ADC provides consulting services to all types of Foundations focused on using data and learning to increase their effectiveness and partner with the individuals and communities they serve. First, a Foundation uses their theory of change and philanthropic strategy to develop and create new grant programs. Then, research and environmental scans can reveal gaps that can drive funding priorities within these programs. Finally, evaluation can be conducted on specific initiatives, grant programs, and the Foundation as a whole to determine impact.
Foundation Support
Foundation Evaluation – focuses on evaluation of the work of a Foundation as a whole. This type of evaluation identifies what the Foundation has accomplished during a specified time period, including accomplishments that can be reported in an annual report, dashboard, or multi-year report.
Initiative Evaluation – focuses on measuring the outcomes/impact of specific programs or initiatives funded by the foundation. This type of evaluation includes providing feedback to be used in developing the initiative (formative evaluation and developmental evaluation) and identifying impact (summative evaluation)
Developmental Evaluation – often used with models such as Collective Impact where the path to success is not fully charted out. This type of evaluation provides real time data that informs the development of a funded program.
Formative Evaluation – used to get short-term feedback on the outcomes and impact of a program in order to inform the funded program to adjust design and interventions.
Summative Evaluation – this is a type of evaluation that focuses on measuring the impact of a funded initiative
ADC provides complete project management for evaluation and research projects from writing a request for proposals to managing contracts with other consultants to ensure a quality and useful product.
White Papers
ACD will research and write white papers for your board of directors and staff on health, human service, education, and other content areas. Additionally, we will write articles for peer-reviewed and other publications on findings from evaluations and stories of success and learning from your Foundation or organization.
Cohort Learning Trips
ADC will organize and coordinate Cohort Learning Trips for staff and boards to learn about the practices of other foundations and initiatives that may be effective in their region. An example of a cohort learning trip is to take a group made up of foundation staff and local and statewide leaders to see firsthand the system in Iceland that has reduced youth substance use dramatically in the last 20 years. The group would meet with Icelandic policy leaders, view youth clubs and afterschool groups, talk with municipal leaders about the model, and talk with the youth themselves.
Reflective Learning Facilitation
This is a facilitated dialogue technique used internally with foundation staff to explore and learn from a process, event, or program. It is often helpful to have an unbiased party conduct this exercise that provides a rapid response and learning that can then be used to inform activities moving forward.
PHILANTHROPIC THEORY OF CHANGE
Consultation on the developing A Philanthropic Theory of change (PTOC) for your foundation. A PTOC helps to frame the “way a foundation works in the world to effect change.” It is a tool that is used for all the foundation’s activities to guide and create a positive impact.
PHILANTHROPIC STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT
Consultation on Philanthropic Strategy Development to focus on the manner in which a foundation aligns their funding to impact the group, region, and issues on which they are focused. This is key for foundations to focus their giving and systems change work for the most impact. This is especially effective with place-based funders who develop strong partnerships with local and state actors to effect change.
