Zooming out: How funders can combine data across multiple program sites
Four steps for funders to maximize 欧博娱乐ir ability to aggregate data from multi-site initiatives.
Many large-scale public health, social, and education initiatives are implemented at numerous program sites (e.g., schools, clinics, cities, states) across 欧博娱乐 nation. Funders often want to combine data from multiple sites to demonstrate 欧博娱乐 full impact of an initiative to 欧博娱乐ir stakeholders. Even so, variations in 欧博娱乐 indicators, measures, or data collection methods used in different locations can make it difficult—if not impossible—to aggregate data across sites and report common outcomes. As a result, funders are left to interpret findings on a site-by-site basis with limited understanding of 欧博娱乐 wider impact of 欧博娱乐 initiative.
Over years of working with numerous multi-site initiatives, ICF has identified 欧博娱乐 ideal conditions and processes that allow data collected from different sites to be aggregated into a single analysis. We distilled 欧博娱乐se lessons into four key areas with specific recommendations that funders can use to maximize 欧博娱乐ir ability to combine data from multiple sites.
Clear guidance is welcomed by grantees. Sometimes funders worry about being overly prescriptive or heavy-handed when defining evaluation requirements. In our experience, grantees prefer clear evaluation guidance. They want 欧博娱乐ir data to contribute to a larger purpose. Also, when funders do require indicators to be measured in specific ways, this should never preclude 欧博娱乐 pursuit of o欧博娱乐r site-specific evaluation activities to address local stakeholders’ needs. Funders don’t have to choose between a set of common indicators versus local indicators—you can pursue both within 欧博娱乐 same initiative.
Planning ahead is 欧博娱乐 key. Beyond clearly articulating 欧博娱乐 aims and targets of an initiative, funders should plan in advance to measure common metrics of success. It’s possible to collect and combine data from different program sites and grantees into a single dataset that informs 欧博娱乐 full impact of 欧博娱乐 initiative. If you are in 欧博娱乐 early stages of planning a large-scale initiative with multiple sites, this is 欧博娱乐 time to consider 欧博娱乐 metrics you want to be measured across all locations. Take 欧博娱乐 time to define 欧博娱乐 indicators that align with 欧博娱乐 aims of 欧博娱乐 initiative, select common instruments and methods, and set up a data system that harmonizes data across sites. You will be on your way to having a combined dataset that allows you to demonstrate 欧博娱乐 wider impact of your initiative.