Formative Evaluation Research Associates (FERA)

Non-Profit Experience	Children/Youth Services, Education K-12, Social Services-General, Volunteerism
Skills Profile	Strategic Planning, Evaluation, Board Assessment, Outcomes Measurement and Training re: Evaluation
IT Expertise
Affiliations	American Evaluation Association, Incoming Chair of the Professional Development Committee; Michigan Association for Evaluation, Founding President
Consulting Summary	FERA (Formative Evaluation Research Associates) is an evaluation research group located in Ann Arbor, MI. Our mission is "to enhance the performance of nonprofit organizations that are attempting to improve the quality of life for any person." We have thirty years experience supporting nonprofit organizations, school systems and government agencies with large and small-scale evaluations. We engage the stakeholders of our evaluations continuously involving them most in the design of the evaluation and the interpretation of findings. Our interactive approach encourages the maximum use of the evaluation information.
Professional Summary	Many of our evaluations have focused on various aspects of in and out of school youth development. Experience with the schools ranges from pre-school through graduate school. We have extensive experience evaluating social service programs, many of which are affiliated with United Ways. Our work with the Council of Michigan Foundations focused on the growth and performance of community foundations and on youth philanthropy.
Admin Experience	Meeting/Retreat Facilitator, Trainer in area(s) of expertise
Our References	Michigan Coalition of Essential Schools-Shug Brandell Ann Arbor Hands on Museum-Charles Stout Community Foundation of Southeastern Michigan-Dr. Larry Coppard Mott Community College-Judith Cawthorn Community Foundations, Council of Michigan Foundations-Donnell Mersereau BEST Agency: Tall Pines Council, Boy Scouts of America

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How does BEST recruit consultants?
Initially, BEST sent out an RFP for consultant applicants through members of the Flint Funders Collaborative and to other funders in the What is expected of an organization that receives a grant in the Assessment Phase?
Board and Staff must agree to invest substantial time needed to participate in specific components of the Assessment, including: the CNM How did the funders conceptualize a BEST initiative?
All funders in the Collaborative credit their careful planning prior to launching BEST with building stronger relationships within the