Literacy Basics - Community Literacy of Ontario

Some Definitions and Terminology

Now that we have determined who might be involved in an outcomes-based program evaluation, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of what that process involves. First, we have to get our heads around a bit of new language.

Outcomes-based evaluation uses specific terminology. Whether you read the United Way’s resource or any other “how to” resource, or any outcomes-based evaluation reports, you are going to come across these same terms. Although it may seem somewhat confusing at first, the next section will give you some concrete examples to help you more clearly understand the various components of outcomes-based evaluation. For more information and examples of the terminology, be sure to review Carter McNamara’s Basic Guide to Outcomes-Based Evaluation for Nonprofit Organizations with Very Limited Resources (www.managementhelp.org/evaluatn/outcomes.htm) and United Way's Online Resource Network (http://edayofaction.com/Outcomes/) which offers information, downloadable documents, and links to resources related to the identification and measurement of program-and community-level outcomes.

Unfortunately, the United Way’s guide is not available in its entirety on their website, but they do have some excerpts from it. Contact your local United Way Agency if you’re interested in further training – many of them offer workshops using their approach. You may be able to borrow the guide from your local United Way agency, or your library might also have a copy. And if you want to purchase it yourself, it’s not very expensive … it only cost $5 US. You can find the ordering information on the website.

Outcomes-based evaluation has four main components. We’ll examine each one separately:

1. Inputs
2. Activities
3. Outputs
4. Outcomes (accompanied by targets and indicators)

Inputs

Inputs are the materials and resources that support an agency’s activities. Inputs can include staff, volunteers, equipment, books and anything else that supports program activities. Inputs also include the laws and regulations that relate to the operation of your agency. This includes federal and provincial laws, by-laws, policies and procedures and any contracts with funders or partners.

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