DGP Global Program Evaluation

The legislation earmarks "not less than $50,000,000" and states that the maximum grant may not exceed $2,000,000. In FY 2009 and FY 2010, the amount of the earmark was $40,000,000. The DGP has four main objectives: broadened participation in USAID programs of local NGOs and U.S. PVOs with experience and expertise relevant to priority USAID and partner country development objectives; expanded numbers of local NGOs and U.S. PVOs with planning, management, and service delivery systems adequate to implement USAID-funded activities; measurable NGO/PVO contributions to the achievement of the USAID Mission development objectives with emphasis given to those that address Agency priority strategies; and to change the infrastructure and culture of USAID to promote direct grants to NGOs, with priority given to indigenous NGOs and small, U.S.-based PVOs. The first cooperative agreements were finalized in the Fall of 2009, involving 26 USAID missions and approving 59 DGP grants, referred to as "Round One." The evaluation aims to examine the "full picture" of DGP, using interviews as its methodology and being qualitative in nature. The evaluation began with a one-week visit to Washington, followed by field visits to Peru and Ecuador, Senegal, Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Georgia. The evaluation method used is an adaptation of anthropological participant-observation, where the evaluator meets project-related people in situ, in their workplaces, on site. The evaluator relies on personal experience in development, keeping eyes open for signs or clues to what is happening or what is not, and triangulates by asking the same question or type of question of a number of people. The evaluator also demands evidence, such as examining record books or seeing electric deep fryers, to verify claims made by beneficiaries. The evaluation involved interviewing 250 people connected with or knowledgeable about DGP, including USAID Missions, grantees, and beneficiaries. The evaluator met with 128 staff of 31 DGP grantees, as well as three rejected DGP applicants, a Peace Corps Country Director, and a U.S. Embassy political officer. The evaluator also spoke with at least 150 beneficiaries and local officials in the field. The evaluation aims to assess the program design, development hypotheses, key decisions, assumptions, program structure and management, and how the program affects grantees, constituents, and communities. The evaluation will provide lessons about the structure and implementation of the DGP, with the goal of improving the program and its impact.