Program Development & Evaluation Certificate
Build Programs That Drive Real Change
Designed for rising and developing managers, this certificate equips you to lead people, shape programs, and make a measurable impact.
SPRING 2026: Wednesdays, February 25, March 4, 11, and 18 (via Zoom)
Experience level:
Beginner - Intermediate.
- Enhanced Program Effectiveness: Participants will learn how to design programs that directly address community needs, resulting in more effective and impactful initiatives that better serve their target populations.
- Increased Stakeholder Engagement: By mastering stakeholder engagement techniques, participants will be able to build stronger relationships with stakeholders, leading to greater support and collaboration for their programs.
- Improved Evaluation Practices: With the skills to create thorough program evaluations, participants can systematically assess their programs’ success and areas for improvement, ensuring continuous enhancement and sustainability of their initiatives.
By the end of the course, you will have created a program evaluation plan, giving you a practical tool to apply in your organization. Whether you’re new to program development or looking to strengthen your existing knowledge, this course will equip you with the tools to help your organization thrive.
Cancellation policy: If plans change and you are no longer able to attend, we will transfer your enrollment and payment to the next program cycle. Funds must be applied and used within a 6 (six) month period. We do not offer refunds.
Schedule:
Day 1 | February 25 | 9 am - 12 pm PST | Foundations of Evaluative Thinking
- What is evaluative thinking, and how does it shift organizational mindset?
- Continuous improvement and data-informed decision-making
- Building feedback loops across program cycles
- Designing evaluation questions
- Introduction to logic models and theory of change
Day 2 | March 4 | 9 am - 12 pm PST | Designing Your Evaluation Framework
- Crafting logic models: inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes
- Defining goals, indicators, and evaluation questions
- Quantitative vs. qualitative approaches
- Stakeholder-driven evaluation design
Day 3 | March 11 | 9 am - 12 pm PST | Real World Data Collection Strategies
- Crafting surveys, interview guides, and observation forms
- Managing timelines, roles, and data integrity
- Bias awareness and inclusive design
- Legal and ethical considerations (informed consent, confidentiality)
Day 4 | March 18 | 9 am - 12 pm PST | Turning Data Into Action and Impact
- Data interpretation and visualization
- Using findings to enhance programming and secure funding
- Integrating evaluation insights into grant writing and board reports
- Sharing results internally and externally
Program Details:
- Spring 2026: February 25 & March 4, 11, and 18. Four half-day sessions, 9am to 12pm, via Zoom.
- CVNL Member tuition: $500.
- Non-member tuition: $625.
- Tuition includes: All materials, including handouts and additional web resources.
- Limited to 26 people.
- CVNL Certificate of Completion awarded to participants who register for the full series and complete course requirements. Participants may miss one class and still qualify for a certificate.
- All sessions will be recorded and shared.
- Scholarships available for first-generation or new nonprofit professionals serving Marin, Napa, Sonoma, and Solano counties.
Who Should Apply?
The Program Development & Evaluation Certificate series is ideal for nonprofit professionals, new and emerging program managers, team leads, and anyone involved in designing, implementing, or evaluating programs. Whether you’re launching a new initiative or strengthening existing services, this series equips you with the skills to build equity-centered programs that create lasting impact.
It’s also a valuable opportunity for development staff, evaluation coordinators, and community-based practitioners who collaborate across departments or work directly with diverse populations—and want to deepen their understanding of effective, data-informed program design.
If you’re ready to design programs that reflect community needs, advance social equity, and demonstrate meaningful results, this certificate is for you.
Tuition & Scholarships
CVNL is pleased to offer partial scholarships to support first-generation professionals and professionals entering the nonprofit sector for the first time in Marin, Napa, Sonoma, and Solano Counties.
These scholarships are made available by generous grants from the Peter A., and Vernice H. Gasser Foundation, the Community Foundation of Sonoma County, the Solano Community Foundation, Marin Community Foundation, and U.S. Bank. To apply, click here, or for more information, please contact us at learning@cvnl.org.
SPONSORED IN PART BY:
