Devlin, Maurice
(2015)
A theory-based evaluation of a community-based funding scheme
in a disadvantaged suburban city area.
Evaluation and Program Planning, 52.
pp. 61-69.
ISSN 0149-7189
Abstract
Community-driven development (CDD) initiatives frequently involve funding schemes which are aimed
at channelling financial investment into local need and fostering community participation and
engagement. This exploratory study examined, through a program theory approach, the design and
implementation of a small-scale, community-based fund in Ireland. Observations, documentary
analysis, interviews and group discussions with 19 participants were utilized to develop a detailed
understanding of the program mechanisms, activities and processes, as well as the experiences of key
stakeholders engaged with the funding scheme and its implementation. The findings showed that there
were positive perceptions of the scheme and its function within the community. Overall, the availability
of funding was perceived by key stakeholders as being beneficial. However, there were concerns over the
accessibility of the scheme for more marginalized members of the community, as well as dissatisfaction
with the openness and transparency surrounding funding eligibility. Lessons for the implementation of
small-scale CDD funds are elaborated and the utility of program theory approaches for evaluators and
planners working with programs that fund community-based initiatives is outlined.
| Item Type: |
Article
|
| Keywords: |
Community development funds; Program development; Program theory; Theory-based evaluation; Community-driven development; |
| Academic Unit: |
Faculty of Social Sciences > Applied Social Studies |
| Item ID: |
8398 |
| Identification Number: |
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2015.03.011 |
| Depositing User: |
Maurice Devlin
|
| Date Deposited: |
04 Jul 2017 10:58 |
| Journal or Publication Title: |
Evaluation and Program Planning |
| Publisher: |
Elsevier |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| URI: |
|
| Use Licence: |
This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available
here |
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