Final evaluation : USAID/Guatemala operational program grant 520-0348 to PACT in support of Asociacion de Entidades de Desarrollo y de Servicio no Gubernamentales de Guatemala - ASINDES

Final evaluation covers the period 1986-1992. While its basic philosophy and principles are sound, ASINDES is characterized by a general lack of strategy. Poor definition of the role of ASINDES' Board of Directors and a lack of planning and strategy development by this body -- conditions documented in two midterm evaluations -- continue to be a problem. ASINDES' financial sustainability is another major concern; a lack of effort devoted to fundraising, and unsophisticated financial management systems and procedures were the main problems. Although ASINDES has thus far managed to retain key personnel, this continuity is threatened by low salaries and poor salary structure. Though the selection of subprojects for funding, overseen by an independent selection committee, has been good, the committee's efforts have been hampered by a lack of information concerning both individual NGO's and the overall NGO picture, and particularly, by poor feedback concerning the success of funded subprojects; inadequate subproject monitoring and auditing are partly to blame. The subproject success rate has been adequate, but there is room for improvement; ASINDES has adjusted proposal guidelines to help ensure a higher rate of success. NGO participation has been uneven, with ASINDES's membership fluctuating from a low of 23 to a high of 47 organizations. The sector organization carried out by the Department of Technical Assistance and Training, has progressed, albeit slowly, and some NGO's have benefitted from the effort; many are sharing problems and solutions with each other for the first time. Other NGO's seem to feel that ASINDES has provided little of value.