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Planning and Evaluation Tools

Planning and Evaluation Tools

What is It?

Planning and Evaluation Tools help organizations design effective programs and understand their impact.

Key features include:

Logic Models, which provide a visual roadmap of how a program is intended to work — connecting resources, activities, and services to the outcomes and long-term impact you aim to achieve.

A typical logic model outlines:

  • Inputs (e.g., staff, funding)
  • Activities (e.g., case management, workshops)
  • Outputs (e.g., number of veterans served)
  • Outcomes (e.g., improved mental health, stable housing)
  • Impact (e.g., reduced veteran suicide, community reintegration)

Program Evaluation, which assesses how well a program is being implemented and what it is achieving.

  • Process Evaluation examines program delivery and participant engagement.
  • Outcome Evaluation measures whether the program met its goals and produced meaningful change.

Together, these tools provide a shared framework for planning, measuring success, and continuously improving services for veterans and other populations. 

Who is It For?

Planning and Evaluation Tools are designed for non-profit organizations that provide services or interventions to veterans and other populations. These tools are especially valuable for:

  • Program managers and staff who want to improve service delivery and outcomes
  • Organizational leaders making decisions about resource allocation, scaling, or strategy
  • Grant writers and funders seeking clear, evidence-informed descriptions of impact
  • Evaluators and data teams working to measure effectiveness and support continuous improvement

They are particularly helpful when: 

  • Designing or revising a program 
  • Preparing grant applications 
  • Communicating program value to stakeholders 
  • Planning and conducting program evaluations 

What is the Intended Outcome and Impact? 

For the organization: 

  • Improved decision-making: Use data to understand what’s working, identify gaps, and refine services.
  • Stronger program design and alignment: Clearly connect resources, activities, and goals using logic models.
  • Focused and meaningful evaluation: Identify what success looks like and how to measure it effectively.
  • Stronger funding proposals and credibility: Demonstrate impact, accountability, and a commitment to learning.
  • Clear communication: Articulate your program’s purpose and outcomes to funders, partners, and internal teams.

For the veteran: 

  • Higher quality, intentional services: Programs are better tailored and aligned to meet veterans’ specific needs.
  • Improved access and engagement: Evaluation helps identify and remove barriers to participation.
  • More efficient support: Programs stay focused on what matters most, reducing redundancy and improving delivery.
  • Better outcomes: Veterans are more likely to experience positive change in areas like mental health, housing, employment, and community reintegration.

How Technical Assistance Can Help with Planning and Evaluation:

  • Supports leadership decision-making: TA helps organizational leaders identify which planning and evaluation activities will be most valuable based on their goals, capacity, and current stage of program development.
  • Collaborative roadmap development: TA providers work alongside staff to co-create a practical, phased roadmap for building or strengthening planning and evaluation efforts.
  • Resource alignment: TA connects organizations with the right tools, frameworks, and training resources to implement the roadmap effectively and sustainably.

 

Resources

Toolkits