Evaluating Foundation-Supported Capacity Building: Lessons Learned

Abstract

This study of lessons learned from evaluations of philanthropic capacity building programs used a national database of 473 programs, and a survey and interviews with 87 funders (82 foundations or foundation collaboratives, and five foundation-supported intermediaries) to answer two questions:1) How do foundations that support nonprofit capacity building evaluate their grantmaking and direct service activities?2) What lessons can be learned from evaluation, both to improve these programs and justify the investments made in them