Description
Book SynopsisGathered together in this unique book on evaluation and effective foundation practice are the experienced-based perspectives and measured insights of both seasoned practitioners and key philanthropic thought leaders.
Foundations and Evaluation is a substantial think piece for grantmakers of any size.
Dorothy S. Ridings, president and CEO, Council on Foundations
Foundations and Evaluation explores the intersection between organizational effectiveness and evaluation and demonstrates the need for commitment to evaluation throughout the foundation. . . . A good read for both newcomers to evaluation and those with more experience, written by some of the most highly respected leaders in the field.
Kathleen P. Enright, executive director, Grantmakers for Effective Organizations
Table of ContentsTables, Figures, and Exhibits xi
Foreword xiii
Richard T. Schlosberg III
Preface xvii
The Editors xxi
The Contributors xxiii
Introduction: Putting Evaluation to Work for Foundations xxxv
Jana Kay Slater, Norman A. Constantine, and Marc T. Braverman
PRESIDENTIAL PERSPECTIVES
Perspective by Hodding Carter III xlvii
President and CEO, The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Perspective by Michael M. Howe liii
President, The East Bay Community Foundation
Perspective by Risa Lavizzo-Mourey lvii
President and CEO, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
PART ONE: UNDERSTANDING FOUNDATIONS AS A CONTEXT FOR EVALUATION
1 Using Evaluation to Advance a Foundation’s Mission 3
Laura C. Leviton and Marian E. Bass
2 A Historical Perspective on Evaluation in Foundations 27
Peter Dobkin Hall
3 Foundations and Evaluation as Uneasy Partners in Learning 51
Mark R. Kramer and William E. Bickel
4 Building Strong Foundation-Grantee Relationships 76
Michael Quinn Patton, John Bare, and Deborah G. Bonnet
5 Evaluation as a Democratizing Practice 96
Jennifer C. Greene, Ricardo A. Millett, and Rodney K. Hopson
6 Integrating Evaluation into Foundation Activity Cycles 119
Laura C. Leviton and William E. Bickel
PART TWO: BUILDING CAPACITY FOR EVALUATION PRACTICE
7 Making Judgments About What to Evaluate and How Intensely 145
Melvin M. Mark and William L. Beery
8 Adapting Evaluation to Accommodate Foundations’ Structural and Cultural Characteristics 166
Ross F. Conner, Victor Kuo, Marli S. Melton, and Ricardo A. Millett
9 Field-Based Evaluation as a Path to Foundation Effectiveness 185
Patricia Patrizi and Edward Pauly
10 Strategies for Smaller Foundations 201
Marli S. Melton, Jana Kay Slater, and Wendy L. Constantine
11 Strategies for Comprehensive Initiatives 223
Debra J. Rog and James R. Knickman
12 Appraising Evidence on Program Effectiveness 236
Norman A. Constantine and Marc T. Braverman
13 Evaluative Thinking for Grantees 259
E. Jane Davidson, Michael M. Howe, and Michael Scriven
14 Communicating Results to Different Audiences 281
Lester W. Baxter and Marc T. Braverman
Index 305
