Setting The Stage For Accountability And Program Evaluation In Community-Based Grant-Making

Abstract

Abstract Community-based organizations are increasingly being looked to and funded to address local social welfare, health care, and mental health needs. They are relied upon to develop and implement innovative programs to be delivered to individuals and communities they serve. However, the lack of staff and other resources available to these agencies often challenges their ability to develop high-quality grant proposals and programs to achieve desired outcomes. Moreover, few agencies have the capacity for evaluating the short- and long-term effects and impacts of their efforts (Morley, Hatry,, Cowan, 2002); therefore, in many instances the potential programmatic benefits remain unknown. In a study to explore foundation performance and effectiveness, foundation CEOs indicated that although the provision of nonmonetary assistance (e.g., management advice, advice about the field) to grantees during the course of the grant could contribute to grantee satisfaction and program impacts, this was rarely provided (Center for Effective Philanthropy, 2002b). Some foundations have attempted to build the capacity for achieving realistic grantee outcomes through creating a more trusting relationship between grant makers and grant seekers that allows for mutual learning (Center for Effective Philanthropy, 2002a). Building the capacity of potential grantees to develop high-quality grant applications and programs and to evaluate their programs is crucial to successful funding initiatives.