Putting the Evidence to Work

Presenter: Elena Harman, PhD, Vantage Evaluation

As funders increasingly expect programs to use evidence-based practices, it’s necessary for nonprofit leaders to know how to leverage the evidence base to maximize their effectiveness and attract competitive resources. Finding and using relevant evidence-based practices can be intimidating with the growing body of information that may not clearly fit organizations’ programs or clients’ needs. In this skill-building workshop, an accessible framework and practical strategies for applying key elements of evidence-based decision making in nonprofit organizations will be introduced. The presenters will offer tips and tools that you can use to make the most of free sources of local and national data. You will have the opportunity to practice searching for relevant evidence during hands-on activities and discuss ways to overcome common challenges of implementing evidence-based practices. You will leave the workshop with a set of resources to help you identify the best available evidence and ways to put that evidence to work in your programs to improve your organization’s impact.