Energy Trust of Oregon is requesting proposals to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of its Working Together Grants program. The program was designed starting in 2020 to deepen engagement with nonprofit community-based organizations (CBOs) with the goal of reaching utility customers previously underserved by Energy Trust, including customers of color, customers with lower incomes, and customers in rural communities. The program offers two funding levels: Level One Grants (up to $5,000) and Level Two Grants (up to $10,000). This evaluation will assess the effectiveness of the grant process and overall program design after the redesign (rounds three to five) from the perspectives of both grantees and Energy Trust staff, with findings intended to inform improvements for future funding rounds.
The evaluation will address 14 key research objectives focused on program design and implementation effectiveness; coordination between implementing groups; working relationships with grantees and any advancement to additional Energy Trust programs; internal processes and resource needs; success stories with communities and customers; grantee perspectives on grant value relative to application and management effort; capacity building and community reach; helpful and problematic aspects of the offer; relationship quality and trust; interest in future engagement; and appropriate grant sizing.
The selected evaluator will conduct six major tasks: reviewing offer documents and conducting a kick-off meeting; developing a comprehensive work plan; conducting staff interviews with approximately five Energy Trust staff members; conducting interviews with 24 community-based organizations selected to represent diversity of geography, size, and focus; producing a final report with executive summary, methodology, results with charts and graphics, conclusions and recommendations, appendices with interview guides, and a presentation for a public webinar; and providing regular project management including weekly data collection updates and monthly status reports.
Key dates include RFP issuance on February 24, 2026; Intent to Bid due by March 10, 2026; Questions/requests for additional information due by March 10, 2026; Clarifications/question responses posted by March 17, 2026; and Proposals due by March 27, 2026 at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. The draft evaluation report is expected by June 15, 2026, with final report delivery within two weeks of receiving all comments and edits. The anticipated budget is approximately $80,000, though Energy Trust reserves the right to revise budget assumptions.