Building evaluation capacity with appreciative inquiry: An exploratory case study

Building evaluation capacity has become an important strategy for nonprofit organizations. However, some nonprofit organizations lack the means by which to acquire key evaluation skills. This case study follows a nonprofit organization engaged in learning about evaluation and specific evaluation skills while participating in an Appreciative Inquiry approach to evaluation. Observations, surveys and interviews were used to explore how and in what ways evaluation capacity was fostered in this organization and the extent to which the participants evidenced evaluative thinking. The participants experienced a gain in evaluation skills, a new understanding and perception of evaluation, more dialogue and reflection around organizational issues, and an intent to continue and maintain the learned processes.