“How much does it cost?” is one of the most common questions policymakers, funders, researchers, and program administrators ask when considering a new program or policy. A cost study (PDF) can help answer this question, but cost estimates are only as good as the information collected. Without input and guidance from staff members and administrators directly involved in the programming, the answer may lack critical insight.

Traditionally, researchers conduct cost studies using rigid protocols to account for all anticipated elements of a program’s operations and staff time. But this design may ignore community expertise and therefore miss important elements, be burdensome for service providers who may not see any direct benefit, and perpetuate a hierarchical approach to research.

We did something different for the Family-Centered Community Change (FCCC) evaluation: we took a community-engaged approach and invited program partners to co-design a cost study.

Also, community-engaged research requires designated resources to support collaboration. Substantial investment from the Annie E. Casey Foundation made a high level of community engagement possible.

What can other researchers learn from our work? We recommend the following strategies:

  • Incorporate community partners at all phases of the study. 
  • Be transparent about what can and cannot change. 
  • Acknowledge that community-based partners may have limited time.
  • Consider creating alternative products for community use.

Read the full article about community-engaged research by Peace Gwam, Amanda Gold, and Theresa Anderson at Urban Institute.