Round-the-Globe Evaluation Trip

Excellence in Giving Director of Research travelled around the globe to assess the impact of Langham Partnership. The qualitative research (via structured interviewing and focus groups) will inform the creation of quantitative survey instruments to track impact for years to come. Langham will be able to better manage its programs and our clients can make more informed giving decisions when everyone knows what is working and what's not.

What does it take to interview a representative sample of an international NGO in 60 countries?

• 4 Continents
• 6 Countries
• 10 Cities
• 17 Flights
• 25 Days
• 80 People Interviewed

Let us know if an international charity you support needs an outcomes measurement process set up with our assistance.

Revolutionary "Community Solutions Assessment" Published

Every philanthropist is going to want Excellence in Giving's new comprehensive, user-friendly assessment of local community issues, trends, and solutions. Our research department just completed the first Community Solutions Assessment for Glynn County, GA using new research and formatting principles. A client is using the conclusions to direct their hometown philanthropy.

Simple green, yellow, and red arrow icons capture complicated research to show whether a community’s top issues are getting better or worse. Each conclusion is based on key data with hyperlinked sources for any reader to check. We interview over 50 community leaders to interpret the data correctly and can update conclusions in the future to reflect progress or failure. The assessment explores causes & contributing factors behind each community problem and highlights service gaps, success stories, and recommended nonprofit solutions. The graphically enhanced and hyperlinked document streamlines strategic grantmaking decisions.

“It has been so hard for the field to develop instruments that strike the right balance between neighborhood data profiles and needs assessments on one hand, and guidelines for action on the other. What I like about this is that it synthesizes the information into clear trends that practitioners can respond to. And it helps shape a narrative about where the community is going that residents and local leaders (as well as other stakeholders) can participate in.”

— Elwood Hopkins, President of Emerging Markets Development Corporation

The Excellence in Giving research team is prepared to launch new Community Solutions Assessments for private and community foundations who appreciate the unusual combination of solid research in a user-friendly, actionable format.

Making Client Dreams Come True with Dr. Ben Carson

Al Mueller with Dr. Carson at Reading Room Grand Opening

A client’s dream to help children fall in love with reading came true when Excellence in Giving connected them with Carson Scholars Fund to open the first 5 Ben Carson Reading Room in California. The organization’s founder and world-renowned pediatric neurosurgeon, Dr. Ben Carson was at the grand opening to celebrate the occasion. His story inspires children of all ages to unlock their potential for success through reading!

Research Director Paul Penley Speaks at Yale Philanthropy Conference

Dr. Paul Penley joins Dean Karlan et al to present the history and practice of measuring impact in the social sector. The entire conference will be exploring the history and future of philanthropy in the USA. Join us at the Yale Philanthropy Conference on Friday February 7 at the Omni in New Haven, CT.