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Session Title: Three Ways Foundations Get Evaluation Done
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Panel Session 242 to be held in Room 105 in the Convention Center on Thursday, Nov 6, 9:15 AM to 10:45 AM
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Sponsored by the Non-profit and Foundations Evaluation TIG
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| Chair(s): |
| Deborah Bonnet,
DBonnet Associates,
dbonnet@dbonnet.com
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| Abstract:
Foundations have three instruments for funding program and policy evaluation: (1) through programs' grants, (2) as grants to evaluators, and (3) as contracts with evaluators. Each choice has important implications for who is eligible to conduct the evaluation; control over evaluation design and release of findings; external perceptions; and dynamics among funders, nonprofits, and evaluators. Further, how much and when to use each option is perhaps second only to the evaluation budget in drawing the attention of foundation executives and boards in evaluation planning, and thus constitutes an important component of foundation evaluation policy. Presenters will focus on advantages, disadvantages, caveats, and tips for using each instrument. Audience discussion will invite the views and experiences of nonprofits and evaluators.
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The Rules
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| Deborah Bonnet,
DBonnet Associates,
dbonnet@dbonnet.com
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Deborah will introduce, in simple matrix form, the basic parameters and constraints of each option. During the session, the matrix will be expanded to include, for each vehicle: why foundations use it, how grantees respond, other advantages, other downsides, when it is the best choice, when it is the worst, and tricks for making it work.
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Funding Evaluation through Program Grants
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| Helen Davis Picher,
William Penn Foundation,
hdpicher@wpennfdn.org
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Helen will share the William Penn Foundation's rationale and experiences with this instrument.
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Funding Evaluation through Grants to Evaluation Organizations
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| Edward Pauly,
The Wallace Foundation,
epauly@wallacefoundation.org
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Ed will share the Wallace Foundation's rationale and experiences with this instrument.
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Funding Evaluation through Contracts with Evaluators
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| Lester Baxter,
Pew Charitable Trusts,
lbaxter@pewtrusts.org
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Lester will share the Pew Charitable Trusts' rationale and experiences with this instrument.
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