Improving the ex-post evaluation of NGOs’ projects by involving the individual assessment of social and economic effectiveness

Due to the lack of private and public financial support, a major part of an average Lithuanian nongovernmental organisation (NGO) annual budget is based on the financial resources from European Social Fund (ESF). NGOs are obliged to present evaluation reports in a 5-year period after the completion of a project funded by ESF. Nevertheless, there are several issues regarding current evaluations. Firstly, the reports of ex-post evaluation do not include a sufficient number of perspectives and opinions of stakeholders. Secondly, NGOs work with vulnerable target groups; however, the social effectiveness of the project is not the main focus. The article is based on the research carried out in the manuscript “Evaluation of Social and Economic Effectiveness of Projects, Executed by NGOs” by Keleckaite (2015). The scientific literature in this context was analysed and an alternative model was proposed. Its validity was checked by conducting a survey of project participants, followed by mathematical calculations and statistical analysis. The application of the alternative model has been successful and the findings are relevant at several levels. To begin with, the participants have an opportunity for a self-assessment and deeper understanding of the real changes brought about by a particular project. In addition, the executing organization can use the gathered data and analysis for the formation of future social project portfolio. Finally, the local Government and ESFA can employ the findings in the process of designing a regional policy