerging Voice Alumni Award for outstanding young professionals under 40 years old in 2007. Amanda now resides with her family in Wabash, Indiana – her hometown. As a firm believer that change starts within your community, she passionately volunteers and serves on multiple boards and committees in her community.
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