Extensive research has gone into evaluating anti-poverty strategies and interventions to determine “what works” for communities. A number of research organizations are dedicated to conducting evaluations and assessments. In addition, some groups have collected research and other materials to promote “what works” in their specific issue areas.
This has become an increasingly important topic as policymakers and foundations look to proven or promising solutions when making decisions about funding. But it is not without controversy. How, for example, do we determine which programs rightfully belong in the “what works” category? And is investment in what is “proven” crowding out innovation and support for what is new and emerging?
Spotlight has compiled a list of web-based “what works” collections covering a range of subject areas (provided next to each listed organization) and including different threshold levels of evaluation. We encourage you to submit other links to proven or promising solutions. To submit your suggestion, e-mail Jenna Tomasello at jtomasello@thehatchergroup.com.
- Center for American Progress (Domestic Policy: Job Creation, Legal Assistance, Hunger and Education)
- Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (Federal and State Policy on Poverty)
- Center on Children and Families at The Brookings Institution (Unplanned Pregnancy Prevention)
- EPIS Center (Juvenile Justice)
- Institute of Education Sciences’ “What Works Clearinghouse” (Education, K-12, Early Literacy, Dropout Prevention)
- Investing in What Works for America’s Communities (Community Development)
- MacArthur Foundation (Social Policy: Criminal Justice, Education and Health)
- Models for Change (Juvenile Justice)
- National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (Economic Development, Human Services and Workforce Development)
- NYC Center for Economic Opportunity (Youth)
- Office of Adolescent Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Teen Pregnancy Prevention)
- Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (Juvenile Justice)
- Perform Well (Child & Youth Development, and Education &Training)
- Policy for Results (Child and Youth Development)
- Prevention Institute (Health Equity)
- Promise Neighborhoods (Youth)
- Social Impact Exchange (Education, Poverty Alleviation, Youth and Health)
- The Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy (Social Policy: Early Childhood, K-12, Health Care and Teen Pregnancy Prevention)
- The National Alliance to End Homelessness (Homelessness)
- The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy (Teen Pregnancy Prevention)
- U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (Homelessness)
- Washington State Institute for Public Policy (Child Welfare, Criminal Justice, Education and Health Care)