The Harvard Family Research Project separated from the Harvard Graduate School of Education to become the Global Family Research Project as of January 1, 2017. It is no longer affiliated with Harvard University.
Volume X, Number 3, Fall 2004
Issue Topic: Harnessing Technology for Evaluation
Promising Practices
Software Programs for Nonprofit Evaluation
Erin Harris from HFRP provides an overview of software programs for nonprofit program evaluation.
A wide variety of software packages are available to help nonprofit organizations track program management data and outcome measures for evaluation. One advantage of an “off-the-shelf” package is that these packages are often “tried and true.” Another is that the software makers often supply training and technical assistance to users. On the other hand, organizations should carefully consider whether the available packages are appropriate for their needs. In some cases, organizations may find it more useful to design their own tracking systems, although the process can be time-consuming and may require extensive technical training. This table (55 KB Acrobat file) provides a sampling of software programs that are geared to nonprofit organizations and that include components that may assist in program evaluation.¹ See the relevant websites for more details.
No endorsement of any of these products is implied, nor have any of these products been used or tested by HFRP.
¹ More detailed profiles of many of these software programs and others can be found in: Outcome Measurement Resource Network. (2003). Outcome measurement data management systems for agencies. Alexandria, VA: United Way of America. national.unitedway.org/outcomes/resources/data_management_systems.cfm
Erin Harris, Research Assistant, HFRP