Evaluation Plan Guidance (Page 5 of 68) in pdf

Evaluation Plan Guidance Page 5

EVALUATION PLAN GUIDANCE

SOCIAL INNOVATION FUND

As a part of our commitment to sharing lessons learned through the implementation of our programs, the SIF

is pleased to share this guidance document with the field. It can serve as a detailed, step by step planning

guide for organizations that wish to implement rigorous evaluations that strive to be in alignment with

standards set by the SIF and other federal agencies that emphasize evidence and impact of program

effectiveness. Many SIF-funded programs have found that completing this kind of plan to the level of detail

specified is an intensive undertaking. All SIF programs have found that the plan development is an iterative

process requiring several drafts and careful communication between evaluator and programs. However, SIF

grantees report that this investment of time and effort has proved greatly helpful in ensuring that plans meet

the desired level of rigor, anticipating potential challenges, shoring up sufficient resources, and establishing a

firm set of timeframes and deliverables. The end result is a stronger and robust plan that both program staff

and contracted evaluators can execute.

Changes to the Guidance

A limited original version of the Guidance was released to grantees in January 2010 by the Corporation for

National and Community Service (CNCS). Based on suggestions from the 2010 grantees and SIF stakeholders,

CNCS released an updated and expanded version of the Guidance in January of 2012. The current edition of

the Guidance (2013) encompasses the same elements as the Guidance provided in 2012, with updates to

improve clarity and ensure that SEPs meet both stakeholder and SIF grantee information needs. The current

version of the guidance was created by JBS International, a training and technical assistance provider to CNCS.

Levels of Evidence

A key goal of the SIF is for grantees and subgrantees to conduct evaluations that expand the level of evidence

available about their program interventions. It is required that SIF-funded interventions enter the SIF with at

least some preliminary evidence of program effectiveness.

As our past Notices of Available (NOFA) states, it is expected that SIF programs will engage in evaluations

that provide either moderate or strong levels of evidence by the end of their subgrant period (see below for

definitions). A submitted SIF evaluation plan will clearly identify the level of evidence it is targeting.

nationalservice.gov/SIF

Evaluation Plan Guidance Page 5