As part of our work to model effective supports for babies, kids, young people, and families, Best Starts invests in data and evaluation to measure success and identify opportunities for improvement.
In February, Best Starts issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the evaluation of the Second Levy, from 2022 and 2027.
The Second Levy Evaluation will include collaborative methods that synthesize quantitative and qualitative data. We strive to answer questions and build understanding of what leads to overarching Best Starts outcomes, in the context of changing population trends. The evaluation will also assess how Best Starts has changed County policies and practices, and lessons for the future.
This funding opportunity invests in an independent, third-party evaluation organization. Best Starts for Kids’ goal for this RFP is to deepen learning and reflection from the current levy period and to inform a potential renewal process.
We are excited to partner with ORS Impact!
ORS Impact will conduct the Second Levy Evaluation, engage interest holders to make meaning of data, and create sets of products that detail key findings and recommendations.
ORS Impact shared this statement about their work:
“ORS Impact is a Seattle-based woman-led and -owned evaluation and strategy consultancy with a thirty-year track record of transforming how organizations understand and accelerate social change. We specialize in navigating the complexity of dynamic, complex, system change initiatives where traditional evaluation approaches often fall short. The insights we lift up prioritize those most impacted by these social change efforts, ensuring that evaluation serves as a catalyst for meaningful system transformation rather than simply documenting outcomes. We center the voices of those most affected by social issues, surface structural barriers that others miss, and design participatory processes that shift power dynamics. Through deep, authentic partnerships with philanthropic, nonprofit, and public sector organizations, we bridge strategy and real-time learning—providing actionable insights precisely when decisions matter. We are excited to partner with King County to provide equitable and participatory evaluation services with Best Starts for Kids.”
Read the key findings and recommendations from the First Levy Evaluation!
