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Evaluation Policy in a Nonprofit Foundation: A Case Study Exploration of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

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American Journal of Evaluation

Published online on

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between evaluation policies and evaluation practice. Through document analysis, interviews, and a multiple case study, the research examined the explicit and implicit policies overarching the evaluation work commissioned by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and explored how these policies are implemented in the field. This examination of evaluation policies at RWJF has pointed out some significant strengths, including emphasis on the importance of evaluation; collegiality in defining, formulating, and monitoring evaluations; using a variety of evaluation products to communicate results; and use of evaluation advisory committees to strengthen evaluation approaches. However, these policies have evolved somewhat haphazardly over time. Consequently, some written policies are absent or inadequate and some policies are followed with less consistency than others. The findings point to the importance of a comprehensive and integrated set of evaluation policies grounded in intended outcomes and the need for additional studies on this topic.