The evaluation report should be a comprehensive document that describes the program and provides the results of the information analysis. The report should also include an interpretation of the results for understanding program effectiveness. Chapter 9 is designed to assist you in preparing an evaluation report. Program managers are often concerned about the cost of an evaluation. This is a valid concern.
Evaluations do require money.
Many program managers and staff believe that it is unethical to use program or agency financial resources for an evaluation, because available funds should be spent on serving participants. However, it is more accurate to view money spent on evaluation as an investment in your program and in your participants, rather than as a diversion of funds available for participants. Evaluation is essential if you want to know whether your program is benefiting participants. Unfortunately, it is not possible to specify in this manual exactly how much money you will need to conduct your evaluation. Costs also vary in accord with economic differences in communities and geographic locations.