social impact Evaluations

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We are also proud partners of foundations and nonprofits investing in impact and evidence to change the world around them.

Rapid Research Evaluation (RPDRE) was initially born out of its founder's, Dr. Peter T. Keo's, curiosity to provide rapid, efficient, and affordable research and impact evaluation services for community-based organizations that need critical access to research and evaluation services but couldn't afford them.

RPDRE makes social impact research affordable and accessible regardless of your background.

Our social impact evaluations focus on evaluating the efficacy and effectiveness of programs that impact families, communities, and children. Whether you're interested in "evaluation narratives" that tell stories of impact or "quasi-experimental studies of impact" that statistically measure impact and effect size, we are your trusted partners.

Many community-based organizations care about evaluating impact to account for the voices and stories of people from historically marginalized communities. We have the capacity and training to work through this lens, too.

Examples of evaluative methods deployed include, but are not limited to:

Evaluative Program Planning and Framework Design

Evaluative Program Planning and Framework Design involves creating structured plans for programs with a focus on assessing their effectiveness. This approach integrates evaluation methods to ensure that program goals are met, resources are optimally used, and outcomes are measurable. It aims to enhance program performance through systematic analysis and continuous improvement, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and stakeholder needs. 

Surveys

Survey can be used externally to collect quantitative data from different sources. A survey may be targeted at current, past or prospective customers or at the general public. Surveys can help evaluate the effectiveness of a program or service by asking specific questions or requesting specific feedback. A survey can help identify target demographics.

Focus Groups

External evaluations can be conducted via focus groups in which a select group of people are brought into a controlled environment and asked specific questions about their individual perceptions or experiences with a business. For example, an external focus group may be used to gauge public perception or solicit feedback about staff engagement or customer service issues. Focus groups can be used to get input about why former clients ceased business relations with a company.

In-Depth Interviews

An outside evaluator can evaluate staff members on product or service information sought through one-on-one interviews. This allows the neutral and independent evaluator the opportunity to assess specific issues raised by the company. For example, if an external evaluator is brought in to gauge employee satisfaction with a diversity, equity, and inclusion plan, the evaluator may ask employees about issues related to hiring and retention practices, pay raises, promotions, and overall leadership and organizational norms, practices, and policies.

Observations

An impartial observer can evaluate various aspects of a company through observation techniques. For example, a company that wants to measure staff efficiency may use an external evaluator to observe customer interactions, timeliness of service delivery and traffic flow in and out of a place of business. A retail business may utilize an external observer to monitor customer wait times or customer and employee interactions.

Predictive Modeling

Predictive modeling in social impact evaluation leverages data analytics to forecast outcomes of social programs. By analyzing historical data, patterns emerge that help predict future impacts, enabling organizations to optimize strategies, allocate resources effectively, and enhance program effectiveness. This data-driven approach supports evidence-based decision-making, ensuring interventions are targeted and beneficial for communities, ultimately driving more meaningful and sustainable social change. 

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