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EDIT CARES

Project Statement

The EDIT Community Award for Research and Evaluation Services (EDIT CARES) supports community-based programming through short-term, focused evaluation projects at no cost to participating programs. Through increasing the availability of university-based evaluation and technical assistance resources, tailored to community-based programming, we aim to nurture community-based capabilities to lead in-house evaluation activities.

  • EDIT CARES offers a structured approach to micro evaluation projects, characterized by a timetable that centers on the most pressing need of our partner while positioning project activities to nurture skill-based capacity.

Project Goals

The EDIT CARES initiative aims to cultivate the community-based capabilities around program evaluation.


Eligibility

The EDIT CARES initiative is particularly interested in supporting programs that address critical gaps in health equity and wellbeing. We seek applicants who indicate a financial need for pro bono services, prioritizing smaller or emerging programs.

  • Both programs that are standalone and embedded within a larger organization are welcome to apply.
  • Recent awardees include Chicago House and Social Service Agency, Center on Halsted, Black & Pink, Sexpectations, and Lighthouse Foundation.

Benefits

The EDIT CARES initiative provides the opportunity to work alongside an evaluator and analyst from the EDIT CARES team to strengthen evaluation infrastructures. Primary activities are summarized in a project plan aligned with your needs and priorities. By the end of the project (typically 3-6 months), you'll gain a suite of practical tools and insights to continually enhance your program's impact - whether you’re evaluating a new program, incorporating participant feedback, or creating a data collection plan.

Application Process

The EDIT CARES initiative reviews applications on a quarterly basis (however applicants are welcome to submit anytime during the year with time-sensitive programs). Applicants submit an online application that requests an overview of the applicant’s program, including mission/goals, primary activities, and priorities related to evaluation. Candidates who move forward will have an interview with our selection committee. If selected for an award, our team will invite the awardee to a project launch/orientation meeting to initiate the EDIT CARES project.

Approach

At the end of the EDIT CARES project, awardees will typically be produced:

  • Evaluation Plan, detailing your evaluation questions and data collection approach
  • Program Manual, describing your program elements
  • Data Collection Processes and Tools, centering your priorities and capacity
  • Evaluation Report, summarizing the findings, insights, and decisions related to the project