How can program evaluation help identify gaps in non-profit services for underserved populations?

1 Needs assessment model

A needs assessment model is a type of program evaluation that focuses on identifying and prioritizing the problems and issues that affect a specific population or group. It can help you understand the current situation, the desired situation, and the gaps between them. A needs assessment model can help you design or modify your program to address the most urgent and relevant needs of your underserved population. For example, you can use surveys, interviews, focus groups, or secondary data to collect information about the needs, preferences, challenges, and opportunities of your community.

2 Logic model

A logic model is a type of program evaluation that describes the relationship between the inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts of your program. It can help you clarify your program goals, assumptions, resources, and strategies. A logic model can help you identify gaps in non-profit services for underserved populations by showing how your program intends to achieve its intended results and how it measures its progress and success. For example, you can use a logic model to map out the inputs (such as staff, budget, materials), the activities (such as workshops, trainings, counseling), the outputs (such as number of participants, hours of service, products delivered), the outcomes (such as changes in knowledge, skills, attitudes, behavior), and the impacts (such as long-term effects on social, economic, or environmental conditions) of your program.

3 Empowerment evaluation model

An empowerment evaluation model is a type of program evaluation that involves the participation and collaboration of the program stakeholders, especially the underserved population. It can help you empower your community to define, monitor, and improve their own program. An empowerment evaluation model can help you identify gaps in non-profit services for underserved populations by giving them a voice and a role in the evaluation process. For example, you can use an empowerment evaluation model to facilitate self-evaluation, feedback, learning, and action among your program staff, partners, and beneficiaries.

4 Utilization-focused evaluation model

A utilization-focused evaluation model is a type of program evaluation that focuses on the intended use and users of the evaluation findings. It can help you tailor your evaluation to the specific needs and interests of your program stakeholders, especially the decision-makers and funders. A utilization-focused evaluation model can help you identify gaps in non-profit services for underserved populations by providing useful and actionable information that can inform your program planning, implementation, and improvement. For example, you can use a utilization-focused evaluation model to conduct a formative evaluation (to monitor and adjust your program during its development or delivery) or a summative evaluation (to measure and report your program outcomes and impacts at the end or after its completion).