Learning and Evaluation/Archive/Learning modules/2Why is evaluation important?

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Part 1. Overview: Program Evaluation Basics Overview; A Note about Words; What is a Program?; Understanding Programs; What is Program Evaluation?; Why is evaluation important?
Part 2. Stages of Evaluation: The Cycle and Stages of Evaluation; The Tasks of Each Evaluation Stage
Part 3. Types of Evaluation: Types of Evaluation; Needs Assessment; Feasibility Assessment; Monitoring; Context Evaluation; Formative/Process Evaluation; Summative Evaluation; Impact Evaluation
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Program Evaluation Basics Menu

Why is Evaluation Important?

Program evaluation provides:

Useful measurements that systematically show progress, or lack of progress, towards achieving goals, to understand what is working and how it is in terms of reaching your goals.
Accountability to communicate the value of the program to volunteers, partners, funders, and other community members.
Information for making decisions to improve or strengthen a program, and coordinate appropriate resources.
Transparency of your program's efforts and impacts to set reasonable goals and targets, and to share the successes and challenges with the community.