The CEFP as a Model for Integrating Evaluation within Organizations

Abstract

This article identifies and discusses the innovative contributions of the Collaborative Evaluation Fellows Project (CEFP) as a model for evaluation training and organizational development. The importance of the CEFP model to the effectiveness and accountability of nonprofit organizations is best understood within the larger context of the historical emergence of evaluation as a specialized field of professional practice and the documented challenges of integrating evaluation within organizations. Key elements of the model discussed include a strong commitment to evaluation use (utilization-focused evaluation); careful attention to evaluation standards; developing core evaluation competencies among fellows; supporting collaboration among evaluation fellows, facilitators, and faculty; working to infuse evaluative logic, values, and thinking into the planning and management processes of the American Cancer Society; modeling effective evaluation practice by intensively evaluating its own effectiveness, both internally and with external reviewers; and using the findings to incorporate lessons learned, overcome barriers, and adjust to emergent challenges.