Accommodating diverse clients’ needs in evaluation capacity building: A case study of the Tobacco Control Evaluation Center

In this case study, we detail and analyze how the Tobacco Control Evaluation Center (TCEC), an evaluation technical assistance center that serves approximately 100 local tobacco control organizations in California, endeavors to build capacity among the state-funded local providers it serves by using evaluation capacity building activities with an utilization-focused evaluation framework. We call this a “blended approach” and describe these methods. Satisfaction and demand for TCEC services are documented to provide measurements for evaluation capacity building. Final evaluation report scores from two intervention cycles (2004–2007 and 2007–2010) submitted to the California Health Department, Tobacco Control Division are also assessed and compared. These measures demonstrate an increase in evaluation capacity by local projects under TCEC's purview.

► We detail and analyze how an evaluation capacity building and technical assistance center builds capacity among the state-funded local providers. ► Measures used include satisfaction and demand for services, as well as scores from two cycles of final evaluation reports submitted to California Health Department, Tobacco Control Division. ► Results demonstrate an increase in evaluation capacity by local projects.