Grant Writing Evaluation Terms
Efficacy
An evaluation of the extent to which a new or untested program produced significant changes.
Effectiveness
An evaluation of the extent to which an existing or tested program with documented internal validity produced a
significant change.
Internal Validity
The degree to which observed significant change can be explained by the independent variable.
External Validity
The degree to which a significant change can be generalized to other populations beyond your intervention group.
Process Evaluation
An evaluation designed to document the degree to which replicable program procedures were implemented with
fidelity. Did you do what you were supposed to do?
Formative Evaluation
An evaluation designed to give insight in the early developmental phase of a program, including an assessment of
program feasibility; appropriateness of methods; and the immediate or short-term impacts.
Program Evaluation (Summative)
An evaluation to assess the feasibility, and long-term effectiveness and cost-effectiveness or cost-benefit of a
program.
Qualitative Evaluation
An evaluation designed to explain why a program succeeded or failed.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
An evaluation designed to assess the program costs (input) and an impact rate (output); a ratio of cost per unit
to percent impact.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
An evaluation designed to assess the program costs (input) and a health outcome rate, expressed as a monetary
benefit-consequence (outputs) or a ratio of costs per unit of economic benefit and net economic benefit
(savings).