|
The Needmor Fund hired a consultant to measure the impact that the foundation was having in promoting social change and community organizing work. The evaluation focused on the foundation's effectiveness in helping its grantees to:
§ Develop leadership and instill a sense of power in their constituents
§ Build effective coalitions
§ Win campaigns
§ Effect systemic change
§ Alter power relationships
§ Garner additional resources for their organizations
In each of these areas, the consultants interviewed grantees and foundation staff and established both quantitative and qualitative measurements to gauge the foundation's and grantees' effectiveness in each area. The details provided in the report about the process used to conduct the evaluation may be helpful for those interested in evaluating organizing work.
Additionally, the evaluation looks at the impact Needmor had in raising the profile of community organizing as a change strategy in the philanthropic and policy arenas. The results of this part of the evaluation, along with the explanation of the measures and methodology used, may be useful to those who want to evaluate not just organizing work itself but also the necessary external supports and environment that increase the likelihood of organizing being a successful change strategy. | 
