Natural Resources Institute Evaluation Unit

Greta Landis an Evaluation Specialist pointing to a board with sticky notes facilitating a feedback session

Natural Resources Institute Evaluation Unit

Located in Madison, Wisconsin, the Evaluation Unit is a fee-for-service business unit housed within the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension Natural Resources Institute.

We create opportunities for teams to clearly articulate and improve their programs and better understand their outcomes through rigorous approaches to program development and evaluation.

Through a team of expert evaluators, we provide custom program development and evaluation support to a wide array of partners. Over the last 5 years we have evaluated over 90 programs and projects providing services valued at over 2.5 million dollars.

Who We Serve

Extension
UW-Madison Departments and Groups
Other universities and research groups
Community-based Organizations
State and Federal Agencies

An example logic model developed by the NRI Evaluation Unit — A sample logic model framework developed by the Evaluation Unit to help in program planning.

How We Help

We specialize in utilization-focused, participatory, and culturally responsive evaluation. We work collaboratively to tailor our services to your specific needs.

Program Design
- Needs assessments
- Logic models and theory of change
- Program planning
Evaluation Design
- Evaluation questions and plans
- Method selection and data-collection schedules
Instrument Development
- Surveys
- Interview and focus-group protocols
- Ripple effect mapping guides
Data Collection
- Surveys (online and paper)
- Interviews and focus groups
- Observations and site visits

Data Analysis
- Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches
- Social network analysis
Data Visualization and Reporting
- User-friendly graphs, tables, and charts
- Executive summaries and detailed reports
- Interactive presentations
Evaluation Capacity-Building
- Workshops and trainings
- Hands-on technical assistance
- Scholarly publications and research briefs

How We Work

Schedule a consultation

We meet with stakeholders to clarify goals, timeline, and resources, and to establish mutual expectations. This meeting can also be used for incorporating our evaluation services and deliverables into grant applications.

Customize our services to fit your needs

We can help with evaluation planning and design, instrument development, data collection, analysis and interpretation, and reporting and dissemination. Whether you need help selecting appropriate evaluation methods, statistical analysis, or technical assistance to strengthen internal evaluation – we’ve got you covered.

Incorporate our services into your grant or budget

We are frequently written into grants as partners or coinvestigators and can accommodate a variety of funding strategies. As a unit of UW–Madison Extension, we offer an internal hourly rate for collaborations with other University of Wisconsin units, alongside competitive rates for external clients.

All Evaluation Unit services are billed by the hour based on the following rates effective 7/1/25 to 6/30/26. Hourly rates are reviewed and adjusted at the beginning of the next fiscal year.

Internal and federal grants: $92/hr
External projects: $127/hr