Step 1: Define Your PurposeWhy are you evaluating? Funders often ask for impact data, but evaluation can also help you improve your services, secure more funding, and celebrate successes. Step 2: Choose the Right MethodsSurveys? Interviews? Case studies? The best approach depends on your audience and the type of data you need. Step 3: Make Data UsefulToo many organisations collect data that never gets used. Good evaluation tells a story, helping you communicate your impact clearly to stakeholders. Step 4: Report ProperlyYour reporting should meet the needs of your audience. Short report, long reports, executive summaries, policy briefings, infographics, films, cartoons – there are so many options! But if you don’t consider the preferences and needs of your audience when you design your reporting, your organisation’s amazing impact is less likely to be discovered! Research Your Way specialises in helping charities and CICs develop practical, meaningful evaluation strategies. Let’s chat about how we can help your organisation!
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Many funders now require robust evaluation plans, but this doesn’t have to be overwhelming. As an experienced evaluator, I help organisations develop practical, meaningful frameworks that don’t drain resources. Step 1: Define What Success Looks LikeStart by being clear on your intended impact. What are your aims? Are you improving mental health? Increasing employment opportunities? Reducing social isolation? Step 2: Gather the Right DataSurveys, focus groups, interviews, and case studies all have their place, but they must be fit for purpose. Avoid collecting data for data’s sake! Everything should be tied back to your impact aims. Step 3: Make Evaluation Part of Your Organisation’s CultureThe best evaluations don’t just happen at the end of a project, they are integrated into ongoing work. Training your team and embedding simple evaluation processes will help you track and showcase success.
If your organisation needs evaluation support, Research Your Way offer training, templates, and done-for-you services. Let’s chat about how we can help! Funders want to invest in projects with long-term value.One of the biggest evaluation questions funders ask is: What happens after the funding ends? Many CICs struggle to answer this, but a strong sustainability plan increases your chances of future funding.
3 Ways to Show Your Project’s Longevity 1. Build Strong Partnerships
2. Explore Alternative Income Streams
3. Empower the Community
Make Your CIC’s Work Sustainable A well-documented evaluation proves your long-term value to funders. If you need help crafting a sustainability plan that funders will love, we offer expert evaluation services for CICs. Email us today at [email protected] to find out how we can help! Poor evaluation can cost your CIC future funding. Are you making these mistakes?Many CICs struggle with evaluating their projects in a way that satisfies funders like the National Lottery. Avoid these common mistakes to strengthen your funding applications.
Mistake #1: Collecting Data Too Late Solution: Start tracking impact from Day 1.
Mistake #2: Reporting Activities Instead of Outcomes Solution: Don’t just count what you did—show the real-world change.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Challenges or Failures Solution: Be honest about what didn’t work and what you learned.
Mistake #4: No Plan for Sustainability Solution: Show how your project will continue after funding ends.
Need Expert Support? Avoiding these pitfalls improves your funding chances. If you need help structuring your evaluation, we offer tailored services for CICs. Email us today at [email protected] to find out how we can help! Funders want to know: What difference has your project made?If your CIC has received – or is applying for – National Lottery funding, proving your impact is critical. Funders want to see clear evidence that their investment is making a tangible difference in communities. A strong evaluation can help you secure future funding and showcase your work effectively. 3 Ways to Prove Your Impact1. Align Outcomes with Your Funding Application
2. Use Stories & Numbers Together
3. Capture Unexpected Impacts
Need Help Structuring Your Impact Report?A clear, compelling evaluation increases your chances of securing future funding. If you’re struggling with reporting, Research Your Way provides expert evaluation support for CICs.
Email us today at [email protected] to find out how we can help! |
AuthorNaomi Tyrrell PhD Archives
May 2025
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