Evidence & Evaluation
We aim to build the body of rigorous research about what works and advance the use of evidence in policymaking.
Too often, policy decisions and program investments are made without knowing if they will truly drive better outcomes for kids, families, and communities in America. While we have made remarkable progress in developing evidence in social policy, we need to better understand what policies and programs work best across diverse communities, and more effectively translate our findings into practical, impactful policymaking.
Our team is driven by two goals: to use what we already know from research to make better policy decisions and to build more knowledge to inform future decisions. We are dedicated to using rigorous, causal research, including quasi-experimental methods and randomized controlled trials, to identify and evaluate promising programs and policies. We also know that creating evidence is not enough. Our team is deeply committed to working to bridge the gap between research and action, accelerate the uptake and scaling of proven programs, and integrate evidence into policymaking at all levels of government.
Partnerships for Proven Programs
Arnold Ventures is working with public leaders to drive new funding for evidence-based programs and policymaking at the state and local levels. We look for partners eager to leverage research and data to identify, implement, and scale up the policies proven effective by a robust body of evidence. Together, we aim to achieve real results for American families, communities, and businesses through data-driven decision-making.
Learn MoreRequests for Proposals
Findings from Research Grants
We fund Randomized Controlled Trials across the spectrum of social policy. Read a one-page summary of each completed study, including the program evaluated, the key study findings, and a link to the full study report.
See the FindingsResources
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Summaries of Research Grants
Find summaries of grants that have been funded by our Evidence-Based Policy team. Each summary includes a description of the program to be evaluated; the grant recipient, term, and funding; and a link to the study’s pre-specified analysis plan.
Summaries of Research GrantsStories
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In the News
No spin, just evidence
We seek to distinguish credible findings of program effectiveness from the many others that claim to be but aren’t, through an easy-to-read, no-spin digest of recent program evaluation findings.
Read moreWhat Works in Social Policy?
We seek to identify those social programs shown in rigorous studies to produce sizable, sustained benefits to participants and/or society, so that they can be deployed to help solve social problems.
Read moreStay informed about Evidence-Based Policy
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