Evaluation Services
SERVICES
Evaluation that Strengthens Programs and Demonstrates Results.
Shaffer Evaluation Group designs and conducts evaluations that help organizations understand implementation, assess outcomes, meet funding requirements, and make informed decisions.
We combine methodological rigor with close collaboration. The result is an evaluation that produces credible evidence while remaining practical for the people implementing and improving the program.
SERVICES
When evaluation can help
Evaluation may be especially useful when you need to:
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Develop an evaluation plan for a new program or grant proposal
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Select meaningful outcomes and performance measures
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Understand whether implementation is proceeding as intended
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Identify strengths, challenges, and opportunities for improvement
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Demonstrate results to funders, boards, partners, or communities
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Meet interim, annual, or final reporting requirements
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Determine what to sustain, adapt, replicate, or expand
SERVICES
What we provide
Our services are tailored to the program, evaluation questions, available evidence, timeline, and reporting requirements.
Support may include:
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Evaluation questions and study design
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Logic models and theories of change
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Process, formative, outcome, and summative evaluation
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Performance measures and data-collection plans
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Surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observations
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Administrative and program-data analysis
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Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods analysis
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Continuous-improvement feedback
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Funder-required performance reporting
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Reports, briefs, presentations, and visual summaries
SERVICES
How we work
Align
We begin by understanding the program, its context, its stakeholders, and the decisions the evaluation should support. Together, we clarify the questions, outcomes, measures, methods, and expectations for communication.
Learn
We gather and analyze appropriate evidence while communicating regularly with program leaders. Timely findings can help partners respond to emerging needs rather than waiting until the end of the project.
Use
We interpret findings with our partners and present them in clear, accessible formats. Recommendations are connected to practical decisions about implementation, reporting, sustainability, and future planning.
FEATURED PROJECT
Culturally responsive evaluation with the Kenaitze Indian Tribe
Service: Program & Grant Evaluation
Portfolio: Tribal Communities
Get to Know Us
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The Need
The Kenaitze Indian Tribe developed the Yusdich’ qich’ul (There Is Firelight) project to strengthen cultural connectedness and engagement among Alaska Native and American Indian youth. The federally funded initiative brought culture instructors, community-based programs, educator resources, and culturally inclusive teaching practices into local schools.
SEG’s Role
SEG served as the independent external evaluator. We developed the project’s logic model and mixed-methods evaluation plan, co-designed a Youth Cultural Connectedness measure using youth voice, and gathered information through surveys, site visits, interviews, focus groups, assessment data, and program records.
How the Work Was Used
The evaluation documented full implementation of the project’s planned activities, participation by more than 80 afterschool and 40 summer-program students, and rising youth cultural-connectedness scores. Findings also informed plans for sustaining the work beyond the grant period.
SERVICES
Experience across four portfolios
Arts & Culture
Evaluate arts education, arts and health, creative placemaking, cultural initiatives, and grantmaking portfolios while respecting artistic and community context.
K-12 Education
Support school districts, schools, education agencies, and grant-funded initiatives with implementation, outcome, and external evaluation.
Higher Education
Examine student services, institutional initiatives, workforce programs, STEM programs, arts programs, and federally or privately funded projects.
Tribal Communities
Develop evaluation approaches in consultation with Tribal governments, Native-serving organizations, education programs, and community partners.
Let's discuss your evaluation needs
Whether you are preparing a proposal, launching a program, seeking an external evaluator, or approaching a major reporting milestone, SEG can help determine an appropriate path forward.
Contact us today for a free 30-minute consultation.