Strategies

Defining “evidence” ensures that grantees know what criteria programs must meet to be “evidence-based” and allows agencies to score proposals against those criteria.

Prioritizing evidence ensures that a greater proportion of federal grant dollars are invested in programs likely to improve outcomes.

Defining and communicating a grant program’s priority outcomes allows agencies and grantees to strategically fund activities likely to achieve the program’s goals.

Agencies can center community in a number of ways through grantmaking, including by engaging with grantees and communities throughout grant design.

A well-designed program requires ongoing evaluation to gauge its effectiveness and to use learnings to improve programs and inform future investments.

Performance management improves program outcomes by enabling bi-directional accountability and supporting continuous improvement as the grant program is being implemented.