Which of the following is one of the critical questions for performance evaluations?

Identifying who the evaluation is for is fundamental to the performance evaluation process. This question helps clarify the purpose of the evaluation and the stakeholders involved. Understanding the audience—whether it be program administrators, funders, participants, or other interested parties—shapes the evaluation's focus, the type of data collected, and how the findings will be used. By knowing who will benefit from the evaluation, the evaluators can tailor the methods and reporting to suit their needs, ensuring that the evaluation is relevant and actionable.

The other options may have their own importance, but they do not directly address the foundational purpose of a performance evaluation. For instance, while knowing the budget is essential for planning and resource allocation, it does not define the evaluation's scope or effectiveness. Similarly, while the number of participants can provide context and insight into the reach of a program, it doesn't inform the purpose of the evaluation itself. Lastly, understanding the long-term goals of the program is significant for strategic alignment, but this too is not as immediate or critical as knowing who the evaluation is intended to inform.