UNDP Small Grants Programme Evaluation Report June 2011

ForewordIn 2003, the United Nations Development Programme Trinidad and Tobago officeinitiated a small grants programme focused on social development and povertyalleviation issues under the theme of “healthy family functioning.” Support for thisprogramme came from the JB Fernandes Trust through Rockefeller PhilanthropyAdvisers. The programme was administered and further supported with financialresources and staff from the UNDP office and a voluntary National SteeringCommittee hosted by UNDP.Over the course of this small grants programme, 20 local organizations have receivedtechnical and financial support for projects aimed to improve the conditions foryouth, for communities, and for households. We hoped also to contribute tonational dialogues on the range of issues connected to grantee efforts and aims.Healthy family functioning touches on positive parenting, youth engagement andemployment, scholastic excellence, music and art instruction, conflict mediation,violence reduction, computer literacy, income generation, social entrepreneurship,community cohesion, crime reduction, family life skills, and inter-generationalcommunication. Grantees in this program addressed many of these issues ininnovative ways, in ways designed and directed by local actors and beneficiaries.Nearing the end of its first funding cycle in 2011, we knew that much could belearned from looking closely at the experiences of the programme so wecommissioned the attached evaluation. In line with UNDP’s culture of resultsorientationand collaboration and learning, this evaluation involved many grantrecipients, partners, and stakeholders. Dr. Mary Ann Burris, experienced in themanagement and funding of small grants programmes as well as the substantivecontent of healthy families and communities, undertook this evaluation for UNDP.This assessment underscores the appropriateness of the programme focus onhealthy family functioning for Trinidad and Tobago. It outlines the successes andchallenges of partner organizations and managers, and suggests ways to build onthe innovation, engagement, ideas, and successes of the programme so far.I would like to thank Dr. Burris for her thoroughness and professionalism. I wouldalso like to thank our grantee partners, National Steering Committee members,current and past, UNDP staff, and colleagues in the region. This has been aparticipatory effort. While pointing out shortcomings and challenges along the way,the evaluation suggests that our efforts have been well worth our collectivecontributions. For all who have played a role, we want to express our gratitude.Dr. Marcia de CastroUnited Nations Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident RepresentativeTrinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Aruba, Curacao and Sint MaartenPort of Spain, July 2011Evaluation Report UNDP Small Grants Programme June 2011ii