Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Improve Group ?
The Improve Group is a Twin Cities-based research, evaluation and planning firm that uses an empowering and collaborative approach to serve public and non-profit institutions by helping them truly reflect their mission and serve the people they care about.
What makes the Improve Group unique?
Improve Group staff value work that has a positive impact of supporting people and building better lives. Our clients share that passion, and we work closely with them to build more effective services for their constituents. We enjoy learning and growing in partnerships with our clients.
How do you choose the appropriate methods of evaluation, planning and facilitation for your clients?
We work closely with our clients to find out what questions
they have and what information is most useful to them. Then
we share information about the benefits and weaknesses of a
number of different strategies for gathering information, from
secondary data analysis to focus groups or surveys.
Why did you decide to do evaluation, planning and facilitation in the non-profit and public sectors?
Our work stems from a core belief that investments in programs, whether they be publicly or privately funded, should be well-spent and able to clearly show what difference the investment made. We want to support organizations in building the best possible programs and to see real, meaningful impacts on the issues that matter to them.
What can my organization expect if we work with the Improve Group?
Organizations can expect a close and responsive working relationship with the Improve Group. We excel at building positive and supportive relationships with our clients in which we provide meaningful and useful information. We are very passionate about our work and enjoy building capacity when possible, teaching our techniques to clients and thinking of other ways evaluation and planning can be used in the organization.
How will my organization benefit if we work with the Improve Group?
By working with our professional staff, organizations can expect to have strong, well-documented evidence of the value of their programs. Staff and board members will be able to make decisions and set direction for their organization. Finally, the results of the planning and evaluation work will tell the story of how the organization is an asset in its community and establish its vision for the future.
How long does a project typically take? How much does a project typically cost?
There is a great deal of variability in the length of time and cost for projects. We work closely with clients to develop each project, being mindful of important benchmarks, deadlines and constraints. In the past projects have ranged from one month to four years.
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