| Session Title: Using Evaluative Processes in Foundations: Challenges and Solutions |
| Think Tank Session 109 to be held in Hopkins Room on Wednesday, November 7, 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM |
| Sponsored by the Organizational Learning and Evaluation Capacity Building TIG and the Non-profit and Foundations Evaluation TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Astrid Hendricks, The California Endowment, ahendricks@calendow.org |
| Discussant(s): |
| Bill Bickel, University of Pittsburgh, bickel@pitt.edu |
| Catherine Nelson, Independent Consultant, catawsumb@yahoo.com |
| Jennifer Iriti, University of Pittsburgh, iriti+@pitt.edu |
| Abstract: Foundations are uniquely positioned to test new ideas and to distill knowledge from their efforts to inform their own work, and that of the field. Arguably, foundations have the potential to be "centers of learning" if they are systematic, reflective, and transparent in their grant making and strategic operations. Evaluation has an important role to play in supporting learning and knowledge production. Yet, the record is far from satisfactory (Kramer & Bickel, 2004). Numerous barriers exist to the use of evaluation in foundations (Bickel, Millett, Nelson, 2002). Research on barriers (Leviton & Bickel, 2004) will be used to frame discussion of this session's core questions: What barriers to effective use of evaluation to support learning are most prevalent in the experiences of the participants? How are these being overcome? |