The program, launched in 2005, is of an expert and research nature. Its objective is to carry out the analytical work that serves optimization of the Foundation programs effectiveness. For example, the analytic work helps to find out to what extent the goals defined in the PAFF programs, the undertaken activities, and the results achieved correspond to the existing needs and problems, especially with regard to local communities. The methods developed as part of the program and the results of analyses serve other NGOs in the process of implementing their initiatives
The results of the PAFF programs evaluation, e.g. the Library Development Program, “Act Locally”, “PAFF Local Partnerships”, “English Teaching” or “PAFF Leaders” serve both setting down the future program activities and modifying the existing ones. One of the “MEVA” duties is to monitor the initiatives completed by the Foundation in terms of the sustainability of achieved results.
Potential PAFF activities are considered in the context of existing and anticipated social needs. To that end, the selected social groups are examined (e.g. village youth, librarians or NGO employees) and new initiatives tested. One of them is the study of trends in ICT use in Poland and abroad, which allowed to prepare the report that recommended launching the “ICT for Local Development” Program; or the analysis of impact of the Library Development Program on its participants in comparison with the libraries and communities that did not participate in the program.
Under the “MEVA” Program, mutually complementing and strengthening elements of PAFF programs are analyzed in order to improve the quality and effectiveness of the Foundation’s activities. Among the projects serving that aim, there is the “Squared Evaluation” initiative helping develop the evaluation culture in the environment of organizations cooperating with PAFF, as part of which the “Evaluation – how do you carry it out?” guide was prepared. Also, regular seminars on evaluation studies are held.
Another project of that kind is „Influence on the social capital in PAFF communities” (the so called „BOX”) project whose aim was to work out the set of methods and research techniques (the toolbox) allowing to define the changes in the social capital level resulting from the influence of the Foundation programs on local communities.
Within the Program the Foundation also supports the Unit for Social Innovation and Research “Shipyard” Foundation (whose one of co-founders was PAFF). At the same time, a significant part of the program is managed by The Unit for Social Innovation and Research “Shipyard” Foundation.
The Foundation has disbursed $1,968,796, including $100,090 for the current edition of the program.
