Program Evaluation Services

At the Sanford Center for Aging, our mission is to enhance the quality of life and well-being of elders through education, translational research and community outreach. A key part of this mission is offering comprehensive evaluation services to our programs and those of our partners. Our evaluations prioritize meaningful insights beyond statistics—they uncover the strategies that drive meaningful impact and empower organizations to achieve their goals. By identifying strengths and opportunities for improvement, we provide actionable insights that lead to continuous growth and optimized outcomes.

Why Choose Us

As a trusted university-based organization, we bring together a team of experienced researchers and aging service experts who deliver ethical, third-party evaluation services free from commercial bias. Our primary focus is to improve the well-being of older adults by using rigorous, tailored evaluation methods that capture both the process and impact of the program. We utilize qualitative and quantitative data to evaluate program efficiency, effectiveness, and impact, and we provide ongoing recommendations to help identify both met and unmet goals throughout the project lifecycle. 

Overview of Services

Types of Evaluations
We offer a range of evaluation services, including formative, summative, process, and impact evaluations, tailored to community service projects funded by nonprofits, state agencies, and government grants focused on enhancing older adult health and supportive services. Additionally, we conduct training impact assessments for healthcare professionals and STEM graduates, as well as evaluations for wellness programs and community-based caregiver training initiatives.

Customization: Our evaluation services are tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each organization's program or project, ensuring that the evaluation tools and strategies align with specific objectives.

Data Collection Methods: We employ various data collection methods, including surveys, interviews, focus groups and direct observation, depending on the project’s scope and requirements.

Digital Data Collection Platforms: We provide secure, web-based surveys and digital data input platforms, enabling our partners to collect and store data efficiently and safely. These platforms also offer easy access to summarized OMB-reported data, streamlining the reporting process.

Partner with us to unlock your program’s full potential and make a lasting difference in the lives of older adults. Please complete the inquiry form to learn more about services and associated costs. Program Evaluation Service Inquiry Form

Five Core Principles

Our evaluation approach is guided by five core principles: utility, feasibility, propriety, accuracy and accountability, in line with the American Program Evaluation National Standard. Competencies Standards - Program Evaluation Standards

Utility

Our evaluations are designed to provide actionable insights that help our partners enhance program planning, management, improvement, and accountability. We aim to ensure that the findings and recommendations are relevant and delivered in a timely manner where they can be directly applied to optimizing programs that support the well-being of the elderly community.

Feasibility

We employ evaluation procedures that are practical and well-suited to the program's context. Our goal is to integrate evaluation activities smoothly without disrupting day-to-day operations while maintaining the integrity of a sound, valid evaluation approach.

Propriety

We maintain clear agreements regarding evaluation roles, responsibilities, and expectations with our partners. Our reports present an objective and unbiased view of both program strengths and areas for improvement, and all evaluations are conducted ethically for the well-being of those involved and affected by the review.

Accuracy

We ensure our evaluations produce reliable and valid information about the programs or projects being assessed. We focus on gathering precise data to determine each program's true impact, effectiveness and efficacy.

Evaluation Accountability

We are committed to transparency throughout the evaluation process. All relevant documentation is available to ensure independent assessments of the evaluation’s utility, feasibility, propriety, accuracy and overall accountability.

Ongoing Evaluation Activities

• Nevada Senior Services (Duration: Oct 2021-Sep 2025)
• Neighbor Network of Northern Nevada (N4) (Duration: Sep 2021-Aug 2025)
• Aging & In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana (Duration: Sep 2021-Aug 2025)
• Iona Senior Services (Duration: Aug 2024-Aug 2027)
• Splaine Consulting (From June 2021 ongoing until the desired study sample is reached)

Our Team

Peter S. Reed, PhD, MPH, Director, Sanford Center for Aging

Taniya J. Koswatta, PhD, MSc, Director of Program Evaluation and Data Analytics

Samantha Hoeper, PhD Candidate, MPH, Graduate Research Assistant, Sanford Center for Aging

Testimonial 1

We have worked with the Sanford Center on Aging for Program Evaluation and Data Analytics over the past 3 years to support our federal grant. Staff from the Sanford Center on Aging have been great to work with and very supportive in analyzing our grant data. Chris Forcucci, Senior VP, Aging & In-home Services of Northeast Indiana.

Testimonial 2

I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for the incredible support and valuable feedback the Sanford Center for Aging team has provided in analyzing our contract grant-funded program. Working with the Sanford Center for Aging has been such a pleasure, and I have found their insights to be both professional and incredibly insightful.

Sanford Center for Aging's team dedication and expertise have significantly contributed to the delivery of one of our programs and I am truly grateful for their partnership. Heather Gray, Senior Manager Family Programs, Alzheimer's Association, Northern California and Northern Nevada