Grant Evaluation Plans and Program Evaluation

Funders want to invest in organizations that know how they’ll measure success. A strong evaluation plan shows reviewers exactly how you’ll track outcomes and learn from results. A weak one costs points, and sometimes the award. Think and Ink Grant Consulting® writes evaluation plans for grant proposals and helps colleges and universities, large nonprofits, and local governments evaluate their programs once the work is underway.

Why funders require an evaluation plan

Federal agencies, university research funders, and many foundations ask for evaluation plans because they want evidence their investment worked. An evaluation plan explains how you’ll measure short-term, intermediate, and long-term outcomes, and how you’ll assess the process used to run the program.

Strong evaluation plans with a clear, actionable process get funded. Vague ones don’t.

What our program evaluation consultants do

• Write the evaluation plan: evaluation questions, measurable outcomes, data sources, timelines, and responsibilities aligned to the funder’s requirements

• Build the logic model: a clear line from your activities to your outputs, outcomes, and long-term impact

• Evaluate the program: we use your evaluation plan to assess the program at the end of the period and include the results in your final report to the funder

• Turn results into future funding: evaluation findings become the evidence that strengthens your next proposal

Outcome and process evaluation

Most evaluation plans measure two things. Outcome evaluation asks whether the program achieved its intended results. Process evaluation asks whether the program was carried out as planned. We tailor the approach to your program, your funder, and the purpose of the evaluation.

Evaluation as part of the Think.Ink.FUND.™ Framework

Evaluation is built into every stage of our proprietary Think.Ink.FUND.™ Framework. We plan how we’ll measure impact before we write the proposal, so the evaluation plan, the program design, and the budget all tell the same story.

Frequently asked questions

Can you write just the evaluation plan for a proposal we’re writing ourselves?

Yes. We can write or strengthen the evaluation section of a proposal your team is developing.

Do you conduct the evaluation after the award?

Yes. We can evaluate your program at the end of the grant period and report the results for your final report to the funder.

What’s the difference between outputs and outcomes?

Outputs count what your program delivered, such as the number of workshops held. Outcomes measure the change that resulted, such as improved test scores or job placements. Funders want both, but outcomes carry the most weight.