Cluster evaluation: a method to strengthen evaluation in smaller programs with similar purposes

This paper reports on an approach to evaluation initiated by the WK Kellogg Foundation called cluster evaluation, not to be confused with cluster sampling. Since its initiation, 10–15 clusters have been identified, cluster evaluators contracted, and cluster evaluations begun. These evaluations have evolved in somewhat different directions, seemingly as a function of the size of the cluster, geographic location of projects, nature of the topical area or targeted populations, and degree of similarity of the project implementations. The cluster evaluation begins with the identification of the projects to be funded. Cluster evaluation is based on sharing successes and mutual problem solving across the cluster of projects (often projects funded from a basket fund).