Level Best: How Small and Grassroots Nonprofits Can Tackle Evaluation and Talk Results (Kim Klein's Fundraising Series) [Paperback]

Marcia Festen (Author), Marianne Philbin (Author), Kim Klein (Series Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 20, 2006 | ISBN-10: 0787979066 | ISBN-13: 978-0787979065 | Edition: 1

Level Best offers guidance that demystifies evaluation and takes into account the unique challenges and realities of grassroots nonprofit organizations. It provides a new framework for thinking about evaluation and tools for measuring and sharing results in ways that are practical, efficient, and meaningful.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Level Best proves to be a foolproof fear buster . . . The book does an excellent job of presenting evaluation as a tool for grassroots organizations to use to their benefit…" (American Journal of Evaluation)

Review

"Nonprofit organizations of all sizes must be able to measure progress toward their goals. As a fundraiser, I know how important this is in making a case for supporting the arts. Level Best not only demystifies the process of evaluation, it offers a reasonable approach that makes sense for programs with limited time, money, or staff to devote to this area."
—Eric Delli Bovi, development director, Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, Illinois

"We are under pressure every day—not only to perform at the highest level—but to prove that what we are doing nets the greatest possible results. Of all the resources I’ve consulted on evaluation. Level Best is the most practical, the most readable, and the most supportive. The authors understand not only how great our challenges are, but how little time we have for anything that does not address our real needs—which this book does."
—Ruth Barrett Rendler, deputy director, The Center for Victims of Torture, Minneapolis, Minnesota

"So many guides to evaluation are theoretical or academic in nature, reflecting little understanding of the operating realities of smaller or more grassroots-oriented nonprofits. The authors of Level Best know this territory intimately, and their guide to evaluation offers solid guidance, clear direction, and practical applications for effective planning and program development."
—Daranee Petsod, executive director, Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees, Sebastopol, California

"Every day I see smaller nonprofits struggling to graft onto their work evaluation procedures that in one way or another just aren’t a good match for them. The authors of Level Best have created a guide which avoids jargon and overcomplicated systems by simplifying and clarifying the process for smaller and newer groups. It will be a much-used and much-appreciated tool."
—Susannah Quem Pratt, coordinator of evaluation, Lilly Endowment’s Religion Division

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Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (October 20, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787979066
• ISBN-13: 978-0787979065
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 0.4 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #606,368 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic and easy to read, August 30, 2010

By 

AR - See all my reviews

This review is from: Level Best: How Small and Grassroots Nonprofits Can Tackle Evaluation and Talk Results (Kim Klein's Fundraising Series) (Paperback)

Level Best is a great, unfussy resource for non-profits. I would highly recommend it for anyone intimidated about program/project evaluation.

The authors demystify evaluation and explain its utility for non profits in a way that understands the limitations of time, money, and staff resources faced by smaller non-profits. Instead of overwhelming the reader with methods and vocabulary, the information presented is useful and uncomplicated. Especially helpful was the breakdown provided of standard content for an evaluation report.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Above 'level' Best!, March 13, 2010

By 

Bea Moore (Baltimore, MD USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Level Best: How Small and Grassroots Nonprofits Can Tackle Evaluation and Talk Results (Kim Klein's Fundraising Series) (Paperback)

Tremendous approach to a subject all nonprofits have a need to understand in much greater detail - evaluation. Kim Klein has made a concise and valuable resource available to those of us who have to make evaluations and outcomes accessible internally and outside our organizations. "Level Best" practices what it espouses in its title. This is a good book for staff and volunteers of larger organizations (not only for the "...Small and Grassroots Nonprofits..." as in the title) to better understand how to communicate their mission and program values.