The Evaluation of Capacity Building Grants - Key Learnings for a Successful Program

Rebecca Graves and Henry Culbreath

Whether prompted by venture philanthropy, high engagement grantmaking, or a growing interest in nonprofit management, many foundations now have programs aimed at capacity building for their grantees. Grants from these programs are often highly targeted to meet the specific organizational needs of individual grantees. But how can a foundation get from the apples and oranges of individual grantee results to a succinct way of reporting overall program achievements?

This was the question that the Maine Community Foundation (MCF) brought to FSG. Our analysis not only helped them evaluate their program, it also highlighted three basic lessons that can increase the likelihood of success for any capacity building initiative.

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