Implementation Tip for USAID Partners on how you can use evidence to inform all stages of the project cycle. 

The CSO Sustainability Index (CSOSI) for Central and Eastern Europe and Eurasia provides a comprehensive assessment of the capacity of civil society to serve as both a short-term partner in implementing development solutions and a long-term actor in ensuring development outcomes are sustained. The CSOSI empowers local civil society to collectively assess not only the environment in which they are operating, but also their own capacities to advocate, operate sustainably and communicate with citizens.This year’s Index reports on the state of CSO sectors in twenty-four countries in the region, from the Baltics in the north to the Caucasus in the south, and the Visegrad countries in the west to Russia, which stretches east to the Pacific Ocean. It addresses both advances and setbacks in seven key components or “dimensions” of the sustainability of the civil society sector: legal environment, organizational capacity, financial viability, advocacy, service provision, sectoral infrastructure, and public image. The Index is intended to be a useful source of information for local CSOs, governments, donors, academics, and others who want to better understand and monitor key aspects of sustainability in the CSO sector.

Guide describes how evaluations should be used to test the theories and assumptions on which capacity-development programs are based, to document their results and to draw lessons for improving future programs.

Paper offers a conceptual framework and methodology for planning, monitoring and evaluating social development networks and partnerships by Darcy Ashman.

Evaluation de l’Atelier du Cadre de développement institutionnel de la FRM

Guide provides information on developing a national or sectoral evaluation system (aka Evaluation Capacity Development) to assist governments and development agencies.

Toolkit addresses the basics of setting up and using a monitoring and evaluation system for a project. It clarifies what monitoring and evaluation are, how to design a monitoring system and an evaluation process, and how to successfully carry out these activities.

USAID document provides guidance for evaluators on the structure, content and style of evaluation reports; offers USAID officials, who commission evaluations, ideas on how to define the main deliverable; and provides USAID officials with guidance on reviewing and approving evaluation reports.

USAID document provides tips on establishing quality baselines and setting targets to successful manage foreign assistance programs.