Program Evaluation: How Non-Profits Can Measure Impact & Inform Decisions

We’re all trying to figure out how best to fundraise and continue providing valuable programs in a time of social distancing. Now more than ever it’s essential to measure if programs contribute meaningfully to our mission and our community. If our programs miss the mark, our non-profit does too.

Who should take this course?

Non-profit employees, executive directors, committee chairs or volunteers, and board members. In fact, any supporter of a non-profit organization interested in making the most impact with the resources at hand would benefit from this course.

About the course contributors

Leah Chang | Lead Instructional Designer

Leah is the mastermind behind Leah Chang Learning Inc. and a champion for using evidence-based ways to change how we work for the better. Having been a non-profit employee, volunteer, and board member, she sees the value of supporting people with the learning they need to help an organization deliver on its promises and continue to grow. “It can be awkward for high performing employees, new board members, or even experienced volunteers to accept that ‘well, we’ve always done it that way and that’s always been enough.’ This course is perfect for anyone in any level of involvement to take and to begin evaluating as a team with the same core principles in mind. Embracing program evaluation collaboratively makes it fun, successful and universal.” Leah loves to plan long cycling trips in remote places. Ask her about her many encounters with bears.

Bernadette Andrade | Primary Subject Matter Expert

Bernadette is an evaluation and assessment guru and project manager with 15 years’ experience in higher education (Capilano University). She has worked with multiple departments and programs in establishing their own assessment plans and processes, which only stokes her own passion for evaluation. “It might not seem like the sexiest topic, but evaluation and assessment are integral in every organization. It’s more important than ever for us to rely on empirical evidence to grow. If set up correctly, assessment should be a simple addition to our regular roles. It’s also a great collaboration tool to bring teams together一something you’ll see in the course.” Her favourite thing is to wander around neighbourhoods in the city to explore coffee shops and restaurants.

Ryan Valley | Instructional Designer

Ryan of Great Minds eLearning Studio has worked with many grassroots community groups and non-profits to improve their programs, training, and communications efforts. Through his community involvement, he developed a passion for supporting non-profits in advancing their important missions. “This is the course I wish I had when I was just starting to work in the community. This crash course walks you through how and why to create an evaluation plan, a key skill for anybody actively involved in managing or running a non-profit program.”In his free time, Ryan enjoys listening to audiobooks, watching sunsets at the beach, and spending quality time with his cat.

Stephen O'Shea | Secondary Subject Matter Expert

Stephen is an Arts Administrator (Executive Director of the Arts Council of New Westminster) and musician (founding member and bass player of international touring New Wave band You Say Party). He has over 15 years experience of asking himself: Why didn’t that work and how could we make it better next time? “Evaluation is the key to knowing how to improve your programs, events, and services. By asking the right questions, you can be sure your efforts will lead to bigger impacts and better storytelling.” Stephen likes to ride transit as he feels it’s the chariot of the proletariat.