How to Evaluate Faith-Based Programs: Practical guidance and principles relevant for 73% of the nonprofit sector in the USA

Faith is an important dimension of the intangible complexity of human life that traditional evaluations prefer to ignore. However, over the centuries and across the world, faith is a relevant dimension for millions of people influencing motivation, relationships and behavior. A national study found that 73% of all charitable giving in the USA was to organizations with a religious affiliation – so faith is also often an intended outcome of programs. The newly developing lens of “Human Centered Evaluation” (HCE) provides practical guidance to address the human dimensions of faith and spirituality. This workshop is informed by extensive experience of three evaluators that will provide practical guidance to navigate the ambiguity and provide useful evaluative feedback. Participants will be introduced to both quantitative and qualitative methods – including how focus groups and interviews can be reconsidered to simultaneously contribute to program and evaluation goals.

Kurt Wilson, Ph.D. – Effect X, LLC; Aaron Kates – Effect X, LLC; Kelly Minas – Center for Congregations