Program evaluation is a systematic method of collecting, analyzing, and using information to answer questions about a program, often for the purpose of program improvement, fundraising, or to determine effectiveness and efficiency. Organizations are under mounting pressure to show the impact of their work and CURA receives many evaluation requests every semester. CURA-supported evaluations build the capacity of organizations to integrate evaluation activities into the day-to-day operation of the organization, rather than producing "one shot" evaluations that must be repeated every few years. CURA contributed to the creation of the Minnesota Evaluation Studies Institute, which is a portal to resources for evaluation assistance, training, and research at the University of Minnesota.

A needs assessment is a process for identifying needs or gaps between existing and desired conditions. Asset-based assessment identifies the assets of a community rather than the needs. Many organizations use these assessment approaches as a way to inform program development.

CURA programs that support projects in the areas of Evaluation and Assessment include:

• Community Assistantship Program (CAP)
• Faculty Interactive Research Program (FIRP)
• Kris Nelson Community-Based Research Program (Nelson Program)

CURA Contact: Will Craig