We’ve said it in the past and will repeat it; we are proud #datanerds at Transform Consulting Group (TCG). Too often, we work with clients who have data but don’t know how to use it. Or maybe they lack a systematic approach to acquiring data or managing projects. We get it. We understand that data…
Author Archives: Sara Gropp
Strategic Plan Step 1: Tools to Collaborate with Key Stakeholders
Do you ever find yourself on a path with no direction? A strategic plan may be what you need to put you on the path to success. A strategic plan is essentially a road map for an organization’s program and goals. Transform Consulting Group helps programs develop their strategic plans with our 4 step process,…
5 Steps to Create Interactive Mapping Tools
You hear us say regularly that we’re big #datanerds at Transform Consulting Group. We have many blogs with tips on using and visualizing data, including why we love interactive dashboards. Now we are taking it to the next level and sharing how to enhance your dashboard with interactive mapping functions. We recently completed projects with…
Update: Our Go-To Sources for Getting Data
Whether you are working on a needs assessment, evaluating a program, or starting a new project, reliable data is important to help make smart choices. In our digital age, comprehensive data is available at our fingertips. Endless search options are accessible, but it can be overwhelming. Have you spent hours filtering through links and data…
3 Tips to Plan Your New Program Before You Launch It
Too often we see organizations excited about receiving a new grant or starting a new program, and they jump in head first to implementation without enough planning. In this blog, we share a program planning and evaluation tool we use called the “PDSA” framework, which stands for Plan-Do-Study-Act. Have you ever started a new project…
Using Performance Indicators to Drive Impact
If you’re a Head Start organization, then you know there are several reports and check-ins required throughout the year. One mandatory item is to complete an annual performance indicator report (PIR) which includes a comprehensive list of data related to programs and services. After pulling together all of the information necessary, how many Head Start…
3 Tips For Managing Program Data
Do you have a system for effectively and efficiently storing and monitoring program data? At Transform Consulting Group, we work with many clients who are required to report on program outcomes and impact, but they often lack systematic approaches to managing their data. We know data can drive program impact (check out this blog), but…
How A Needs Assessment Can Support Your Head Start Program
Most organizations that receive federal or state funding and even private funding are required to complete some type of needs assessment. This might be part of their grant application or annual program update. The purpose of the needs assessment (which we talk more about here and here) is to help organizations align their services to meet…
How to Engage Diverse Stakeholders in Your Planning
When creating a strategic plan or going through any organizational planning process, who do you engage in that process for feedback? (View our 4 Steps of Strategic Planning here). Step one is collaboration – Collaborate with key stakeholders to inform the strategic planning process and create buy-in and ownership in the plan. Who to Engage…
Putting Equitable Evaluation into Practice
Does your evaluation process accurately represent the population you serve? The marginalized and less privileged? We shared in this blog that evaluation is a process that helps organizations determine if the change that they set to accomplish actually occurred. We follow a 4-step evaluation process: (1) establish clear outcomes, (2) create or modify data tools…