Deborah Peikes, MPA, PhD, Mathematica Policy Research, P.O. Box 2393, Princeton, NJ 08543, (609) 750-2005, dpeikes@mathematica-mpr.com

Each year, U.S. foundations distribute over $30 billion to projects, often to test innovative solutions to complex social problems. Evaluations rarely examine whether such pilot projects are successfully implemented elsewhere, however, and little is known about what factors promote replication of successful models.

We measure prevalence of replication by examining the 120 health care projects funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Local Initiative Funding Partners program between 1986 and 2001. The projects are diverse: they operated in multiple states, were run by different types and sizes of nonprofit organizations, and addressed a broad range of health care issues. Therefore, the findings are widely applicable.

We find that approximately one-third of these projects were replicated. Based on case studies of projects that were replicated, we isolate factors that can promote broader replication of successful models:

· Providing evidence that the model works

· Describing the model clearly

· Disseminating this information to nonprofits, funders, and government agencies

· Using the original project’s staff to mentor the staff who are adopting the model at the replicating organization

· Devoting resources and incentives to the original project’s staff to encourage them to promote replication, while they continue to manage the original project

· Considering how to adapt the model to the unique local environment and leadership

The findings are geared to nonprofits and funders interested in promoting replication of proven models, and to evaluators, who we argue should consider replicability as an important outcome.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify strategies for nonprofit leaders, funders, and government officials to promote replication of successful pilot projects
• Consider replication as an outcome of interest when evaluating pilot projects

Keywords: Evaluation, Planning

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Research funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: This research was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation