---
title: "Formative Evaluation: What Will We Do, Why Will We Do It, and How?"
description: Formative evaluation, which can include a needs assessment or evaluability assessment, is used to inform project planning and design to ensure that a program or activity is feasible, appropriate, and acceptable prior to implementation. Completing a formative evaluation before starting…
url: "https://civhc.org/docs/what-will-we-do-why-will-we-do-it-and-how/"
updated: "2022-08-29"
category: Evaluation
---

# Formative Evaluation: What Will We Do, Why Will We Do It, and How?

Formative evaluation, which can include a needs assessment or evaluability assessment, is used to inform project planning and design to ensure that a program or activity is feasible, appropriate, and acceptable prior to implementation. Completing a formative evaluation before starting a project helps ensure success by identifying the most likely areas of impact, populations served, evidence-based methodologies, required inputs, and available resources.