Impatient Optimists and Impact Evaluation

By David A. Roberts

Tim Ogden proposes in the Stanford Social Innovation Review  that “impatient optimists” in philanthropy are dangerous and can do more harm that good.   Bill Gates is among them.  Ogden, instead, is a “patient optimist” and outlines how any significant impact and change takes time.

I can think of one type of international project that is ideally suited for the “impatient optimist”: immunization campaigns.  I have calculated the social return on investment (SROI) on hundreds of projects, and immunization campaigns have among the highest return for their investment.  In addition to a high SROI, they are relatively quick to accomplish.

Any ideas on a domestic project suited for the “impatient optimist”?

1 comment to Impatient Optimists: Good or Bad?