Teaching Paper: Interview and Focus Group Guides for Non-Profit Research and Evaluation

This Teaching Paper provides practical guides for conducting interviews and focus groups in non-profit research and evaluation. It is designed for use in resource-constrained and culturally diverse environments, offering step-by-step instructions for preparation, facilitation, and follow-up. Emphasis is placed on ethical rigor, comprehensive data collection, and participatory approaches. Through practical examples and case studies, the paper illustrates how these methods capture community voices, enhance program effectiveness, and foster participatory evaluation. It addresses challenges such as group dynamics, confidentiality, literacy considerations, and cultural adaptation, providing strategies to ensure both rigor and inclusivity.