Innovative Services
LPC conducts a variety of innovative services for increasing the success of clients. This includes designing and facilitating strategic planning processes, identifying standardized data collection tools for specific purposes, conducting research on best and promising practices, and representing programs at state and national conferences. Among the tools and services that complement our evaluation work, are the following:
Logic Model Development
Because the Logic Model is such an integral part of our evaluation practice, we frequently use the Logic Model to help us develop an evaluation design. In our logic model approach, we:
- Illustrate how program theory or needs relate to program activities and to program outcomes.
- Facilitate the general understanding of how to link needs, activities and stages of outcomes.
- Facilitate training and technical assistance toward the development of logic models.
- Develop logic models for various components of a single program, as well as one to represent systems change.
- Identify potential measures (both process and outcome) for the evaluation.
- Identify priority measures of performance.
- Provide the basis for developing an evaluation design and approach.
GIS Mapping
LPC recognizes the importance of presenting data in an easy to understand and useful format. To facilitate this, LPC can create GIS maps of data to demonstrate geographic areas of need or outcomes. These maps are useful when soliciting funds, sharing data with stakeholders, or showing impact of your program. We are also adept at using existing mapping websites to facilitate tracking trends, to examine the context for change or impact of large scale initiatives over time.
Program Development and Management
LPC partners with many organizations and agencies draft the evaluation section of their grant proposals, which not only strengthens their proposals, but also sets the stage for a partnership should there be a grant award. LPC staff provide input at planning meetings for new program development, facilitate decisions related to performance measures, and design evaluations tailored to programs and services proposed for funding. We insure the program design is sound from a research and evaluation perspective, that the rationale and objectives align, and that the evaluation plan is feasible with resources allocated.
Opportunity Assessment
LPC partners with nonprofit organizations and public sector agencies to develop and submit concept papers and unsolicited proposals for innovative program and research ideas. We prepare the scope of work, evaluation budget, and work with selected grant writers who specialize in responding to funders in education, health care and social services, child welfare, and family support services.
Resources to Build Capacity
LPC responds to needs as they emerge and evolve. Selected studies have required LPC staff to: conduct comprehensive searches for standardized data collection tools in specific areas; develop annotated resource guides on evidence-based practices; review and summarize the literature on a specific topic; create manuals to guide data collection, data entry, and data analysis; identify content experts to serve as advisors to projects as needed; and form alliances with organizations to advance the use of data in “telling your story.” LPC is working closely with 3fold Communications to bring both quantitative and qualitative data into the development of marketing and communications resources for nonprofit organizations.