Download the Executive Summary here. (The full publication is available above).

It has become increasingly apparent to funders that local, small, and often solo evaluation firms can strengthen the evaluation process and outcomes—especially when they have a solid contextual foundation in funders’ work. These local evaluators bring a deep understanding of the communities being engaged with and thus offer more appropriate approaches and relevant data collection.

However, standard funding and contracting practices often stand in the way of success for these small, solo, and local firms. These firms find themselves unable to compete for and win assignments because of financial, time, and operational constraints.

In this open letter to funders, the authors explore these strengths, roadblocks, and recommendations, inviting readers and funders to create the conditions for small, solo, and local evaluation firms to thrive.