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Funder's Guide to Evaluation: Leveraging Evaluation to Improve Nonprofit Effectiveness
Binding Information: Softcover Product Code: 069482 ISBN: 978-0-940069-48-0 Publisher: Fieldstone Alliance Pages: 160 Size: 7.5" X 9.25" X .4375" Price: $41.95 Here's how funders are leveraging evaluation to improve nonprofit effectiveness Traditionally, funders expect evaluation to show that resources are being used wisely. But evaluation can be a much more powerful tool—for both funders and nonprofits. Forward-looking grantmakers and grantees are leveraging their evaluations, ensuring that the time and money spent ultimately improves effectiveness for everyone. This book shows how they're doing it, including
Worksheets and assessment tools will help funders 1) assess their readiness to implement evaluative learning; 2) develop a logic model; 3) uncover grantees' current evaluation efforts and preparedness for evaluative learning; and 4) use resources wisely when selecting an evaluative learning support strategy. When the funding community supports evaluative learning, nonprofits and funders together can figure out how to strengthen programs, better allocate resources, and share successful models. Quotes: What others are saying about A Funder's Guide to Evaluation... “Evaluative learning is a concept whose time has come. This comprehensive guide convincingly makes the case for evaluation as a means to build nonprofit capacity and support effectiveness, while providing accessible action steps and practical tools that any funder can use straightaway to improve their grantmaking.” —Steven LaFrance, principal, LaFrance Associates, LLC “Evaluation is often presented as a learning tool but the practical application generally falls far short of that goal. Peter York presents a framework for moving past the current, limited application of evaluation for outcome measurement and to an evaluative learning process that benefits both nonprofits and funders. The book is a welcome addition to literature on the use of evaluation in the philanthropic sector.” —Tracey A. Rutnik, director, Strategic Initiatives; Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers Table Of Contents: Introduction The Case for Using Evaluation as a Capacity-Building Tool How to Use This Book Chapter One Evaluative Learning: The Centerpiece of Capacity Building Core Organizational Capacities How Evaluation Can Serve as a Capacity-Building Tool What Is Evaluative Learning? Summary Chapter 2 How Evaluative Learning Builds Capacity How Funders Typically Use Evaluation How Nonprofits Typically Use Evaluation The Role Evaluation Should Play in Organizational Capacity Building Summary Chapter 3 Grantmaker and Grantee: Partners in Evaluative Learning Why Should a Program Be Evaluated? What Should Be Evaluated? How Should Evaluation Be Conducted? Who Should Conduct the Evaluation? When Should an Evaluation Be Conducted? How Should the Evaluation Findings Be Used? Summary Chapter 4 Step-by-Step Strategies for Supporting the Use of Evaluation as a Capacity-Building Tool Step 1: Educate Your Board and Staff Step 2: Assess Organizational Readiness Step 3: Determine Where to Begin Step 4: Assess Grantees’ Current Efforts Step 5: Identify a Set of Grantees to Support Step 6: Understand Strategies for Supporting Evaluative Learning Step 7: Set Criteria, Select Strategies, and Begin Work Summary A Bright Future Appendix Appendix A: Funder Readiness Tool Appendix B: Logic Model Development Tool Appendix C: Assessing Grantees’ Readiness for Evaluative Learning Appendix D: Select an Evaluative Learning Support Strategy Notes Evaluation Resources Index
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