Grants Evaluation Consulting

Grants Evaluation

How to assess what has been achieved, what has worked and what has not at a project and program level, and how to incorporate those results into the next round of grant planning.

Grants Evaluation

Do you know how your program is traveling?
Do you have a process for linking individual project outcomes with the overall program goals and objectives?
Would you be able to write a report to say what worked and what didn’t work?
Are you able to say how well the money was spent?

Evaluation needs to be front and centre in grant design. Too often, grantmakers are not able provide a comprehensive answer beyond the number of applications, the amounts distributed and some generic output information. I can help you to link between process, performance and benefits so that you understand and plan up front. Measurement is on the increase…

A survey of 84 companies by the Association of Corporate Contributions Professionals in 2014 found 60% of them planned to increase their measurement efforts this year, from 46% in 2013.
– Source: AIGM News Feb 2015

How I Can Help…

I help you to break evaluation into manageable stages so that you can get a better idea on how well the money has been spent and how it has impacted its constituents:

1. Development of a well-advised framework up front so that you are clear on what is to be achieved.

Starting from the “why”, I help you put in place a well-articulated set of program goals and objectives. From application, assessment, awarding and monitoring the grant program, each phase needs to keep evaluation in mind. Determining evaluation approach, roles and responsibilities, funding, and data requirements are all part of this phase.

At the end of this phase, you will have a clear and practical game plan in place.

2. A thoughtful process for reviewing individually funded projects and selecting the ones most likely to have impact

It’s important to create a practical assessment of each grant including the agreed outcomes, a negotiated contract and a process for liaison. It take time to think through this one, managing your needs, the applicant’s needs and skills with your desire for knowledge. A deep understanding of your program’s purpose should be the guiding principle for working with grantees.

3. Evaluation of the overall program to determine a measure of its success.

I help you to evaluate the different factors including effectiveness (did the grant achieve its objectives), efficiency (how did it go value for money and timeliness), process (how the program was run) and which approaches, models or projects worked best; and what changes you may want to consider for the future.

GET YOUR FREE GRANT PROGRAM CHECKUP

See how your grant program stacks up. Together we'll review your grant program, how SmartyGrants can benefit your organisation, and how your program is performing.

CONTACT KATE FOR YOUR GRANT PROGRAM ANALYSIS

GET YOUR PROGRAM EVALUATION GUIDE NOW

Learn the 7 steps to build a stronger and better program evaluation. In this special Guide Kate Caldecott takes you step-by-step through the process to ensure that your Program Evaluation hits the mark.

SOME CLIENTS INCLUDE

WHAT CLIENTS ARE SAYING

Kate Caldecott worked with me on Australia Post’s Our Neighbourhood Community Grants program. She assisted with the grant process design and SmartyGrants grant management implementation.
In working with Kate, I would describe her as being: passionate, knowledgeable, dedicated to community with a willingness to going the extra mile, above and beyond. It is always a pleasure to work with Kate.
- Erin McKenzie, Community Events and Partnerships Advisor, Community Relations Australia Post
This is the perfect opportunity for me to thank you, in particular, ….. for the outstanding customer service you have all provided. You have not only helped us use SG effectively, but kept the panic at bay. There is lots more to learn about what SG can do and I’m sure we will be in regular contact …….
Thanks to you all – you are fabulous!
- Debra Slater-Lee, Programs Manager State NRM Office (WA)
Being a complete newbie on all aspects of Smartygrants I was daunted by the task of being completely responsible for the outcome of a major grant funding round at the Shire. I did the training and it still did not make much sense to me until I had my first session with Kate. The way in which Kate was able to clarify, explain and help me understand the rationale and functions of the system was brilliant, her manner always patient and professional, and her willingness to transfer knowledge and information commendable. Thanks to Kate I am now a confident user of Smartygrants
- Marilyn A Gippsland VIC
Kate’s involvement in the final stages of the major review of two of Sunshine Coast Council’s funding programs added significant value to our work. As well as identifying additional sources of information for analysis, and suggesting enhancements to data presentation, Kate provided a professional critique of the review, validating our analysis of the review findings and the options identified in our report to Council.
- Margaret Cattanach Team Leader Community Connections Community Services Sunshine Coast Council