An integrative framework for the evaluation of community-based consortia

Much attention is being paid to the role of community-based consortia in addressing social service issues. As such, evaluators, program planners, and organizational leaders must have a clear understanding of the consortium development process and the elements which contribute to its efficiency, effectiveness and accountability. This article offers one framework to further this understanding. Synthesizing eight consortium components, a life cycle model of consortium development, and a participatory research methodology creates an evaluation framework which provides developmental information and allows for continuous improvement of the consortium process. An overview of a current community-based consortium evaluation is provided to illustrate the applicability of this framework.