Exploring the value of pro bono evaluation work as a method to build evaluator competencies and strengthen organizational capacity

Abstract

The Cultivating Evaluation Education and Development (CEED) program engages early career evaluators in an experiential learning experience by supporting them as they lead a pro bono evaluation for a local nonprofit community organization. We explored the value of this professional development to the early career evaluators, to the sponsor organization, and to the nonprofit organizations receiving CEED services by examining findings from six CEED projects. We found that early career evaluators self-reported gains in confidence and competence especially in four American Evaluation Association Evaluator Competencies (2018) domains - professional practice, methodology, planning and management, and interpersonal skills. The initiative allowed the sponsor organization to expand connections with community organizations, implement work consistent with the mission, and provide new mentoring opportunities. Representatives from the recipient nonprofit organizations reported they gained a deeper understanding of evaluation, improved their dissemination efforts, and built organizational evaluation capacity.