2026 Evaluation Impact Studies

A five-state effort to understand the capacity of nonprofits in the Northwest produced two studies to date: the comprehensive 2024 Survey of Capacity and the 2026 Deep Dive into evaluation capacity.

The 2026 Deep Dive was a qualitative study to explore the dynamics of the lowest rated capacity for 4 of the 5 participating states: evaluating impact

Study 2 — your state's 2026 study

Study 2 • 2026

Interviews with nonprofit leaders in each state, late 2025–early 2026, conducted by each state association with Dialogues In Action. Interviews recorded, transcribed, analyzed for themes; identifying details removed.

How: the 2026 Evaluation Impact studies

- evaluation practice
- culture of learning
- program adaptation
- listening to diverse voices
- making the case
- vision for the future
110+ nonprofit leaders sampled for representation across nonprofit size, subsector, region, and type ofcommunity served.

Why

Charitable nonprofits represent the best traits of the people of the Northwest states — Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Nonprofits keep our communities vibrant and healthy. They create and magnify public benefits, catalyze opportunities to participate in civic affairs, and enrich cultural life.

Nonprofits are a powerful network of organizations and change agents creating positive systemic change. They provide much-needed services, address inequities, and create innovative solutions to community issues. Nonprofits also generate significant economic impact in our states and communities.

Because the nonprofit sector is vital to the flourishing of communities throughout the Northwest, the capacity of nonprofits is critical.

Guided by the shared leadership of the five state nonprofit associations, in conjunction with the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and Dialogues In Action.