Program Evaluation for Mission Impact
This course focuses on the techniques and application of evaluation methods to assess the effectiveness of nonprofit programs.
Certificates: Nonprofit Executive Leadership,
| Location | Dates | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| IU Indianapolis | September 11, 2025 - September 12, 2025 | $1,295.00 | Register |
| Online (Asynchronous) | October 13, 2025 - November 09, 2025 | $1,395.00 | Register |
| IU Indianapolis | March 19, 2026 - March 20, 2026 | $1,295.00 | Registration opening soon |
| Online (Asynchronous) | April 06, 2026 - May 03, 2026 | $1,395.00 | Registration opening soon |
| IU Indianapolis | September 17, 2026 - September 18, 2026 | $1,295.00 | Registration opening soon |
Course Details
Please review the attendance policy and cancellation/transfer policy before registering.
Schedule
Program Evaluation for Mission Impact is offered in-person and online.
In-person
The in-person class is two days in length.
Day 1: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Day 2: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30-10:00 | Introductions, identifying session goals, defining program evaluation goals (the 4 Ws) and program evaluation versus performance measurement |
| 10:00-10:15 | Break |
| 10:15-11:30 | Conceptualization, operationalization and measurement, logic models |
| 11:30-12:30 | Lunch |
| 12:30-2:00 | Research design for program evaluation, causation, experiments and surveys |
| 2:00-2:15 | Break |
| 2:15-4:30 | Small and large group work: applying what we learned to your organization |
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30-10:00 | Sampling, qualitative vs. quantitative approaches |
| 10:00-10:15 | Break |
| 10:15-11:30 | Ethics, small group work |
| 11:30-12:30 | Lunch |
| 12:30-2:00 | Reporting evaluation results; cost-benefit analysis |
| 2:00-2:15 | Break |
| 2:15-4:30 | Participant research; Q&A; Wrap-up |
Online (Asynchronous) Schedule
The asynchronous online course is four weeks in length.
Each week you’ll have a course module to complete. Each module consists of:
- readings (available in PDF format)
- viewing a pre-recorded narrated presentation
- engaging in forum discussions with others
- and submitting assignments.
More details about the online format and requirements may be viewed here.
Week 1: Introduction to Program Evaluation
Lesson Overview and Readings
Narrated Presentations
Quiz
Assignment: Logic Model
Assignment: Discussion
Week 2: Effective Research Design
Lesson Overview and Readings
Narrated Presentations
Quiz
Assignment: Program Description for Final Project
Assignment: Literature Review for Final Project
Assignment: Discussion
Week 3: Evaluation Methods
Lesson Overview and Readings
Narrated Presentations
Quiz
Assignment: Methods Section for Final Project
Assignment: Discussion
Week 4: Performance Measurement, Data Analysis & Forecasting
Lesson Overview and Readings
Narrated Presentations
Assignment: Final Project - Program Evaluation Plan
Assignment: Analysis of Kids Count Data Center
Assignment: Discussion
Course Evaluation
To successfully complete the course, all coursework must be completed and submitted no later than Sunday of week 4 at 11:59 p.m. ET. This is a firm deadline and late work will not be accepted.
Location
The location next to each course date indicates if the course is being held in-person or online.
The in-person class is held on the IU Indianapolis campus. Please click on the location name for further details and recommended hotel accommodations.
Registrants will receive complete course logistical information upon registration.
CFRE Education Points
Full participation in many of The Fund Raising School’s courses fulfill education point requirements for Category 1.B-Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.
Program Evaluation for Mission Impact qualifies for 13.0 CFRE Education Points/Hours.
IMPORTANT REGISTRATION NOTE: Tuition payment is due before the class begins and may be paid by credit card or check. All cancellations and transfers are subject to an administrative fee of $275.
The Fund Raising School, an international leader in fundraising training and professional development, and IU Executive Education at the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, a nationally ranked leader in nonprofit management education, are pleased to announce this course offering. It is one of four required courses for the Certificate in Nonprofit Executive Leadership.
What this course is about
Program evaluation is one mechanism for establishing accountability in nonprofit organizations. This course focuses on the techniques and application of evaluation methods to assess the effectiveness of nonprofit programs. Participants will learn evaluation techniques currently used to determine whether nonprofit programs are having the intended effects. Participants will also learn how to develop and implement cutting-edge performance measurement strategies in nonprofit organizations. Topics include:
- Program evaluation and accountability
- Practical program evaluation techniques
- Performance management strategies for effective and efficient programming