Evidence-Based Grantmaking Act

Increased Accountability for Fund Usage: Agencies must include a "clearly defined purpose" and "intended outcomes" for the use of funds in their grant announcements (Section 2(a)(1)). This ensures people know exactly what the money is intended to achieve.

Prioritizing Proven Methods: The bill requires agencies to prioritize awards to applicants that have "implemented practices that are evidence-sased" and can demonstrate they will achieve results compatible with the grant's purpose (Section 2(a)(2)(A)).

Support for Local Communities: Grant awards should be prioritized for applicants that submit applications "responsive to community needs" and are "from organizations located in or representative of the community in which the grant seeks to serve" (Section 2(a)(2)(B)).

Public Transparency: Evaluation officers are required to "make the results of such evaluations available to the public" (Section 2(a)(4)(C)), allowing citizens to see how effectively funds are being used.

Technical Support for Recipients: The head of a covered agency may provide "technical assistance to recipients of grants" to help them meet the requirements of this act (Section 2(a)(4)).

Complexity in Grant Application: Applicants must follow specific frameworks to identify themselves as using "evidence-based" practices, which requires agencies to establish a specific framework for identification (Section 2(b)(2)(B)).

Time-Sensitive Implementation: While agencies have some leeway, there are specific timelines for implementation, such as the 5-year mark for implementing the framework, which could create a period of transition for agencies and grant recipients (Section 2(b)(3)).