When Measurement is a Challenge:
Evaluation Resources
Suggested Resources Compiled with the assistance of the New York Regional Association of Grantmakers (NYRAG)
Note: Some of the resources listed below are geared toward funders. But they can help you uncover how funders are thinking about evaluation, and give you a look at different models and methods to use in your own evaluation designs.
ONLINE RESOURCES/ORGANIZATIONS
BBB NYPAS Online
www.newyork.bbb.org; www.newyork.bbb.org/charityeffectiveness
- Information on the BBB Charity Seal Program
- Resource library of relevant links, tips, and info for charities and donors.
- Information on Charity Effectiveness, including Charity Effectiveness Symposia whitepapers and videos.
Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers
Network of Regional Associations of Grantmakers. Resources for grantmakers and grantseekers on a variety of effectiveness issues.
www.givingforum.org
- FSG-Social Impact Advisors. (2007). From Insight to Action: New Directions in Foundation Evaluation. Kramer, M., Graves, R., Hirschhorn, J. & Fiske, L. Funded by The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. Retrieved from www.givingforum.org/s_forum/bin.asp?CID=5371&DID=11388.
Innovation Network
www.innonet.org
Nonprofit specializing in planning and evaluation for nonprofits and funders. Provides consulting, training, and online tools, including logic model information.
Suggested Guide:
- Innovation Network, Inc. Speaking for Themselves: Advocate’s Perspective on Evaluation. Funded by The Atlantic Philanthropies and the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Gladfelter, J., Reed, E., Ostenso, L., Parrish, S., Zandniapour, L., Stamp, A. Retrieved from www.innonet.org/client_docs/File/advocacy/speaking_for_themselves_web_basic.pdf
Grantcraft
www.grantcraft.org
Network targeted at grant makers, but full of valuable guides, resources, and tips on evaluation and planning for nonprofits and funders.
Suggested guides (free to download):
- Grantcraft. (2006). Mapping Change: Using a theory of Change to Guide Planning and Evaluation. Mackinnon, A., Amott, N., & McGarvey, C. Underwritten by the Ford Foundation.
- Grantcraft. (2007). Participatory Action Research: Involving “All the Players” in Evaluation and Change. McGarvey, Craig. Underwritten by the Ford Foundation.
- Grantcraft. (2006). Making Measures Work for You: Outcomes and Evaluation. McGarvey, Craig. Underwritten by the Ford Foundation.
- Grantcraft. (2004, 2006). Getting Inside the Story. McGarvey, C. & Volkman, T. Underwritten by the Ford Foundation.
- Grantcraft. (2004, 2006). Learning Together: Collaborative Inquiry among Grant Makers and Grantees. McGarvey, Craig. Underwritten by the Ford Foundation.
Grantmakers for Effective Organizations
www.geofunders.org
Organization dedicated to improving charity effectiveness.
Grantmaker guides (free to download):
- Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (2005). Evaluation as a Pathway to Learning: Current Topics in Evaluation for Grantmakers. Woodwell, William H. Jr.
- Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (2007). General Operating Support Vol. 2/ Assessing the Impact.
Alliance for Justice
www.afj.org
Site containing all kinds of information on evaluating advocacy, organizing, etc.
§ Free publications about advocacy evaluation and issues:
www.afj.org/for-nonprofits-foundations/resources-and-publications/?resource_type=book-booklet
§ AFJ low-cost online advocacy evaluation tool at www.advocacyevaluation.org
Program on Philanthropy and Social Innovation, Aspen Institute
Aspen Institute program to inform and improve philanthropy and the nonprofit sector.
www.aspeninstitute.org
Snapshots Newsletter:
IssueLab
Extensive library of nonprofit research and resources.
www.issuelab.org
THE ARTS
Samples:
- NEA: Outcome-Based Evaluation: A Working Model for Arts Projects
www.nea.gov/Grants/apply/out/index-out.html
- Tennessee Arts Commission: Grant Evaluation Form
www.arts.state.tn.us/forms/form_grant_evaluation.pdf
- Doris Duke link: Assessing the Intrinsic Impact of a Live Performance
www.ddcf.org/doris_duke_files/download_files/IntrinsicImpactsLivePerfJan2007OVW.pdf
BOOKS
By Peter York, A Funders Guide to Evaluation: Leveraging Evaluation to Improve Nonprofit Effectiveness, Grantmakers for Effective Organizations & Fieldstone Alliance